Supervised by: Demis Galli
Duration: Dec.1st, 2025 – Apr. 30th, 2026
1. Background of consultancy assignment
Forest fires are among the most serious threats to biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and local livelihoods. Tak Province is among the most severely affected areas in Thailand in terms of forest fire occurrences and burned areas. Each year, the province records a high number of fire hotspots detected by satellite imagery, particularly during the dry season between January and May. These fires are often concentrated in forested and mountainous regions, such as in the districts of Umphang, Mae Ramat, Mae Sot, and Tha Song Yang, where extensive dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests dominate the landscape.
The combination of prolonged dry weather, accumulation of combustible materials (such as dry leaves and litter), and human-induced burning for land clearing, hunting, or non-timber forest product collection contributes to the high fire incidence. The recurring fires not only lead to significant forest degradation and loss of biodiversity but also produce hazardous air pollution that affects hundreds of thousands of people.
In some years, Tak Province accounts for one of the largest proportions of Thailand’s total burned area. These fires have severe environmental and socio-economic impacts, including soil erosion, damage to watershed ecosystems, reduced carbon sequestration capacity, and increased health risks for local communities due to smoke and particulate matter.
Most forest fires are not purposely lit to damage forests ecosystems but that is the consequence of activities that require fire as catalyst such as rice/corn field clearance, mushrooms collection, hunting, etc.
Efforts to mitigate the problem include firebreak construction, community fire management programs, and coordination between government agencies, local authorities, and communities. However, sustained monitoring, early detection, and data sharing among stakeholders remain critical to effectively prevent and control forest fires in Tak Province.
Rapid detection and timely response are crucial to minimizing environmental and economic losses. Traditional fire detection methods often rely on human patrols and satellite monitoring, which may not provide sufficiently fast or localized information to support early intervention.
To address this, the project aims to establish an early forest fire detection and prevention system using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with real-time imaging and sensor technologies. The system will include data integration and sharing mechanisms among relevant stakeholders to ensure immediate action when fire risks or active fires are detected.
Beyond early detection, preventive measures mentioned above, including terrestrial intervention like patrolling, monitoring, creating firebreaks, and other innovative approaches will need to be implemented more effectively. This approach combines human-led efforts with automated data collection to proactively manage fire risk and protect forests.
2. Area of Intervention
Several areas have been identified as target, and this includes: Doi Soi Malai national Park, Lang Sang National Park, Yan Ree Community Forest and Mae Tun (Mae Ramat). This extensive area will require a concerted effort and the appropriate choice of UAV equipment suitable to cover such large area. The UAV is expected to conduct surveillance over a combined area of approximately 50,000 rai.
3. Objective of the consultancy
The main objective of this assignment is to design, pilot, and operationalize a UAV-based early forest fire detection system that enables timely response and coordinated action among stakeholders. It also includes the design and implementation of terrestrial ad hoc activities and intervention as preventive measures.
Specific objectives include:
- To develop and deploy a UAV-based system capable of detecting early signs of forest fires using thermal and visual sensors.
- To propose and demonstrate more effective preventive measures to reduce fire risk in identified hotspots.
- To establish a digital communication platform or protocol that connects all key stakeholders (e.g., forest rangers, local authorities, disaster response teams) for real-time data sharing and rapid response.
4. Scope of Work/Major responsibilities
The consultant/team will be responsible for the following key tasks:
4.1 System Design and Development
- Assess the study area and identify fire-prone zones.
- Select and configure UAVs with appropriate sensors (thermal, infrared, and visual cameras).
- Design or implement a proven system of data transmission (e.g., cloud-based or server-linked) to relay fire alerts in real time.
4.2 Field Implementation and Testing
- Conduct test flights to verify detection accuracy and coverage.
- Develop operational procedures for UAV deployment, including flight schedules, data collection, and safety protocols.
- Validate the system through simulated or real fire scenarios, where applicable.
4.3 Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction
- Identify and map high-risk fire zones based on UAV data and environmental parameters.
- Recommend prevention measures such as firebreak creation, vegetation management, and community awareness programs.
4.4 Stakeholder Linkage and Data Integration
- Establish a user-friendly communication and alert platform accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure interoperability with existing monitoring systems (e.g., DNP, RFD, communities etc).
- Develop data-sharing protocols and define roles and responsibilities for response coordination.
4.5 Capacity Building and Handover
- Train designated government or partner personnel in system operation, maintenance, and data interpretation.
- Prepare manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for long-term use.
- Deliver a comprehensive report summarizing methodology, outcomes, and recommendations.
5. Expected Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description | Due Date |
| Inception Report | Work plan, methodology, and schedule | Week 2 |
| UAV System Design and Configuration | Technical specifications and prototype setup | Month 1 |
| Pilot Testing Report | Results from test flights and data validation | Month 2 |
| Prevention Strategy Report | Recommended fire prevention and risk reduction measures | Month 3 |
| Stakeholder Platform | Functional data-sharing and alert system | Month 4 |
| Final Report and Training Materials | Full documentation, training sessions, and final handover | Month 5 |
6. Duration
The assignment is expected to be completed within Five (5) months from the signing of the contract.
7. Required Qualifications
The consultant or team should possess:
- Proven experience in UAV operations and remote sensing for environmental monitoring.
- Expertise in GIS, data integration, and real-time monitoring systems.
- Knowledge of forest ecology, fire dynamics, and prevention strategies, would be desirable.
- Experience in stakeholder coordination, especially in environmental or disaster management contexts.
- Strong analytical, reporting, and training skills.
8. Reporting and Coordination
The consultant/team will report to WWF Thailand, and both will coordinate closely with forest authorities, local government agencies, and emergency response units. Regular progress meetings will be held to review results and adjust implementation as needed.
9. WWF support
Interested consultants are invited to submit their Proposal within 15 Nov. 2025
To demisg@wwf.or.th Cc. procurement@wwf.or.th
The subject line of the email must be marked with “ Consultancy for Development an Early Forest Fire Detection and UAV “
