A multi-stage inventory scheme for REDD inventories in tropical countries

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) is an international effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forest and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. Of critical importance is the estimation of carbon stocks in forests and their dynamics. The paper presents a scientifically sound and technically feasible approach for carbon stock assessment over large areas by applying a multi-stage inventory concept. This concept combines in-situ data and wall-to-wall forest monitoring using medium to very high resolution remote sensing data from both, optical and SAR satellite systems. This approach assures that not only forest cover is assessed but that estimates on forest degradation and forest dynamics can be monitored with high accuracy.