Integration of remote-sensing and ground-based observations for estimation of emissions and removals of greenhouse gases in forests: Methods and guidance from the Global Forest Observations Initiative, Edition 3.0

Abstract

The GFOI MGD provides practical advice related to the development of a National Forest Monitoring System to help meet national and international reporting requirements by: providing user-friendly guidance for linking UNFCCC decisions with IPCC guidance; focusing on how remotely sensed and ground-based data can be effectively combined to improve estimation of predominately forest related GHG emissions and removals, including those related to GHG inventories, REDD+ activities, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); addressing a gap that would otherwise exist in practical guidance on developing and implementing REDD+ MRV, while maintaining broader relevance to multipurpose monitoring of changes between forest land and non-forest land, particularly the methodologies that are outlined relating to land representation; presenting detailed advice to support decision making and technical implementation, and providing broad principles for the collection and use of data, which will remain relevant even as technologies and methods evolve; illustrating how countries can apply the principles outlined in the document by using existing examples of national experience; highlighting where relevant the broader applicability of the methods described in the development of a multipurpose monitoring system.