ISB-TCS Conducted a Field Carbon Measurement Workshop in Simdega, Jharkhand: Securing Forest Resources through Citizen Science

ISB, in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (TCS), organized a one-day Forest Carbon Stock assessment workshop in Tribal Art Center, Tutikel of Simdega district in Jharkhand, on 23 May 2023. Owing to the tremendous support and active engagement from team members, the pilot was successfully launched with 34 students from different educational institutes in three pilot blocks (Kolebira, Jaldega, and Bano) of the Initiative on the Forest Economy (IoFE). The objective of the pilot workshop was to engage students in hands-on learning experiences related to carbon measurement and foster environmental awareness among youth communities.  

The program aimed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to measure and understand carbon levels in their local forests. ISB-TCS partnership aims to advance innovation in using technology to monitor forests and their products for societal development, practicing citizen science, where people share and contribute to data monitoring and collection programs.  

The training program attempted to introduce the students to the use of new technology to capture data in forest landscapes and help them recognize the importance of environmental stewardship. Through the pilot program, the participating students developed a preliminary foundation of knowledge in the carbon cycle and the importance of measuring carbon. The hands-on nature of the program equipped students with practical skills in the use of mobile-based tools in forest carbon measurement techniques and data collection. These skills can be applied in future scientific investigations and community-based carbon measurement activities.  

For the pilot workshop, ten test field sites within the training location were identified. These sites were chosen to allow students to explore the different factors that influence carbon levels in the forests. Using the F-DAT tool, students collected sample data at each demonstration field site. They recorded data on factors such as tree height, DBH, crown cover, etc. The students also learned the basics of biomass and carbon measurement using the data collected by them. 

Prior to the field measurements, students received training sessions on basic environmental concepts, carbon cycle, and carbon measurement techniques. They were provided with appropriate instruction on the use of the F-DAT tool developed by Tata Consultancy Services.  

The field carbon measurement pilot program with students demonstrated the potential for engaging young learners in environmental science and promoting environmental awareness in communities. By providing hands-on experiences and practical skills, the program aims to empower students to measure and understand carbon in their community-owned forests. 

This workshop is conducted under the ISB-TCS three-year partnership “Forest Carbon Stock Assessment Pilot -Sky and Earth Convergence Carbon” project.