Forest monitoring should integrate biodiversity and socioeconomic data, say experts

At the sidelines of the U.N. climate talks in Doha, experts stated that countries need to ensure that their forest monitoring activities under REDD+ move beyond just measuring carbon emissions and changes in forest area – they should be integrated with monitoring of other forest values like biodiversity and rural social conditions.

The statements are linked to the recently published CIFOR report, that focuses on how National Forest Monitoring Systems can be developed through a sustainable stepwise approach.  Where possible, countries should build on their existing forest monitoring frameworks and technology to develop REDD+ monitoring.