Global efforts to improve forest monitoring took a significant step forward at the recent Informed use of biomass maps in MRV procedures workshop held in Potsdam, Germany, from 23 to 25 October 2024.
Organized by the Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) and hosted by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ-Potsdam) with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), the three-day workshop gathered experts from around the world to explore the potential of satellite-based biomass mapping technologies in national forest monitoring systems (NFMSs) and emission measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes. The workshop highlighted the critical role that advanced Earth Observation (EO) technologies can play in strengthening climate action by improving countries’ ability to monitor and report on forest carbon stocks.
Participants discussed the latest advancements in biomass maps, such as NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) and ESA’s Climate Change Initiative (CCI), which now offer detailed estimates of forest biomass globally. Case studies from nations like Mozambique, Peru, and the Philippines showcased real-world applications and the challenges of integrating biomass data into MRV systems.
These discussions not only underscored the potential of biomass maps for climate reporting but also laid the groundwork for future GFOI guidance aimed at helping countries incorporate these powerful tools into their NFMSs. By equipping countries with the knowledge and resources to make the most of these technologies, GFOI and its partners continue to empower global efforts against deforestation and support climate goals worldwide.
Read more on GFOI news page.