Early warning systems
Turning satellite data into action against deforestation
Main points
- 2.8 million hectares across nine Regional Conservation Areas: The programme is supporting monitoring and conservation management across nine Regional Conservation Areas in Cusco, Loreto and San Martín – around 75 percent of the total area under regional conservation management in Peru.
- Nine validated deforestation baselines for better decisions: For the first time, participating Regional Conservation Areas have standardised evidence showing where forest loss occurred, how much was lost and what caused it.
- Stronger local technical capacity: Regional teams have been trained in geographic information systems, remote sensing and satellite-image analysis, reducing reliance on external specialists.
- Faster, more consistent monitoring: Open-source tools are being introduced to automate the processing and reporting of deforestation alerts, shortening the gap between detection and management decisions.
- Satellite evidence is guiding action: Authorities are using satellite data to update surveillance plans, improve patrol routes and complement satellite monitoring with drone surveillance to target areas under pressure.
- A practical model for other regions: The methods, tools and proposed national guidance offer a scalable approach for other resource-constrained territories facing similar forest-monitoring challenges.
Regional governments in Peru are strengthening how they respond to deforestation. With support from the Swiss SECO-funded Subnational Public Finance Management programme, they are using satellite data and early warning systems to monitor vulnerable areas of Amazonian forest and make better-informed surveillance and control decisions.
Through staff training, historical analysis of forest cover, digital tools and practical technical assistance, nine Regional Conservation Areas covering 2.8 million hectares now have validated historical baselines and stronger technical capacity. Automated reporting tools are also being introduced, while regional authorities are beginning to use the evidence to update patrol plans and target areas under greatest pressure.
The experience shows how affordable technology, interagency coordination and investment in local capacity can help public institutions build more effective and sustainable forest monitoring systems.
About this publication
This publication presents insights and lessons learned from over a decade of working with regional and municipal governments in Peru to strengthen public financial management systems and practices under our Programa GFP Subnacional. The programme is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) through its cooperation programme in Peru.
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Disclaimer: The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Basel Institute on Governance, its donors and partners, or the University of Basel.
Programa GFP Subnacional. 2026. “Early warning systems: Turning satellite data into action against deforestation”. Basel Institute on Governance. Available at: https:/