11 FCT National Demonstrators

1. The Global Forest Observations InitiativeHow GEO supports the implementation of National MRV Systems for REDD+ From demonstrations to operational support GEO first started to engage with this issue in 2008 by launching its Forest Carbon Tracking (FCT) task. GEO FCT has built a cooperating framework, which is progressively involving the scientific and technical community, the space community and countries willing to implement MRV systems for REDD+. Today 11 Countries, the “National Demonstrators”, are involved in testing and comparing the use of the various observations, models, tools and methodologies that can be used to monitor forests and to track forest carbon. The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is actively pursuing its mandate to monitor the world’s forests. In particular, it is supporting the efforts of developing countries to implement their own robust national forest monitoring systems. 11 FCT National Demonstrators In November 2011, building on FCT results and recognizing the need to provide more comprehensive, consistent and continuous forest observations, the GEO Plenary established the Global Forest Observation Initiative (GFOI) to support the development of national forest monitoring systems worldwide. GFOI mission and activities GFOI is a platform • GFOI will have two main areas of intervention: • Coordination of observations, their supply and provision of support for their use. • Guidance on tools and methodologies underpinning land use and forest mapping and carbon change assessment. GFOI will serve as a platform to link national needs with the providers of observations, technical and scientific knowledge as well as of financial resources. GFOI is planned to become fully operational in 2014. Colombia Sample GEO FCT Products Indonesia