Tree-level biomass maps for Africa

Introduction

Trees outside forests make up more than one quarter of the tree cover in Africa, but there is currently a lack of efficient and reliable monitoring systems for trees outside forests. Previous research suggests that most forest and landscape restoration (FLR) is occurring outside of contiguous forests, particularly in agroforestry systems.

Monitoring Challenges

This implies that trees on fields, in particular those of smallholder farmers, as well as trees in restoration and plantation areas cannot be effectively and rapidly monitored. The ERC project TOFDRY has developed methods and tools that can fulfill these tasks, but the project outputs are not harmonized and not operational.

Project Goals

The TREEMAP project aims at moving research into practical and needed application in Africa that facilitates the use of tree-level biomass maps with end-users, such as governmental authorities or NGOs. TREEMAP will conduct a user needs assessment and harmonize TOFDRY methods to develop operational products at two scales:

1. Local/regional scale tree-level biomass maps using sub-meter resolution imagery.
2. Annual high-resolution biomass maps at national scale based on PlanetScope images, with a focus on dynamics in farmlands and restoration/plantation areas.

Dissemination and Partnerships

Finally, TREEMAP will disseminate and distribute demo-products to end-users. TREEMAP will partner with AUDA-NEPAD, who is setting up in-country institutional arrangements to enable multi-sector use of the biomass maps.

Impact of TREEMAP Products

TREEMAP products will generate visibility on and verification of FLR efforts that can attract climate finance. Tree-level biomass maps contribute to:

• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories
• The Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) reporting
• Potential participation in carbon markets

Placing highly accurate, user-friendly, regularly updated, analysis-ready products in the hands of non-experts in Africa allows widespread participation in FLR monitoring and carbon markets.