Forestry

Forests are important ecosystems that have a systemic impact on the biodiversity, the water cycle and the micro-climate of a region and are currently under threat worldwide. Changes in land use as well as forest fires, unsustainable exploitation of forests or natural disaster events - such as storms, droughts, insect infestation - lead to large areas of deforestation and degradation. Thus, there is a requirement for both qualitative and quantitative assessment and monitoring of forest resources.

These needs have been underscored in many national and regional policies as well as international Conventions. Earth Observation data provides information for the regular assessment and monitoring of forest parameters. These data can be combined with in-situ measurements in order to provide improved spatially accurate and timely information for sustainable forest management. GAF AG has successfully managed a variety of forest and environmental projects in both Europe and internationally. Solutions are customised to address local, regional, national and international user requirements from both public and private sector.

Key services and products include land cover and forest maps, change maps, as well as forest information databases. In this context GAF AG has recently taken a lead role in the successful implementation of Forest Monitoring Services within the framework of international programmes such as the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and the UNFCCC post-Kyoto Protocol Process of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) .

Typical Clients

• International agencies such as World Bank, KfW, UN
• European organisations such as the European Environment Agency (EEA) and EC DG’s
• National Ministries responsible for implementing international Conventions (e.g. Kyoto Protocol, UNCBD) and national forest legislation, monitoring, management and protection
• National, regional and local forest and environmental authorities
• Private sector
• NGO’s

Consulting Expertise - Forest Mapping