Interactive Spatial Decision Support for Agroforestry Management

Abstract

Forest managers, stakeholders and investors want to be able to evaluate economic, social and environmental information in order to improve the outcomes of their decisions and enhance sustainable forest management. We propose a spatial information system that provides: (1) an approach to identifying the most beneficial locations for agroforestry projects based on the biophysical properties and evaluate its economic, social and environmental impact; (2) a simulation environment that enables evaluation via a simple dashboard and with the opportunity to perform straight forward sensitivity analysis for key parameters; (3) a tool to inform prospective investors of the potential and opportunities for integrated forest management; (4) a 3D interactive geographic visualization of the economic, social and environmental outcomes to facilitate direct understanding, also by non-experts. The presented tool intends to inform investors and improve forestry management decision-making, integrating the value of environmental services and collaborative decision making of multiple decision makers and stakeholders.