Assessing Forest Degradation:
A Special Study within the Framework of FRA 2010
Victoria Heymell FAO Forestry Department
Partners
UN-REDDLADA
Global Goals and Targets
• UNFF Global Objective 1. Reverse the loss of forest cover and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation
• UNFCCC COP 13 – Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)
• 2010 Biodiversity Target of the CBD includes an indicator on ecosystem fragmentation and connectivity
Definitions
• Many definitions• Forest degradation is the
reduction of the capacity of a forest to produce goods and services
• Broad definition, not operational
• Numerous perceptions
Issues
• What functions/values?• What time frame?• What causes?• What reference state?• Which indicators?• What assessment methodologies?
Forest Degradation and Climate Change
• UNFCCC, UN-REDD• Historical
Degradation• Future monitoring of
degradation• Access to tools and
techniques
Expected OutputsThrough questionnaires and
literature searches:
• Analysis of definitions and assessment criteria
• Documentation of assessment and monitoring methods (case studies)
Next Steps• Finalise case
studies• Additional case
studies• Technical Meeting
2009• Sharing of
knowledge