Global Forest Observations Initiative Context and Status

1. Global Forest Observations InitiativeContext and Status SDCG-3, Sydney 7th – 9th February 2013 Stephen Ward for DCCEE

2. Global Forest Observations Initiative Background • In 2008, GEO members developed FCT to demonstrate the feasibility of satellite data for national forest monitoring systems • Demonstrations and capacity building in 11 National • Demonstrator countries • International coordination and cooperation to provide data • In 2009, GFOI was proposed to explore more formal and sustained arrangements • GFOI Implementation Plan endorsed at the 2011 GEO Plenary

3. FCT Network of National Demonstrators • 11 ND Countries • Brazil • Guyana • Mexico • Indonesia (Sumatra, Kalimantan) • Australia (Tasmania) • Cameroon • Tanzania • Colombia • DR Congo • Peru • Nepal 2009 2010 2011

4. Global Forest Observations Initiative • Development of a governance structure around the 5 components GEO Plenary GFOI Leads Aus, Nor, US, CEOS, FAO Coordination of satellite data supply CEOS Capacity Building US GFOI Steering Committee Leads plus Brazil, China, Japan, MGD AG Chair, IPCC, UNFCCC, World Bank, GOFC-GOLD, GEO Sec Dir , National Demonstrator Reps Methods & Guidance Documentation Australia R&D Plan Norway Admin & Coordination Programme Office

5. Administration & Coordination Coordination and communication across the range of stakeholders including advisory, and leadership bodies, the participating science and technology community, participating forest countries, the UN bodies intended as recipients of forest country reports, potential donors, etc. • The GFOI Lead Team released a detailed work plan for 2012 and 2013 • GEO Secretariat-based GFOI Office Manager post funded & filled • Co-Leads will continue their significant efforts in supporting GFOI and its actions • A goal for 2013 is to identify candidate host organisations for a longer term venue for the GFOI Office

6. Methods & Guidance Documentation A user-friendly reference for the use of remotely-sensed data and methodologies and ground –based data in the establishment of countries’ National Forest Monitoring and Carbon Tracking systems, compatible with eventual funding through REDD+ • Advisory Group and Authors Team assembled • Draft document in development • Review and field testing 2012-2013 • To be submitted for endorsement at GEO-X

7. Coordination of satellite data supply • Fundamental to GFOI objectives • Supports all countries’ participation in reporting • 2011: • CEOS endorsed: The CEOS Strategy for Space Data Coverage and Continuity in Support of the GEO Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) and Forest Carbon Tracking (FCT) Task • Established ad-hoc Space Data Coordination Group for GFOI

8. Coordination of satellite data supply – CEOS

9. Coordination of satellite data supply – CEOS Global Forest Observations InitiativeProgress Since 2011 GEO VIII

10. CEOS Space Data Strategy – 3 elements • Baseline coordinated global acquisition strategy • Guarantee minimum information for reporting • Core data streams • FINALISED BEFORE CEOS SIT-28 (12th March) • Coordinated strategy for national data acquisitions • National circumstances under the microscope • Broader range of solutions inc commercial • CONSENSUS ON APPROACH THIS WEEK? • Data supply in support of GFOI R&D (FCT, technical demos) • For interoperability, cal-val etc • Continuation of ND coverage

11. SDCG-3 • Finalisation of Element 1 of the strategy • Actions to ensure report ready for SIT-28 • Consensus on 2013 Implementation Plan • Consensus on Elements 2 & 3 of the strategy • Identify any final requests & guidance of the Steering Committee (meets next week in Canberra)

12. Questions?