This was the first regional technical GFOI workshop on forest monitoring in Southeast Asia, planned with an overall aim to support participating countries to develop a data plan for their country needs in the context of REDD+.

The use of different remote sensing data and their interoperability in sites with different levels of degradation were showcased. A field exercise was included to show a combination of aerial photos taken in the field to demonstrate the need of evaluate the use and acquisition of high resolution data.

There are a variety of remote sensors through which medium resolution satellite images are obtained at a relatively low cost, for example Landsat – 30 m and Aster -15m. There are also higher resolution commercial satellites between 1 and 5 meters in multispectral images, RapidEye, Quickbird, Ikonos GEoeye, that allow acquisition of satellite images for projects requiring a higher level of detail, like forest stratification, and in areas where the multispectral and multi temporal analysis done with medium resolution data needs to be improved. Multisource data sets (photography and medium and high resolution satellite imagery) can positively impact the quality of the results and the cost. However this combination is only suitable when applied to areas in need of high-resolution data in combination with medium resolution.

Countries’ needs and REDD+ reporting requirements were discussed at the workshop, in order to increase information on how available data can be used in a cost-effective and pragmatic manner.

Workshop Objectives:

 Increase the understanding of the current status remote sensing data use to map forest cover in South East Asia

 Introduce different satellite missions around the globe (COVE tool)

 Discuss and compare interoperability of different sets of satellite images

Venue and Date:

The workshop was be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from January 27 to 30, 2014. One-day field visit at the Ma Sa Kok Ma Man and Biosphere Reserve was planned for the third day (January 29).

Participation:

Three participants from all SilvaCarbon Southeast Asia countries were be invited to the workshop, including: GFOI focal points, forestry officials involved in REDD+ processes, remote sensing specialists from forestry and related agencies.

Other participants include representatives from REDD+ projects in the region working on MRV issues, GEO Secretariat, and technical experts from GFOI, USGS, NASA, and other Universities and Research Institutions.