Subnational | PANORAMA

Satellite Data

Screenshot of the existing F4F-Dashboard application

Satellite data forms the bedrock of the 3LD-Monitoring system, harnessing the capabilities of open-source imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 and LANDSAT satellites. An algorithm, meticulously developed by Remote Sensing Solutions (RSS) GmbH, revolutionizes this process. Users can seamlessly submit the shapefile of their area of interest, prompting the algorithm to automatically fetch and analyze relevant data. A spectrum of robust analyses are conducted including the 5-year vegetation trend using NDVI for assessing vegetation gains or losses, 5-year vegetation moisture analysis through NDWI, and a nuanced 5-year rainfall trend evaluation. Additionally, the algorithm facilitates the visualization of vegetation changes since the inception of the project, bolstering the monitoring framework with dynamic insights. Satellite data, a vital component of the 3LDM-Monitoring system, leverages open-source imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission and LANDSAT satellites. For predefined areas, this data is automatically fetched and analyzed for specific parameters. Key analyses include a 5-year vegetation trend using NDVI as a proxy for vegetation gains or losses, a 5-year vegetation moisture trend through NDWI, and a 5-year rainfall trend. In addition vegetation changes from project start can be visualized.

Effective use of this building block hinges on users drawing and saving areas in GIS platforms like QGIS. Additionally, enhancing the shapefile with project specifics, such as start dates and FLR type, optimizes analysis. Proper training in these skills ensures accurate data input and tailored monitoring, making capacity building in these areas essential if not present.

While satellite data, especially open-source, offers broad insights, its capability for species identification is highly restricted, if not unattainable. This limitation emphasizes the indispensable role of field work in discerning species composition and characteristics. Additionally, understanding the innate constraints of satellite imagery, especially with young tree plantations, reinforces the need for integrating field and drone data to gain a comprehensive view of forest terrains.

Field Data

Team setting up sample plots in mangroves (Madagascar)

Satellite and drone images, despite their undeniable contribution for monitoring, they are limited in the initial years of FLR efforts. Data collection at field level is crucial in the first projects years.

Data collection at field level is further divided into three participative approaches:

Permanent sampling plots: Fixed plots, where tree height, DBH, and tree survival rates will be estimated. Permanent sampling plots will be assessed in 3-year interval, due to their high labor and time input.
Land use planning: discussion rounds for the assessment of information, as well as identification of endangered species according to the Red List of Threatened Species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). It is integrated into other land use planning processes, and thus, has not a defined assessment interval.
Transects: Identification of floristic and faunistic species, as well as forest structure composition, in an assessment interval of three months

All relevant indicators included in the three participative approaches are collected using the KOBO Toolbox. This software offers suitable conditions and is easy to operate, aligning with the monitoring objectives of the project.

A participative approach is essential in guaranteeing a long-term monitoring of the restored areas. The symbiosis of local knowledge and training/capacity building of local staff and regional partners is the core of this approach. Identifying the needs of the community, organizing discussion rounds, involving the local community in the developing and testing of the monitoring system, encourages consciousness and connection to the restored landscape.

Field Data Priority: In early FLR stages, field-level data collection is more effective than relying solely on satellite and drone images.
Participative Approaches: Employing participative methods like permanent sampling plots, land use planning, and transects involves local communities and enhances monitoring.
Appropriate Technology: Using user-friendly tools like KOBO Toolbox aligns well with project objectives and simplifies data collection.
Local Community Engagement: Engaging and training local communities ensures long-term success and fosters a connection to the restored landscapes.

West and Central Africa

East and South Africa

Triple Level Digital Monitoring (3LDM) - Remote sensing and IT solutions for monitoring Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR)

Manding

Suwareh

Field Data

Satellite Data

Drone Data

Assessing and strengthening institutional capacity for mainstreaming landscape restoration in sectoral plans

To ensure landscape restoration is adequately mainstreamed in sectoral and local action plans, TRI Tanzania undertook an assessment on institutional capacity for mainstreaming restoration in institutions with mandates related to SLR. The undertaking aims at identifying key capacity gaps and generating recommendations for enhancing institutional capacity for mainstreaming landscape restoration in the target plans. Target sectors are those with mandates relevant to SLR such as agriculture, livestock, land, water and mining. On enabling Ministerial mandates and operational arrangements, the assessment revealed low levels of staffing and competence on SLR. In terms of supportive policy and legal instruments, existing sectoral policies and strategies need to be reviewed and updated to accommodate emerging environmental global issues and ambitions. Cross-sectoral coordination structures exist, most of which are passive with limited capacities to coordinate SLR. Identified gaps and recommendations will inform the design and implementation of capacity building modules and programmes to enhance restoration integration in cross sectoral plans. Continuous strengthening of institutional capacity is a critical step towards supporting environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation in Tanzania.

TRI was able to build institutional capacity for mainstreaming SLR because of the expertise the project gathered. Other major factors are interest and willingness of target Ministries and Local Government authorities in participating in the assessment. The effectiveness of the capacity building programme depends on the extent that it reflects and addresses stakeholder issues. Critically, the participatory ROAM assessment informed the National Environmental Masterplan formulation process and ensured the right areas were prioritized in recommendations.

The existence of conservation regulatory frameworks alone is insufficient to advance and sustain restoration objectives in the face of competing sectoral priorities and land uses. A critical process is integration of restoration in sectoral and local action plans. Mainstreaming is critical for minimizing negative impacts of regulatory frameworks on SLR and maximizing synergies between restoration and development objectives. By undertaking assessment and delivering tailored trainings, TRI Tanzania has learned how to strengthen institutional capacity for mainstreaming SLR in sectoral and local plans. Institutional capacity for mainstreaming SLR comprises of both in-house technical capacity and adequacy of regulatory frameworks. Identification and assessment of the relevancy and strength of existing frameworks defines the nature of impact of such frameworks on SLR.

Implementation

Subnational

National

Facilitating the Integration of Natural Resource Management and FLR Policies at the County and Local Levels

TRI has worked to integrate natural resource management and FLR policies at the county and local levels by facilitating the elaboration of multiple county policies. This includes the creation of a policy influence plan (PIP) to mainstream FOLAREP within county units and enable effective integrated restoration that targets multiple benefits for both people and the environment. TRI also provided technical input and logistical support for the creation of three County Environment Action Plans in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Laikipia counties. The final action plans have been drafted with validation workshops to take place now that recent elections have concluded. Once validated, the plans will go through the county assembly where they can be approved and actualized. These policies will facilitate the implementation of FOLAREP and further promote FLR with greater local context in the three counties. Furthermore, Isiolo County has developed a County Climate Change Policy and a County Rangeland management bill that both await approval. Additionally, the county produced a County Prosopis species management plan that has been operationalised.

To be able to elaborate these county policies, TRI benefited from a willingness from county officials to implement policies that included FLR and sustainable natural resource management measures as well as the enthusiastic participation of local leaders in the consultations and workshops needed to draft the action plans. Without the political will to pursue FLR policies, the action plans would not have been able to be drafted.

Throughout the process of creating the various county policies, TRI was able to learn lessons around how county policies and regulatory frameworks can be better suited to effectively integrate FLR in natural resource management and implement national FLR policies. The process also provided a road-map on how to elaborate and adopt policies at the county level. By working to develop the county action plans, TRI now knows better how to successfully enact future policies further promoting FLR and sustainable natural resource management.

Implementation

Subnational

Policy Influencing Plan

West and Central Africa

Strengthening national and county level policy and regulatory frameworks to support forest and landscape restoration in Kenya

Adriana

Vidal, IUCN

Developing a Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) Implementation Action Plan and Monitoring Framework

Facilitating the Integration of Natural Resource Management and FLR Policies at the County and Local Levels

Developing a Policy Framework for the Sustainable Commercialization of Non-Timber Forest Products and Services

Reviewing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks to Promote the Use of Innovative and Sustainable Financial Mechanisms

TRI Pakistan reviewed policy and regulatory frameworks to identify, understand, and facilitate the use of innovative and sustainable financial mechanisms such as payment for ecosystems and services and targeted funs at district level for providing incentives for ecosystem services (PES). This includes an initial scoping mission to assess the feasibility of payment for ecosystem services, which includes training 26 participants on ecosystem services valuation, incentives, and PES. This PES scheme was piloted in Chitral with a consultant engaged in studying the various options for generating resources for conservation and sustainable land management of the Chilgoza Forest. TRI Pakistan also produced an economic valuation study of the Chilgoza Forest ecosystem services, which outlined to the government how much economic gain FLR and sustainable land management can provide and pushed decision makers to allocate greater resources to forest restoration. Additionally, TRI Pakistan convened capacity building workshops of hundreds of staff on the use of fuel-efficient stoves and gasifiers. Together, this review allowed TRI Pakistan to learn more about potential FLR interventions and conservation incentives.

To be able to review frameworks that facilitate the use of innovative and sustainable financial mechanisms, TRI Pakistan needed to train participants on schemes like the payment for ecosystem services and on the use of technology like fuel efficient stoves and gasifiers. With trainings, participants could implement the interventions and provide enough data on their feasibility. Additionally, providing government bodies with an economic valuation study that shows the value of restoration will prove invaluable in pursuing FLR policies.

Reviewing policy and regulatory frameworks that could promote innovative and sustainable financial mechanisms taught TRI Pakistan about the feasibility of potential interventions to facilitate restoration and sustainable land management in Chilgoza Forest ecosystems. Studying the effects and implementation of payments for ecosystem service as well as the use of fuel-efficient stoves and gasifiers, TRI Pakistan learned how the mechanisms affected restoration and whether they were interventions worth pursuing. Using these findings, the team was able to make better recommendations for policies being elaborated. Additionally, the economic valuation study of the Chilgoza forests ecosystem services provided TRI Pakistan with critical information showing the economic value restoration and sustainable land management could provide for communities. This further allowed TRI Pakistan to provide recommendations and pursue policy development as the study also shows government bodies drafting policy the economic potential of FLR.

Implementation

Subnational

National

Developing policy and regulatory frameworks to promote restoration, sustainable land management, and emissions reductions

TRI CAR is actively working to facilitate the development of policy and regulatory frameworks that promote restoration, sustainable land management, the maintenance and enhancement of carbon stocks in forests and other lands uses, and emission reductions from the land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector and agriculture. This includes initiating discussions with the Ministry of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Fishing on the revision process of CAR’s forest policy. TRI CAR will bring all of the stakeholders together to define and plan the process of revision and provide the ministry with technical input. TRI CAR is also conducting documentary analysis of local development plans of five forest communities – Mbata, Mongoumba, Nola, Pissa, and Yobé – and is in discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Territorial Planning to develop a joint management plan for the southwest territory so the local development plans can be implemented in a broader vision. Additionally, TRI CAR is helping upgrade the Wood Energy Supply Plan (WISDOM) in Bangui with recommendations developed from research on wood energy production and market.

TRI CAR is able to help develop policies support FLR and sustainable land management because of the political will of CAR’s major ministries to improving laws and regulations to support its restoration goals. It is also possible because of TRI CAR’s ability to bring together the various stakeholders implicated in the LULUCF sector and restoration activities in CAR. Without input and recommendations from the numerous actors, the policies could not as adequately address the diverse priorities of everyone affected by FLR.

Through the process of helping CAR’s various ministries update policies related to restoration, sustainable land management, and emissions reductions, TRI CAR has learned multiple lessons around the process of policy elaboration in CAR and how policy updates can better address the needs of the various stakeholders. Between working with the Ministry of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Fishing on the revision of the country’s forest policy and the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Territorial Planning on developing a joint management plan for the southwest territory to better implement the local development plans, TRI CAR is learning how the different ministries approach policy development and how the team can work with them all to ensure policy cohesion across sectors. Additionally, in its work to provide information on the market and practices of wood energy production in Bangui, TRI CAR has gained knowledge around how wood energy can affect restoration and how best to approach its management.

Implementation

Subnational

National

South Asia

Strengthening and Implementing National and Provincial FLR Policies and Legal Frameworks to Maximize Sustainable Land Management in Chilgoza Forest Ecosystem

Leah

Bronstein

Developing Forest Management and Landscape Restoration Frameworks for Chilgoza Forest Ecosystems

Reviewing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks to Promote the Use of Innovative and Sustainable Financial Mechanisms

Creating Legal Documents Supporting FLR Strategy in South Kivu

To further strengthen DRC’s legal and regulatory framework to ensure it is supportive of FLR, TRI DRC worked to develop two legal documents that will work with the provincial strategy to facilitate FLR in South Kivu. One of the documents outlines the management of bushfires, including when and how they should be dealt be with, while the other document focused on sustainable land management and the promotion of FLR. To help produce the two legal documents, TRI DRC worked with Rights Empower, an organization holding expertise on legal affairs, provided technical input to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, which created the drafts. In a similar timeline to the provincial strategy, the two legal documents have received technical validation and now waits provincial approval and a signature from the governor. To ensure these documents move through, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has confirmed it will provide funding to guide the approval process.

TRI DRC was able to provide technical input and assist the development of the two legal documents because of the help and legal expertise from Rights Empower as well as the commitment from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Working with an organization with legal expertise, TRI DRC was better able to provide input on the documents and push from the Ministry will help ensure the documents are enacted.

Working to develop the two legal documents to enhance the FLR regulatory landscape, TRI DRC learned the ways in which supporting policies can further facilitate the uptake of FLR and aid the implementation of major policies such as the provincial strategy. Having supporting legal documents has also shown that while major strategies can be comprehensive and work to address any gaps, additional legal structures will further outline priority actions and aid the implementation of FLR policies on the ground. Additionally, working with Rights Empower, TRI DRC also gained insight into the legal aspects of FLR policy and how legal documents can differ from overarching strategies and masterplans.

Implementation

Subnational