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. Rough estimates have been made of growing stock and biomass, and of the area of other wooded land, state, and change. The survey based on a sample of remote sensing data contributes two major findings of high significance.