27-03-2025
The project Floresta Limpa – Automated and Participatory Surveillance of Wildfire Protection Zones, led by researchers from NOVA LINCS – Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics at NOVA FCT, has launched the Floresta Limpa platform. This innovative platform leverages Artificial Intelligence techniques to minimize the risk and impact of wildfires. It enables continuous monitoring of the legally required maintenance of wildfire fuel management zones (FGCI) to protect human lives, forests, the environment, and property. The project includes an Android app designed to assist municipalities, authorities, and the general public in tracking the maintenance of these areas.
The research team at NOVA FCT developed the smartphone application, which is maintained and updated by the Portuguese company World IT and is already available on the Android Play Store. Currently, the app is configured for the municipalities of Almada, Mação, and Santarém, with plans for gradual expansion to more regions. The team has also launched the website www.florestalimpa.pt, providing project information and access to open data generated by the system.
This initiative is the result of a four-year research project funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT – project PCIF/MOG/0161/2019). It was supported by INESC.ID, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the Municipality of Mação, and The Navigator Company.
By utilizing satellite-based vegetation index patterns combined with Artificial Intelligence and machine learning algorithms, the system automatically and regularly assesses the state of wildfire fuel management zones. It also monitors fuel buildup in recently burned, deforested, or newly planted areas, which play a crucial role in controlling fire spread.
This project will provide up-to-date and verified information on wildfire fuel management zones, improving the planning and supervision of clearing activities. It also aims to raise public awareness of wildfire prevention and enhance firefighting efficiency through reliable real-time data.
Carlos Viegas Damásio, project coordinator and researcher at NOVA LINCS of NOVA FCT, highlights its significance: "This research project is exemplary in its results and implemented measures, enabling the monitoring of wildfire fuel management zones. It is a crucial step in obtaining relevant information, given the challenges of monitoring the vast and dispersed firebreak areas, especially north of the Tagus River." He also emphasizes the project's role in strengthening the connection between society, education, and research: "Over these four years of research, we have counted on the support of researchers, fellows, and students, who were vital in developing the system, platform, app, and website."
Visit the Floresta Limpa website here.
In the Media
Plataforma ‘Floresta Limpa’ usa Inteligência Artificial para Prevenir Incêndios Florestais, Revista o Empreendedor
Projeto “Floresta Limpa” utiliza Inteligência Artificial em sistema para prevenir incêndios, Green Savers
