Jonathan Rizzi
Research Scientist
Attachments
List of PublicationsBiography
The main research activities are concerned with the use of GIS in several environmental sectors, including climate change, contaminated sites and water quality. Development of GIS-based tools such as a Spatial Decision Support System for climate change impact assessment (DESYCO) and WebGIS for climate data. He also worked on the definition of methodologies addressing climate change impacts of coastal zones useful to support the definition of adaptation measures and he has experience in MultiCriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).
In the last years, he has also participated and managed international cooperation projects in developing countries.
Abstract
In East Africa, including Tanzania, the vast majority of the population relies on fuelwood for domestic energy consumption, particularly for cooking. This heavy dependence on biomass has significant implications for forest resources, contributing to forest disturbances, but has not been sufficiently investigated until now. This study aims to explore these dynamics in Mainland Tanzania between 2001 and 2023 by assessing Tree Cover Loss, Above-Ground Biomass, biomass loss and demand trends, and evaluating the fraction of Non-Renewable Biomass. The study integrates remote sensing data from Global Forest Watch, national household budget surveys, and published literature, applying geospatial analysis and statistical modelling. Results showed that between 2001 and 2023 AGB declined, with a consistent drop in biomass density. Total Biomass Loss rose from 39 Mt in 2001 to 70.1 Mt in 2022, while Total Biomass Demand surged from 22.6 to 55.4 Mt. The gap between supply and demand narrowed slightly, suggesting a possible increase in resource use efficiency for energy provision. Out of 26 regions, 11 are net consumers, and 15 are net suppliers. This illustrates the uneven distribution of biomass resources and demand nationwide. The fraction of Non- Renewable Biomass rose from 23.8% in 2001 to 34.1% in 2012 and then stabilized. About 79% of this in 2022 was due to cooking-related biomass demand, highlighting unsustainable biomass use. Overall, this study offers critical insights into forest resource use in Tanzania, with implications for sustainable management and climate policy. The refined estimates of biomass dynamics and fraction of Non-Renewable Biomass support more targeted, data-driven decision-making. While limitations exist, the results emphasize the need for better monitoring to support sustainable energy and forestry strategies.
Abstract
Peat inversion is a management technique used to reduce emissions and retain carbon in cultivated peatland while allowing for effective forage production. Although maps and land registers document the presence of cultivated peatland that is suitable for peat inversion, these data do not cover all regions of interest. This study explores how an expert system and geostatistical modelling can be used to identify cultivated peatland suitable for peat inversion. The expert system proved to work moderately well for cultivable (but not for cultivated) peatland. Geostatistical modelling, using cultivable peatland as statistical support, gave good results in regions with large, continuous landforms. The results were less accurate in regions with rough, rapidly shifting terrain forms and where peatland was less frequent. The difference could be seen in the range and shape of the semivariograms. Geostatistical modelling can be used to identify cultivated peatland suitable for peat inversion in regions where the semivariogram shows a clear and well-defined spatial autocorrelation structure.
Authors
Junbin Zhao Holger Lange Christian Wilhelm Mohr Cornelya Klutsch Simon Weldon Jonathan Rizzi Gunnhild Søgaard Hanna Marika Silvennoinen Teresa Gómez de la BárcenaAbstract
Jordrespirasjonsmålinger på Svanhovd og dens modellering
Division of Survey and Statistics
Pan-European Network of Green Deal Agriculture and Forestry Earth Observation Science (PANGEOS)
The sustainability of Europe’s green resources are threatened by climate change associated environmental changes. Agricultural systems and forests are among the ecosystems mostly interlinked with human health and wellbeing due to the socio-economic services they provide.
Division of Survey and Statistics
Considering the Environment and Nature when Building and Operating Ground Mounted Solar Power Plants in Norway
EnviSol's mission is to harmonize the growth of ground-mounted solar power plants in Norway with the imperative to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services. With renewable energy production, preserving nature, and supporting ecosystems all in mind, EnviSol aims to pinpoint the ideal methods and locations for these solar installations, mitigating clashes over land use.
Division of Forest and Forest Resources
Partnership for Research and Education for Monitoring Coastal Environments in Africa (CoastAfrica)
CoastAfrica is an international research and education partnership that strengthens collaboration between Norwegian and African institutions to monitor coastal environmental change.
Division of Environment and Natural Resources
CANALLS Agroecological practices for sustainable transition
Agroecology covers all activities and actors involved in food systems. It also places the well-being of people (producers and consumers of crops and products) at its core. The EU-funded CANALLS project will focus on the agroecological zones and diverse farming systems in the humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa. It will explore the complex environmental, social and economic challenges, which in some cases are exacerbated by conflict and high vulnerability. Moreover, it will advance agroecological transitions in these regions through multi-actor transdisciplinary agroecology Living Labs at eight sites in four countries. The focus will be on crops such as cocoa, coffee and cassava, which are vital for subsistence and economic development.