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

Additional Information

www.fao.org/forestry/degradation-cpf

fra@fao.org