Monitoring
Belize National Forest Monitoring System 2001-2020BackgroundBelize’s diverse ecosystems, land tenure systems, and land-use dynamics require a robust and flexible National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS). Early efforts focused on establishing permanent forest inventory plots in the late 1990s to address data gaps in forest structure and carbon dynamics. Over time, Belize has expanded its forest monitoring framework to integrate both ground-based and remote sensing approaches, ensuring transparency, consistency, and national ownership of forest data systems. Open access copy available |
Framework for National Forest Monitoring SystemBackgroundOpen access copy available |
National forest monitoring system assessment tool – Quick guidanceBackgroundOpen access copy available |
User-Driven Land Cover Change Prediction Map Tool for Land Conservation PlanningBackgroundEffective conservation planning requires forward-looking tools that anticipate land cover change, rather than relying solely on historical analysis. Rapid urbanization and land-use change threaten ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly in regions experiencing development pressure. Traditional models often lack accessibility for nontechnical users, limiting their application in real-world decision-making. Integrating machine learning with user-friendly platforms can enhance stakeholder engagement and improve conservation outcomes. Open access copy available |
Integrating satellite-based forest disturbance alerts improves detection timeliness and confidenceBackgroundSatellite-based forest monitoring systems are essential for detecting deforestation and supporting climate change mitigation efforts. Multiple alert systems exist, including Global Land Analysis and Discovery (GLAD)-Landsat, GLAD-Sentinel-2, and RADD, each with distinct capabilities and limitations related to sensor type and environmental conditions. Optical systems struggle under cloud cover, while radar systems may miss certain disturbance signals. This creates uncertainty for users and highlights the need for integrated monitoring approaches. Open access copy available |
Near real-time monitoring of tropical forest disturbance by fusion of Landsat, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-1 dataBackgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
Status and distribution of mangrove forests of the world using earth observation satellite dataBackgroundWith many threats causing mangrove loss and degradation (e.g., sea level rise, conversion to agriculture or aquaculture, tourism, urban development, overexploitation), it is important to have accurate measurements and maps of global mangrove extent. With inconsistent monitoring across space and time, incompatible datasets, and large ranges in current global mangrove area estimates (110,000 to 240,000 km2), it is necessary to refine the global estimate of mangrove area to have a reliable baseline for monitoring global mangrove loss. Available with subscription or purchase |
Afforestation and Reforestation Have Varying Biodiversity Impacts Across and Within BiomesBackgroundAfforestation and reforestation (AR) are widely promoted as nature-based solutions (NbS) for carbon dioxide removal and climate mitigation. Global initiatives aim to expand forest cover significantly to meet climate targets. However, AR can produce unintended biodiversity impacts, particularly when implemented in ecosystems such as grasslands or savannas, where native species are not adapted to forest conditions. The ecological outcomes of AR vary across biomes and species, highlighting the need for spatially explicit, biodiversity-sensitive planning frameworks. Open access copy available |
Enhancing Above-Ground Biomass Estimation in Agroforestry Systems: A Scalable Deep Learning Approach Using Sentinel-2 DataBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Carbon sequestration in mangrove forestsBackgroundMangrove forests are highly valuable due to the ecological (e.g., sediment deposition, fish nurseries, protection from tropical storms) and economic (e.g., food, fuel) resources they provide. Carbon storage potential in mangroves is also a highly valuable characteristic, especially as a passive method of carbon dioxide capture and storage. In order to protect these important resources and services, it is necessary to create accurate analyses of the global potential and significance of carbon storage in mangroves. Open access copy available |
