Regular contact, through a correspondent network with the member countries that provide the information, plays a key role. The methodology developed in FRA90 has been used in the tropics only but is generally applicable. It is based on a sample of multi-temporal high resolution satellite data. It has been recommended that this method be extended to the whole world. Under this component guidelines and methods for assessment of these parameters have been and will be developed.
Parameters related to biomass, biodiversity, and land degradation are the most important.
This component is designed for use at all levels from sub-national to global and will help in strengthening national capacities. Tools consist of workshops, fellowships, and training courses. Responsibilities are shared between FAO, Geneva, which covers the industrialized countries, and FAO, Rome, which covers the developing countries and makes the global synthesis. The assessment based on existing reliable information covers basic information on forest area state and change by country and ecofloristic zone. Ancillary information on land area, population, gross national product, and forest inventory status is given.