Forest monitoring – Mesoamerican Biological Corridor

A monitoring system based on medium and high resolution satellite data was established for the MBC to observe the state of the forests as well as changes therein.

Based on the land cover maps forest fragmentation indices were derived which represent an important biodiversity indicator for ecosystem integrity. Fragmentation indicators are usually used to assess the impact of mostly human influence on the natural landscape of a given area. One related indicator example is the distance between forest patches within protected areas inside the MBC.

Forest patch distances for the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor 2007/2008

Copyrights ©: UNESCO, UNCBD, CCAD, ESA, GeoVille

For hot spots, a detailed monitoring delivers information on forest extent, species and density. Thematic accuracy is exceeding 90 % and determined by validation based on a random point sampling using ground truth data collected by the Centro American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD).

Rapid forest mapping to detect hot-spots of LULUCF related afforestation, reforestation and deforestation activities – Dry Season 2007

Copyrights ©: UNESCO, UNCBD, CCAD, ESA, GeoVille