The development of a ASEAN Peatland Fire Prediction and Monitoring System is one of the key outputs of the APFP to reduce the rate of degradation of peatlands in Southeast Asia. Using a Fire Danger Rating System software, it is hoped to enhace the protection and sustainable management of peatlands through effective regional prediction and monitoring of peat fires.

The existing regional monitoring and prediction mechanism has focused generally on forest and wild land fires. With the compilation of all peatland related information, coupled with advanced technology on hotspots monitoring and weather prediction, this project aims to initiate a more effective synthesis of these information focusing on peatland areas. It is the aim of the project that information generated will be channelled to relevant parties to provide the basis for peatland fire warning, hence more effectively predicting occurence of peatland fire and minimising its threat.

The Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) is a software system that rates the risk of fire based on meteorological data and ground conditions. Overlaid with land use and other relevant maps, the resulting FDRS maps would help agencies responsible for peatland management and fire control to plan their patrols and stop fires before they spread.

After being dormant for a time, the system is currently being revived and tested by the Malaysian Meteorological Department. The main reason for testing is to ensure that the data is reliable and useful for the relevant parties.

If the system is confirmed to be reliable and effective, the use of the system is planned to be expanded to other countries, beginning with Indonesia (in Riau) and Thailand.

To read more about the system, click here.

So far, there has been one meeting and two workshops organised under this activity.