Improving forest information systems

Description

Improving forest information systems involves developing and integrating accurate, up-to-date data collection, management, and dissemination tools to support sustainable forest management. This strategy addresses gaps in forest monitoring, resource assessment, and reporting by implementing technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, and standardized databases. Enhanced information systems enable better decision-making, policy formulation, and enforcement, directly remedying issues of deforestation, illegal logging, and resource mismanagement through timely, reliable, and accessible forest data.

Context

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends: collecting, compiling and regularly updating and distributing information on land classification and land use, including data on forest cover, areas suitable for afforestation, endangered species, ecological values, traditional/indigenous land use values, biomass and productivity; correlating demographic, socio-economic and forest resources information at the micro- and macro-levels; and undertaking periodic analysis of forest programmes.