ODC launches Forest Disturbance Alert Platform to strengthen accessible forest monitoring in Cambodia
On 24 June 2026, Open Development Cambodia (ODC), with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), Global Forest Watch (GFW), and Heinrich Böll Stiftung Cambodia (HBS), officially launched the Forest Disturbance Alert Platform under the theme “Promoting accessible forest monitoring and alerts in Cambodia.” The event brought together 46 representatives (19 women) from civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), indigenous peoples, local communities, academia, development partners, and journalists to explore how open data and geospatial technologies can support forest conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
The newly launched platform provides users with near real-time forest disturbance alerts through Telegram Channels based on their selected Areas of Interest (AOIs). By integrating satellite-derived forest monitoring data from Global Forest Watch (GFW), JICA-JAXA Forest Early Warning System in the Tropics (JJ-FAST), and SERVIR-SEA, the platform makes forest monitoring information more accessible to communities and organizations working to protect Cambodia’s forests.
Supporting evidence-based forest governance
Opening the event, Mr. THY Try, Executive Director of ODC, welcomed participants and reaffirmed ODC’s commitment to promoting open data for sustainable development. He emphasized that accessible, reliable, and timely environmental information is essential for strengthening evidence-based decision-making, improving transparency, and encouraging greater community participation in protecting Cambodia’s forests and natural resources.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Hans Peter Risser, Country Director of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), highlighted the growing importance of collaboration, innovation, and digital technology in addressing forest degradation. Technology and open data have incredible potential to empower communities, civil society, and government institutions to monitor forests more effectively and respond to environmental challenges together. He also encouraged continued partnerships among stakeholders to ensure that forest monitoring information can effectively support conservation efforts and environmental governance.
Introducing an accessible forest monitoring platform
During the first technical session, Ms. KOEM Chhuonvuoch, Natural Resource Management Program Coordinator at ODC, introduced the background, objectives, development process, and intended users of the Forest Disturbance Alert Platform.
She explained that although Cambodia has access to several international forest monitoring systems, many local stakeholders still face challenges in accessing and applying geospatial information for practical decision-making. The platform was therefore developed to bridge this gap by providing a simple, user-friendly interface and Telegram-based notifications in Khmer.
Understanding the technology behind the platform
Mr. Chanthong Bormy, Geospatial Specialist Consultant, presented the platform’s data sources and technical architecture.
His presentation explained how satellite imagery is analyzed to detect forest disturbances, how alerts are generated, and how users receive notifications based on their selected monitoring areas. Participants learned that current alerts are generated using satellite observation cycles and are generally available within 12–15 days after a forest disturbance is detected.
Hands-on demonstration and user engagement
A live demonstration led by Mr. SAM AN Mardy, IT and Website Manager at ODC, allowed participants to explore the platform’s key features. During the practical session, participants learned how to:
- Access the platform
- Select Areas of Interest (AOIs)
- Subscribe to Telegram notifications
- View forest disturbance alerts on interactive maps
- Navigate historical forest disturbance records
Participants subscribed to the Telegram alert channels during the session and configured their own monitoring areas.
Active discussions and valuable feedback
The event generated lively discussions throughout the half-day. Participants raised practical questions regarding:
- Satellite detection capabilities
- Minimum detectable forest disturbance size
- Internet accessibility for remote communities
- Historical data storage
- Accuracy of forest disturbance alerts
- Integration of additional protected areas
- Future reporting and analytical products
- Capacity-building opportunities for community networks
ODC clarified that the platform currently focuses on forest disturbance detection and does not monitor wildlife. Historical alert records are stored within the platform, while future development may include annual analytical reports, forest disturbance heat maps, and expanded monitoring coverage.
Participants also highlighted the importance of providing additional training for relevant civil society, community forestry groups, indigenous communities, community protected areas, and community forestry to maximize the platform’s practical use.
Strengthening collaboration for forest conservation
The launch demonstrated strong stakeholder interest in using open geospatial data to support forest protection and environmental governance. Beyond introducing a new digital platform, the event provided an opportunity for dialogue among civil society organizations, indigenous representatives, researchers, and development partners on how technology can strengthen collaboration for sustainable forest management.
ODC will continue collecting user feedback to improve the platform and expand its functionality based on the needs of different stakeholders.
The Forest Disturbance Alert Platform represents another important milestone in ODC’s ongoing commitment to making environmental information more accessible, transparent, and actionable. By transforming complex satellite data into user-friendly alerts, the platform empowers local communities, decision-makers, researchers, journalists, and conservation practitioners to better monitor forest disturbances and contribute to the protection of Cambodia’s natural resources.
ODC sincerely thanks Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), Global Forest Watch (GFW), Heinrich Böll Stiftung Cambodia (HBS), all speakers, participants, and partners for their valuable support and collaboration in making this event a success.
