The Sustainable Use of Peatlands and Haze Mitigation in ASEAN (SUPA) project, supported by the European Union (EU) and the German government, and implemented by GIZ Thailand in partnership with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, is a prime example of effective natural resource management. The SUPA project aims to significantly reduce fire damage in peatlands. In the first year (2023-2024), it achieved a 95% reduction in fire damage. Although the project is scheduled to conclude in January 2025, its outcomes remain an important foundation for sustainable natural resource management in Thailand and across ASEAN.

One Year of Success Transforming the Peatland Fire Crisis into Advanced Management”

In its first year of implementation, the SUPA project in Thailand achieved an impressive 95% reduction in fire damage to peatlands, a milestone reflecting its success at both the national and regional levels. This achievement was driven by the integration of advanced technologies, capacity building for local personnel and improved collaboration mechanisms. One of the project’s key success factors is the deployment of the Wireless smart sensor network system using IoT (Internet of Things) systems across more than 300 square kilometres of peatlands to monitor water levels in real time. The data collected are transmitted directly to officials via digital platforms, enabling rapid and accurate decision-making. This innovation reduces the time needed to assess water conditions from several days to just seconds.

Additionally, the project provided state-of-the-art fire prevention and management equipment, including 23 drones valued in the millions of baht. These included small drones for area surveys and strategic planning, and thermal imaging drones for pinpointing heat spots. This technology enhanced the efficiency and speed of patrols in inaccessible peatlands while minimising risks to field personnel. Field evaluations revealed that these technologies improved operational efficiency by over 90%, making fire management safer and more responsive. “SUPA has demonstrated that combining technology with local capacity building can transform crises into opportunities and create sustainable natural resource management systems,” said Thawatchai Palakhamarn, Head of the SUPA Project in Thailand.

“Local Capacity Development: Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Sustainability”

The SUPA project does not solely focus on using technology to address forest fire issues but also emphasises enhancing the capabilities of local personnel to create a sustainable resource management system. Over 50 officials were trained in areas such as drone operation, fire monitoring and risk assessment—skills essential for effective peatland management. Post-training evaluations showed that 84% of participants gained confidence in using the technology, and 31% demonstrated the potential to train others. This outcome underscores SUPA’s commitment to building skills as well as a network of knowledgeable personnel capable of extending their expertise to other areas. “The ultimate goal is to establish sustainable systems where officials and communities can independently manage peatlands, even after the project’s conclusion,” said Thawatchai Palakhamarn. This focus on human resource development both mitigates the immediate impacts of peatland fires and lays a critical foundation for sustainable natural resource management. Local personnel will continue their work independently and sustainably, even without further project support.

SUPA Thailand’s achievements have not only garnered national attention but have also been recognised regionally. The project’s success was showcased at the ASEAN Science Biodiversity Forum in Singapore, organised in collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. This highlighted SUPA’s potential as a model that can be scaled and adapted across other ASEAN nations. Although the SUPA project is slated to conclude in January 2025, the technology deployed and knowledge shared with local officials will continue to yield sustainable outcomes. These include effective fire management and the ongoing development of peatlands. The project underscores critical lessons in international cooperation, technological innovation and capacity building, demonstrating how crises can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable resource management. SUPA stands as a testament to GIZ Thailand’s commitment to fostering sustainable futures and serves as a model for advancing natural resource management in the region.