Colombia has taken a pioneering step in Latin America by incorporating satellite technology into its National Disaster Risk Management System for enhanced wildfire detection.
This initiative stems from a new collaboration between the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and OroraTech, a global entity specializing in wildfire intelligence, alongside its local representative, GeoSpatial.
Implementing OroraTech's WFS Platform
The partnership initiates a national pilot project employing OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution (WFS) platform. This system combines thermal satellite imagery with AI-driven analytics to facilitate near real-time wildfire detection and monitoring.
By continuously surveilling wildfire activities, the program aims to protect essential ecosystems, expedite emergency response, and minimize fire-related risks to communities across Colombia.
Advancement in Wildfire Detection Technology
The partnership initiates a national pilot project employing OroraTech’s WFS platform
"With this partnership, Colombia strengthens its risk knowledge capabilities through investment in a modern wildfire detection and monitoring infrastructure that will help protect our population, environment, and biodiversity," stated Ana Milena Prada, Deputy Director for Risk Knowledge at UNGRD.
She emphasized that the system allows institutions to identify threats early and respond more promptly, even in remote areas.
Centralized Monitoring System
As the world’s second most biodiverse nation, with nearly half its territory within the Amazon rainforest, Colombia views early wildfire detection as crucial for the preservation of endangered species and natural heritage.
The WFS platform serves as a centralized tool, providing emergency services, park rangers, and government agencies with actionable alerts.
Training and Preparation
More than 700 members of the National Disaster Risk Management System, including personnel from both territorial and local entities, have been trained to utilize the platform.
OroraTech’s Customer Success team facilitated in-person training in Bogotá in May 2025, focusing on real-time case studies relevant to Colombia's specific wildfire conditions. Additionally, UNGRD has led over 15 training sessions nationwide to bolster local proficiency in using the WFS platform.
Enhanced Wildfire Management in Latin America
UNGRD has led over 15 training sessions nationwide to bolster local proficiency in using the WFS platform
Martin Langer, CEO and CTO of OroraTech, remarked, "We are protecting the Amazon rainforest for the future in ways that weren’t possible before deploying our technology."
He adds, "We are supporting and partnering with UNGRD to roll out our capabilities nationwide, marking a milestone in wildfire management for Latin America."
Integrating Comprehensive Data for Quick Response
The WFS platform employs thermal data from over 30 satellites, both public and private. It provides low-latency alerts and maps emerging fires to offer a real-time picture of wildfire activity, enhancing coordination and response. This system helps prioritize threats, reduce false alarms, and enable more effective regional responses.
Through this innovative program, Colombia is reinforcing its wildfire defense strategy and advancing its leadership in environmental protection. By utilizing space-based intelligence, the country is setting a new benchmark in Latin America for biodiversity conservation and disaster management.
