Transparent monitoring

Book II: Case studies

The Handbook presents case studies of the application of transparent monitoring approaches carried out in four countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Peru. The results of these case studies address specific needs identified by the countries, ranging from technical work to improving community monitoring.   

Case study (CDI1): Collaboration for enhanced transparency in cocoa mapping in Côte d’Ivoire 

Two case studies resulted in multi-stakeholder discussions with government, private sector and civil society stakeholders helped to understand the implications of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), as well as a dedicated interactive Transparent Monitoring platform, where users can compare cocoa plantation maps. 

Case study (CDI2): A platform for comparing existing open cocoa maps in Côte d’Ivoire 

Côte d’Ivoire is one of the primary producers of cocoa in the world but lacked a trusted data source for assessing the extent of cocoa plantations in the country and related land-use change.

Case study (ETH1): How open access data can improve monitoring of drivers of deforestation in Ethiopia

Ethiopia carried out land cover and land use assessments on a small scale. However, the assessments’ usefulness at national level was inhibited by limited monitoring capacity and knowledge on post-deforestation land use.

Case study (ETH2): The role of participatory monitoring of restoration activities in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government places a strong emphasis on restoring degraded lands and increasing forest cover.

Case study (ETH3): Improving transparency of REDD+ safeguards monitoring in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an active REDD+ country and is expecting results-based payments through several channels. To be eligible, Ethiopia needs to establish a Safeguards Information System (SIS, Warsaw decision 12/CP.19).

Case study (PER1): Improving estimates of GHG emissions related to palm oil plantation establishment in Peru

In recent years, the area of palm oil plantations in Peru established in degraded secondary forests has been increasing. In part, this has been promoted by industry stakeholders and the government to prevent encroachment of palm oil into primary forest.

Case study (PER2): Enhancing success and inclusion in community-based monitoring in Peru

Peru implemented a unique program of incentive payments to Indigenous communities for forest protection in the Amazon rainforest.

Case study (PER3): Complementing satellite data with community-based forest monitoring in Peru

Peru implemented an alert-driven community-based monitoring program. Satellite-based alerts of deforestation events are communicated to communities, which then carry out a verification on the ground.

Case study (PNG1): Institutional arrangements to improve IPLCs participation

In PNG, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) own 97% of the land and play a critical role in biodiversity conservation through their customary land management practices.

Côte d’Ivoire 

Two case studies resulted in multi-stakeholder discussions with government, private sector and civil society stakeholders helped to understand the implications of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), as well as a dedicated interactive Transparent Monitoring platform, where users can compare cocoa plantation maps. 

Read the country profile
Download Book II

Case study (CDI1): Collaboration for enhanced transparency in cocoa mapping in Côte d’Ivoire 

Côte d’Ivoire (CDI) is the largest producer of cocoa in the world but lacked a trusted data source for assessing the extent of cocoa plantations in the country and the related land use change. Over time, private and public stakeholders engaged in establishing multiple competing monitoring systems and creating maps. However, these maps were not interoperable or readily accessible to stakeholders.
Stakeholders were brought together to enhance their understanding of the different monitoring systems and facilitate an exchange on their different purposes and applications. This work took place in the wake of the entry into force of the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR, see EU 2023/1115).
The facilitation of discussions with government, private sector and civil society stakeholders helped to understand the implications of the EUDR by highlighting how stakeholders may both be affected by the regulation but can also contribute to its compliance.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

Transparency was increased by holding workshops, informal meetings, field visits and the establishment of the Transparent Monitoring platform, a derivative of Geo-Wiki, allowing for the spatial comparison of cocoa maps.

Four open cocoa maps over Côte d’Ivoire were compiled within the Transparent Monitoring platform. In addition, various private companies operating in the region are developing their own products for clients. Broadly speaking, three of the four maps depict a similar extent of cocoa-plantation in the country.

The BNEDT land cover map for 2020 is currently the most complete dataset for the region.
The Transparent Monitoring platform allows users to compare existing data products.
The resulting monitoring products have a 10m pixel resolution and can be used locally. However, they are designed to perform best at the national level.
The project ensured that products are open and transparent; they are by nature reproducible and adaptable, to a degree.
On the Transparent Monitoring platform, anyone can visualize and explore the data, as well as the associated metadata.
Various workshops and community visits facilitated stakeholder participation at different levels, including government, NGOs and private industry.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

Collaboration with the various ministries in Côte d’Ivoire responsible for monitoring deforestation and engaging with the REDD+ community along with the European Commission, was key for the success of the efforts in Côte d’Ivoire.
NGOs served as advocates for community stakeholders in the case study.
The private sector was involved through several workshops that helped understand their role in the cocoa sector.

See the Handbook to read more about available products and those that are still in development.

Case study (CDI2): A platform for comparing existing open cocoa maps in Côte d’Ivoire 

Côte d’Ivoire is one of the primary producers of cocoa in the world but lacked a trusted data source for assessing the extent of cocoa plantations in the country and related land-use change. Over time, private and public stakeholders engaged in establishing multiple competing monitoring systems and creating maps. However, these maps were not interoperable or readily accessible to stakeholders.
Maps were made accessible in a dedicated interactive Transparent Monitoring platform, where users can compare them and identify agreement and contradictions. Where possible, the maps are provided with metadata describing their development and limitations.
The platform has removed the need for technical expertise on the part of the user, providing all products in a harmonized fashion for ease of comparison.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

One of the main intentions of establishing the tm.geo-wiki.org platform was to add to the discourse on accuracy. The platform allows any user to easily visualize the various available products next to each other and make a self-assessment on accuracy.
Comparability of the various cocoa products was also quite challenging for the average stakeholder just a few years ago. Few datasets were available, and those that were tended to be behind paywalls or simply difficult to locate.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

The Transparent Monitoring platform serves as a technical solution to catalogue the various open cocoa datasets and ensure access by stakeholders.

Transparent Monitoring platform, including the following external datasets:

Ethiopia  

The three case studies in Ethiopia resulted in 1) a national-scale map of the drivers of land-use changes in the country; 2) operational definitions of REDD+ safeguards data that could be used by stakeholders to complement the general information provided in government documentation; and 3) a link between land conversion and overall carbon-stock decrease. 

Read the country profile
Download Book II

Case study (ETH1): How open access data can improve monitoring of drivers of deforestation in Ethiopia 

Ethiopia carried out land cover and land use assessments on a small scale. However, the assessments’ usefulness at national level was inhibited by limited monitoring capacity and knowledge on post-deforestation land use. The government was eager to obtain this national-level information, thus contributing to improved monitoring and reporting of land-use change and REDD+.
The case study produced a national-scale map of the drivers of land-use changes in Ethiopia. Post-deforestation and deforestation drivers were identified in a collaborative process with local stakeholders. Information from the Ethiopian forest inventory and existing monitoring efforts were integrated in this process by employing a deep learning model to track the drivers of land-use change. A technical webinar was also organized to explain the methodology behind the map to national experts and identify future capacity-building needs in Ethiopia.
The case study resulted in a tool that includes a set of methods, scientific publications, maps, reference data, etc. This tool supports the analysis of drivers of land-use changes in Ethiopia.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The higher thematic resolution of post-deforestation classes was developed in collaboration with country representatives, resulting in more detailed categories than the six IPCC default classes. This allowed for a clearer distinction between land-use and land-cover. The chosen spatial resolution of 5 meters for post-deforestation data is sufficient for use at the local scale.

The data provided supports national independent verification by the UNFCCC, as well as other international verification systems (e.g., for EUDR monitoring). The data enhances transparency in tracking commodity crops and assists certification bodies overseeing forest management activities. Additionally, the tool is flexible, capable of adapting to various spatial and temporal scales.

The value of the tool rests in its use of freely available satellite data, methods, and computational resources which allow the process to be further replicated to other countries and even scales (e.g. Africa/ Neotropics). The tool is publicly available in scientific publications and public data repositories. Technical know-how and good processing power are needed to make it fully reproducible.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

Collaboration with the various ministries in Côte d’Ivoire responsible for monitoring deforestation and engaging with the REDD+ community along with the European Commission, was key for the success of the efforts in Côte d’Ivoire.
NGOs served as advocates for community stakeholders in the case study.
The private sector was involved through several workshops that helped understand their role in the cocoa sector.

See the Handbook to read more about available products and those that are still in development.

Case study (ETH2): The role of participatory monitoring of restoration activities in Ethiopia 

The Ethiopian government places a strong emphasis on restoring degraded lands and increasing forest cover. While this work is largely carried out by local communities, there is little information on the role that communities play in collecting and sharing data about their restoration activities and about how information collected through participatory monitoring can contribute to monitoring restoration efforts at the national level.
Research was conducted to understand how community participation in reporting data from restoration activities could be improved. The work considered communities’ perceptions, motivations and the potential costs and benefits associated with reporting at the community level.
The case study results allowed the project team to develop recommendations for government stakeholders on how to improve community participation in monitoring restoration activities and on how participatory monitoring can support Ethiopia’s national forest monitoring system. For example, local communities indicated that they are happy to continue monitoring and would appreciate more feedback, monetary payments as a way of acknowledgement, capacity building and better communication from authorities.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The survey showed that local stakeholders have limited access to the data and information they had contributed to the report.
This case study provides recommendations that can contribute to improving the participation of communities in reporting data from local activities.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

The case study documented a lack of feedback from higher levels of governance to local communities on the data they report. The reporting of information and data from restoration activities mostly flows from local to higher levels of governance and rarely results in decisions benefiting local communities or in more relevant and additional support from the government.
The case study addressed the need to recognise the legitimacy of local stakeholders, as well as listen to local communities. It recommended easing these groups’ access to information with simple and offline technologies and/or through more regular interactions with higher levels of governance (i.e. the village administration and district offices).

There is a project database of survey results:

Boissière, M.; Guracha, M.B.; Bekele, H.; Atmadja, S., 2024, “Local communities’ participation in forest restoration in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia”, https://doi.org/10.17528/CIFOR/DATA.00300, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Case study (ETH3): Improving transparency of REDD+ safeguards monitoring in Ethiopia 

Ethiopia is an active REDD+ country and is expecting results-based payments through several channels. To be eligible, Ethiopia needs to establish a Safeguards Information System (SIS, Warsaw decision 12/CP.19). This requires establishing an effective system for forest monitoring and safeguards at different governance levels. In 2018, Ethiopia established a REDD+ guidance document that outlines the goals, objectives and scope of the SIS, and safeguards indicators adopted to the Ethiopian context. Goals include designing a sustainable, effective, participatory and transparent SIS.

However, the knowledge base informing information flow and safeguards across multiple levels of governments is limited. Little knowledge is available regarding the capacity and challenges faced by stakeholders involved in data generation, administration and use and how data is shared across government levels. This poses a challenge for meeting the goals of the REDD+ safeguard information system in Ethiopia.

A case study was conducted to identify and assess the perceptions, knowledge, capacity and challenges faced by stakeholders involved in the generation, administration and use of safeguards information in Ethiopia at different levels of government and on how they interact with each other. This included developing operational definitions of REDD+ safeguards data, that could be used by stakeholders and complements the general information provided in government documentation.

The work identified specific gaps in safeguards data availability, as well as the actors and processes in data sharing, which should be prioritized for capacity building. These findings contribute to improving data flows and completeness of safeguards information. Recommendations were presented to federal and regional stakeholders in Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz, two regional states in Ethiopia.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

Operational definitions of REDD+ safeguards data were developed that could be used by stakeholders and that complement the general information provided in government documentation.
The case study contributed to improving data flows and completeness of safeguards information for restoration in Ethiopia.
The survey showed that local stakeholders have limited access to the data and information they contributed to the report.
The case study worked with local experts and involved stakeholders at regional, state and federal levels. This was achieved through interviews and workshop participation as well as the engagement of local consultants.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

The case study helped to enhance data flows and completeness of safeguards information among federal and regional stakeholders in Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz.
The case study identified stakeholders involved in generating, managing, and using safeguards information and examined their interactions.

The case study resulted in a database:

Atmadja, S.; Zewdie, S..; Bekru, M.; Beyassa, M.; Haile, S.; Shiferaw, G.; Tenkir, E.; Wakjira, D.; Yohannes, T., 2025, “Multilevel Measurement Reporting and Verification (MRV) for REDD+ in Ethiopia”, https://doi.org/10.17528/CIFOR/DATA.00301, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), V1

Peru 

In Peru, the project applied transparent monitoring approaches in three case studies related to 1) emissions and uptakes of palm oil plantations, 2) community surveys on incentive-based payments for forest protection, and 3) a transition to a digital, alert-driven, community-based deforestation monitoring program.  

Read the country profile
Download Book II

Case study (PER1): Improving estimates of GHG emissions related to palm oil plantation establishment in Peru 

In recent years, the area of palm oil plantations in Peru established in degraded secondary forests has been increasing. In part, this has been promoted by industry stakeholders and the government to prevent encroachment of palm oil into primary forest. However, the impact of this conversion on GHG emissions has only been estimated using default emission factors, and Peru was lacking country-specific emission factors.
The project conducted field studies and surveys to accurately quantify changes in soil and biomass carbon stocks, as well as the fluxes of greenhouse gases resulting from the conversion of already degraded forest to oil palm plantations in the Peruvian Amazon.
The study confirmed that the conversion leads to an overall decrease in carbon stocks and in soil respiration. It also showed a decreased uptake of methane (CH4) and an unexpected decrease in emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) by soils of palm oil plantations compared to forest soils. The results will help Peru improe the quality of its GHG inventory. The method can be replicated by other countries with similar challenges.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The results will help increase awareness around the emissions associated with the conversion of secondary forests to palm oil plantations.
The newly generated data will help Peru move to using a more advanced (Tier 2) method in its greenhouse gas inventory. Countries are allowed to use Tier 1 (global default emission factors provided by the IPCC), Tier 2 (country-specific emission factors and activity data), or Tier 3 (advanced, detailed methodologies like models) methods in their GHG inventories but are encouraged to move from Tier 1 to Tier 2 or 3 over time.
The protocol for carrying out the analysis and developing country-specific emissions factors for doing research was published and can be replicated by other countries.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

A tool has been developed and published in an open-source environment with the goal of improving the transparency and monitoring of land-use following deforestation, including for growing forest-risk commodities.

The developed tool supports enhancing the monitoring and reporting of deforestation-related emissions and international forest-related regulations (e.g. EUDR).

Tools for assessing drivers of land-use changes in Ethiopia Data repository: Yearly time-series maps showing land use following deforestation across Ethiopia (produced at 10m resolution covering the years 2001 to 2015 (15 years)). https://zenodo.org/records/11061499

Open-source methodology in Git-Hub: A deep learning model for mapping drivers of deforestation in Ethiopia https://github.com/masolele/Attention-U-Net-4-landuse-mapping-Ethiopia

Visualization tool: Direct drivers of deforestation in Ethiopia explorer: https://robertnag82.users.earthengine.app/view/deforestationdriverethiopia

Tools for assessing drivers of land-use change in Africa Data repository: Yearly time series maps showing land use following deforestation across Africa at 30 m resolution covering the years 2001 to 2020 (20 years). https://zenodo.org/records/11065705

Visualization tool: Direct drivers of deforestation in Africa explorer: https://robertnag82.users.earthengine.app/view/africalu

Case study (PER2): Enhancing success and inclusion in community-based monitoring in Peru 

Peru implemented a unique program of incentive payments to Indigenous communities for forest protection in the Amazon rainforest. Payments are conditional on communities maintaining the forest in their territory and carrying out specific activities, such as forest patrolling. Throughout the program’s implementation, some communities have chosen not to participate, while others have dropped out before completing the five-year period or have been suspended, for example because of difficulties fulfilling reporting requirements. The reasons for this dynamic were poorly understood and presented a challenge for supporting the long-term sustainability of community monitoring.
In this case study, the project evaluated the social impacts and community perceptions of the incentive mechanism through interviews with communities, government officials, NGOs, and indigenous federations.
The findings show that community members generally adopted the mechanism and see value in forest patrolling but struggle with reporting requirements and benefit distribution. Communities have an interest in satellite monitoring and would like to have more access to data and more support for the costs of patrolling. A series of recommendations were developed that include suggested strategies to address the need for administrative support, data sharing, proactive inclusion strategies, and monitoring and evaluation with gender indicators.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The case study connects data across various spatial scales by using satellite-derived data to identify potential deforestation events and validating them with ground-based observations
The early alert system in the case study informs communities about forest cover changes in their territories. It also provides external, including global, stakeholders with data to monitor specific and targeted areas.
Research was conducted in eight communities in the regions of San Martín and Madre de Dios to assess the barriers to effective participation in community-based monitoring, including the relevance of gender and other inclusion issues. The project has generated a catalogue of best practices and recommendations for the government with a goal to enhance equity in monitoring.
The responsibility is with the state, but responsibility and accountability are transferred across scales.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

The project conducted research under a work agreement with the Peruvian Ministry of Environment (MINAM) and the National Forest Conservation Program for Climate Change Mitigation (PNCB). Interviews were conducted with MINAM officials and regional implementers. Recommendations were delivered for improved policy delivery.
The project collected data in eight communities. Four in Madre de Dios (Infierno, Shipetiari, Diamante, Shintuya) and four in San Martín (Chirikyacu, Shimpiyacu, Alto Mayo, and Huascayacu). Interviews and consultations also included indigenous organizations, local NGOs, and regional government offices.

A CIFOR Infobrief summarizes the research and the 10 recommendations:

Spanish version https://www.cifor-icraf.org/knowledge/publication/9233/

English version https://www.cifor-icraf.org/publications/pdf_files/infobrief/9136-Infobrief.pdf

Case study (PER3): Complementing satellite data with community-based forest monitoring in Peru 

Peru implemented an alert-driven community-based monitoring program. Satellite-based alerts of deforestation events are communicated to communities, which then carry out a verification on the ground. The system was paper based, which led to delays in data collection and often ambiguity in the collected data regarding the causes of the deforestation events.

The case study supported a transition to mobile-based monitoring for digital data collection and a system for data storage and data analysis procedures. Communities were trained in the use of the digital system in workshops and in the field.

The new system has significantly reduced the time required to verify satellite-based deforestation alerts. Transparency was improved by using open-source data collection and analysis services and applying the FAIR principles.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The case study collected over 50 alert-driven community-based data sets. These data sets were accurate and reported geo-location uncertainty.

Community based monitoring data can be used in conjunction with remote sensing at different scales (including the local scale).
The case study established digital web services. These enable digital data access, download, and distribution.
Through the workshops and community visits, the project facilitated stakeholder participation. Researchers collaborated with four communities in the Madre de Dios region. These communities have formed vigilance committees to monitor the forest.
With the interactive digital data collection system implemented, the project has expanded and enforced an ongoing monitoring system.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

The project collaborated with the Peruvian Ministry of Environment (MINAM) and the National Forest Conservation Program (PNCB).
The project worked with four communities in the Madre de Dios region (Tres Islas, Boca Pariamanu, Puerto Arturo and Infierno communities).

Cappello, C., Pratihast, A.K., Pérez Ojeda del Arco, A., Reiche, J., De Sy, V., Herold, M., Vivanco Vicencio, R.E. and Castillo Soto, D., 2022. Alert-Driven Community-Based Forest Monitoring: A Case of the Peruvian Amazon. Remote Sensing, 14(17), p.4284. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/14/17/4284

Community-based forest monitoring knowledge banks: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/112wvAPFZEYnit5yN3mxZtefcKDcq-unI/edit#gid=797400922

Project (case study) website hosted by the implementing partner University of Wageningen: https://www.earthinformatics.eu/cases/community-based-forest-monitoring-using-mobile-technologies

Papua New Guinea  

A case study in Papua New Guinea (PNG) assessed the impacts of various institutional structures and project activities on the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs).   

Read the country profile
Download Book II

Case study (PNG1): Institutional arrangements to improve IPLCs participation 

In PNG, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) own 97% of the land and play a critical role in biodiversity conservation through their customary land management practices. However, their engagement in any formal nature conservation, climate mitigation and adaptation efforts remains limited due to poor consultation, unresolved land rights issues, insufficient capacity, and weak legal protections.
In this case study we evaluated the impacts of the different institutional arrangements and large project activities in relation to IPLCs participation.
The case study provided an evaluation of the effectiveness of the different initiatives undertaken by the PNG government. It highlights significant lessons from the country’s efforts in implementing climate change policies, particularly within the REDD+ framework. One critical lesson is the importance of strong institutional frameworks and transparent governance to build trust among stakeholders. Although PNG has been one of the leaders of the international negotiation and it has undertaken many specific actions at national level, institutional arrangements are still insufficient and the influence on them from the political level it too prevalent.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The case study evaluated activities related to increasing data accuracy and reducing uncertainty (e.g. the establishment of the NFI and PNG Geo-portals).
The data policies and their distribution have been evaluated for all the main institutions involved in climate change-related processes.
The case study assessed the participatory approach adopted in the preparation and implementation of the different projects and programs.
The responsibility is with the state, but the case study demonstrated how responsibility and accountability are transferred across scales.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

Effectiveness of national policies and measures adopted since REDD+ negotiation was evaluated together with specific institutional arrangements.
Participation of the indigenous tribes and the local communities was assessed for each climate change-related action.

The case study resulted in:

  • A report describing the case study including an evaluation on the official actions undertaken by PNG government.
  • A report on PNG geospatial data availability with an evaluation on the data policies.
  • A PNG climate baseline assessment with and evaluation of the impacts on the exposed systems and assessment of the vulnerability of the indigenous communities.

 

Global  

At the global level, the project assessed four above-ground biomass (AGB) maps and compared the estimates that came from different national data sources. Through this work researchers created a framework for assessing uncertainties in AGB maps, and the case study resulted in several publications and an open-source tool.  

Read the country profile
Download Book II

Case study (GEN1): Global biomass mapping: uncertainties and use for national reporting 

Above-ground biomass (AGB) is related to emissions and CO2 uptake from and release to the atmosphere. Information on biomass distribution and biomass change is crucial for land-use sector planning but remains highly limited. Often data from the National Forest Inventories (NFIs) is not available. Biomass maps based on airborne and space-based data can help to overcome this problem.

Maps differ regarding their underlying methods and data sources, which leads to significant disagreements thus making carbon stocks estimations challenging. Further, not all AGB maps provide uncertainty estimates and biomass mapping accuracy varies by forest type and biomass range.

The accuracy and uncertainty of four AGB biomass maps were assessed, including a comparison between national AGB estimates in tropical countries derived from national data and those from AGB biomass maps. The case study also discussed the challenges and opportunities of using global AGB maps for national biomass estimation.
A comprehensive overview of AGB maps was developed, demonstrating their potential for estimating and reporting carbon stocks. The maps’ limitations were identified, along with strategies to address them for use in national carbon estimation. Additionally, a framework for assessing uncertainties in AGB maps was provided, enabling precise representation of these uncertainties when using such maps for national carbon determination.

Which criteria of transparent monitoring approaches were achieved? 

The case study enhances transparency and clarity by analyzing differences in AGB maps and explaining them to users. Comparing biomass estimates from these maps with those derived from forest inventories highlights the advantages and limitations of using AGB maps.
Accuracy and uncertainty of four AGB maps were assessed. A comprehensive framework together with an online open-source tool for estimating the bias and uncertainty in AGB maps was provided.
The case study addressed gaps in biomass data and strategies of how to integrate methodologies to enhance national reporting to improve GHG estimates and reporting
The case study performed a comparative analysis of above ground biomass maps and plots to assess the accuracy and uncertainty of global AGB maps. It shows how to make use of different datasets and methodologies by combining them for estimating GHG emissions and removals
The study contains information on how countries can estimate GHG emissions and removals from changes in AGB based on global maps and the combination with field data. This allows for consistent estimates over large parts of the country not covered by detailed NFI data.

Which dimensions were addressed? 

This work takes a technical approach to enhance national AGB data, improving carbon estimation and facilitating GHG emissions reporting in compliance with IPCC standards.

The case study resulted in several publications and an open-source tool:

A paper on the characteristics of NFI data in the context of their integration with global biomass maps for national biomass estimation:

  • Nesha K et al. 2021. An assessment of data sources, data quality and changes in national forest monitoring capacities in the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005–2020. Environ. Res. Lett. 16 (054029). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abd81b

A paper on the accuracy and uncertainty assessment of four global biomass maps and a comprehensive framework and corresponding online open-source tool for estimating the bias and uncertainty in AGB maps.

  • Araza A et al. 2022. A comprehensive framework for assessing the accuracy and uncertainty of global above-ground biomass maps. Remote Sensing of Environment. 272(112917). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2022.112917

A paper on the refinement of above-ground forest biomass Tier 1 values of the 2006 IPCC guidelines for GHG inventories.

  • Rozendaal D et al. 2022. Aboveground forest biomass varies across continents, ecological zones and successional stages: refined IPCC default values for tropical and subtropical forests. Environ. Res. Lett. 17(014047) DOI:10.1088/1748-9326/ac45b3


An open-source tool to compare plot and map AGB estimates: https://github.com/arnanaraza/PlotToMap

Engage with us

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best website experience. By clicking "I Accept" you acknowledge the use of cookies and to our Privacy Notice (CIFOR-ICRAF) and our Terms of Use (CIFOR and ICRAF).

I Accept