Forest degradation sub-national assessments: Monitoring options for Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam

Abstract

Techniques for monitoring deforestation and associated changes to forest carbon stocks are widespread and well published. In contrast, techniques for monitoring forest degradation are relatively untested in developing countries despite their inclusion in UNFCCC REDD+ negotiations. The Lowering Emissions in Asia's Forests (LEAF) program of the United States Agency for International Development/Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) is working to address issues and challenges regarding forest degradation monitoring. The United States Forest Service was asked by LEAF and its partner organizations to assess options for monitoring forest degradation at sub-national levels in three Mekong countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. The study areas included the Central Cardamom Protection Forest in southwestern Cambodia (401,000 Ha), the Xamtai and Viengxay Districts in the Houaphanh province of northern Lao PDR (541,000 Ha), and the district of Con Cuong, in Nghe An Province of north-central Vietnam (175,000 Ha).

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the international workshop on monitoring forest degradation in Southeast Asia

Citation

Turner, Rick; Halperin, James; Manley, Patricia; Mortenson, Leif. 2013. Forest degradation sub-national assessments: Monitoring options for Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. In: Mortenson, Leif A.; Halperin, James J.; Manley, Patricia N.; Turner, Rich L., eds. Proceedings of the international workshop on monitoring forest degradation in Southeast Asia. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-246. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 39.