SOFIA: a decision support System for the Optimization of the biomass supply chain and Forest Integrated management in protected areas

Abstract

A decision support System for the Optimization of the biomass supply chain and Forest Integrated Management in protected areas (SOFIA) is presented. All functionalities have been developed in Python language embedded in the open-source QGIS 3.6 software. Two models were implemented with an approach and methodology based on free and open source software (QGIS, GRASS, SAGA, GDAL). The main aim of SOFIA is to support the Madonie Regional Natural Park authority and forest managers in decision-making processes to assess the costs and benefits in the energy production from residual agro-forestry biomass, as well as for determining the optimum plant size (and power) for energy and heat production and the relative biomass supply area. The implementation encompassed the input dataset definition, algorithms selection and outputs generation: the model itself includes two algorithms. Main outputs are: 1) a raster cumulative Cost map, quantifying the forest accessibility starting from a generic position of the roads network within 60 minutes walking; 2) a vector map, zoning the protected area based on the forest type, access time classes, biomass districts, municipalities and park zoning. The DSS was developed in the framework of INTERREG MED “ForBioEnergy - Forest Bioenergy in the protected Mediterranean areas” Project.