Redefining “abandoned” agricultural land in the context of reforestation

Global mapping efforts to date have relied on vague and oversimplified definitions of “abandoned” agricultural land which results in overestimates the area that is likely support persistent increases forest cover associated carbon sequestration. We propose a new conceptualization abandoned incorporates changes landholding status over time into determining whether should be considered as abandoned. In order develop more realistic estimates amount available for reforestation, we recommend clearly defining how categorized, discerning who owns has rights use land, combining remotely sensed data with household/stakeholder surveys understand landowner motivations not cropping or grazing land.