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<p>Global Forest Watch (GFW) is constantly being updated to reflect the most recent and accurate data related to forests. To that end, we’ve updated the political boundaries available on GFW to the most recent version from the Database of Global Administrative Areas (GADM), an open-source political boundary data set. This update ensures that the map, statistics and analyses on GFW use the latest and most accurate information.</p>



<p>With this update, you may observe some changes that are important to be aware of, including changes to the names of political areas; the boundaries for countries, regions and subregions; map functionality around disputed areas; information in forest change and fire alert emails; and data set statistics.</p>



<p>This blog will walk through each of these changes — read on to learn more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is changing and who do these changes affect?</h2>



<p>For many years, GFW has used <a href="https://gadm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GADM boundaries</a> as political boundaries for analyses of geospatial data hosted on GFW. When a user performs an analysis of a political boundary on the map or views statistics for a country on the dashboards, they are seeing statistics for a GADM boundary.</p>



<p>In this recent update, we moved from GADM version 3.6 to version 4.1 to provide newer and more accurate information, including renamed areas, adjustments to political borders and more.</p>



<p>Please note, however, that there are various sources of political boundaries available. You can <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/analyze-data-map/">view instructions in our Help Center</a> on how to upload shapefiles of an alternative country, region or subregion’s boundary.</p>



<p>At the time of this article’s publication, this change is only relevant to the main GFW site, map and dashboards. GFW Pro will also update its political boundaries soon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which areas are affected by this update?</h2>



<p>This update includes changes in boundaries across the globe at different levels. GADM labels these different levels as “administrative units,” and breaks them down as follows: “admin 0” refers to country level, “admin 1” refers to state/province level, and “admin 2” refers to county/district level.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Country boundaries</h3>



<p>There is no official changelog available from GADM for this update, but our team has identified several changes to country boundaries. We saw small but noticeable differences in the borders of approximately 10 countries: Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Togo and Uruguay.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Subnational boundaries</h3>



<p>Our analysis also revealed several updated subnational boundaries.</p>



<p>Multiple countries added or removed regions (admin 2 areas):</p>



<table>
    <tr>
        <td>Countries</td>
        <td>Number of regions in GADM 3.6</td>
        <td>Number of regions in GADM 4.1</td>
        <td>Change </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Colombia</td>
        <td>1065</td>
        <td>1119</td>
        <td>+54 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Togo</td>
        <td>21</td>
        <td>40</td>
        <td>+19 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Djibouti</td>
        <td>11</td>
        <td>21</td>
        <td>+10 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Brunei</td>
        <td>32</td>
        <td>39</td>
        <td>+7 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>American Samoa</td>
        <td>16</td>
        <td>17</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Benin</td>
        <td>76</td>
        <td>77</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Chile</td>
        <td>54</td>
        <td>55</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Costa Rica</td>
        <td>81</td>
        <td>82</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Australia</td>
        <td>569</td>
        <td>568</td>
        <td>-1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Kenya</td>
        <td>301</td>
        <td>300</td>
        <td>-1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Ukraine</td>
        <td>629</td>
        <td>628</td>
        <td>-1 </td>
    </tr>
</table>



<p></p>



<p>At the subnational level, we noted some changes in names, identification codes and/or borders, especially in West and Southern Africa, Central America, South America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The yellow areas of the map below show the updated admin 2 areas that were changed: &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="885" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gadm_changes_gold-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18783" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gadm_changes_gold-1.png 1500w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gadm_changes_gold-1-1024x604.png 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gadm_changes_gold-1-768x453.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disputed boundaries</h3>



<p>One major change in this update is that some politically disputed boundaries are no longer included in any country or subnational analysis (note that GADM does not include all disputed boundaries in their data).</p>



<p>With this update, disputed areas are only included in global analysis available on the dashboards. This is because the previous GADM version (3.6) did not delineate disputed boundaries, but GADM 4.1 does: in version 4.1, disputed areas are separated from adjacent admin areas and have their own identification codes. This will mean that the GFW country analyses will no longer include any areas GADM identifies as politically disputed.</p>



<p>For example, the disputed region of Kashmir between China, Pakistan and India is now delineated in version 4.1.</p>



<div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/22364626?163031"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script><noscript><img decoding="async" src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/22364626/thumbnail" width="100%" alt="photo-slider visualization" /></noscript></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How will this update affect GFW data and statistics?</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Analyses</h3>



<p>With this update, any changes in area boundaries will result in some changes to statistics and results of analyses. If you’d like to compare the previous and new version of your admin area, we recommend downloading the 3.6 version for the chosen area via the <a href="https://gadm.org/old_versions.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GADM site</a> and comparing it to the same area on the GFW map or dashboard. Please see <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/analyze-data-map/">this article in our Help Center</a> for instructions on how to upload shapefiles<strong><em>.</em></strong></p>



<p>As an example of this type of change, there are now five provinces in Kalimantan, Indonesia instead of four: Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan) has split into two areas — <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IDN/34/?location=WyJjb3VudHJ5IiwiSUROIiwiMzQiXQ%3D%3D&map=eyJjYW5Cb3VuZCI6dHJ1ZX0%3D">Kalimantan Timur</a> and <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IDN/35/?map=eyJjYW5Cb3VuZCI6dHJ1ZX0%3D">Kalimantan Utara (North Kalimantan)</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alert subscriptions and areas saved to MyGFW accounts</h3>



<p>Users will no longer receive alert subscription emails for countries, regions or subregions saved to their MyGFW account before April 29, 2025<strong><em>.</em></strong></p>



<p>To make this change more convenient, we automatically updated political boundaries for saved countries, regions and subregions that maintained the same name between GADM versions 3.6 and 4.1. Users whose areas were automatically updated will receive an email notifying them of this change.</p>



<p>However, if you did not receive an email from us or have multiple saved political boundaries, we recommend that you re-save relevant areas of interest to your MyGFW account:</p>



<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>Navigate to your <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/my-gfw/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=email1&utm_campaign=gadmupdate">MyGFW account</a> and look for areas marked with an “outdated area, notifications paused” tag.</li>



<li>Once you have noted the country, region or subregion that is no longer receiving alert emails, navigate to <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=email1&utm_campaign=gadmupdate">www.globalforestwatch.org/map</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/?map=eyJkYXRhc2V0cyI6W3siZGF0YXNldCI6InBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIiwibGF5ZXJzIjpbImRpc3B1dGVkLXBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIiwicG9saXRpY2FsLWJvdW5kYXJpZXMiXSwiYm91bmRhcnkiOnRydWUsIm9wYWNpdHkiOjEsInZpc2liaWxpdHkiOnRydWV9XX0%3D&mapMenu=eyJtZW51U2VjdGlvbiI6InNlYXJjaCJ9&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email1&utm_campaign=gadmupdate">Search for the area</a> or navigate to it.</li>



<li>Click on the area, select “analyze,” and then select “save in MyGFW.”</li>



<li>Customize the saved area by selecting a name, tags, alert notifications and more, and then click “save.”</li>
</ol>



<p>You will then continue to receive alert notification emails for this area.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Embeds and URLs</h3>



<p>Embeds of and links to countries, regions and subregions on the dashboard and map may now show or link to new areas. This is due to the GADM identification code changing between versions.</p>



<p>If you are using an embed that shows a political boundary, we recommend checking that it still shows the area you originally chose; if the area’s identifier changed, the embed may show an entirely new area.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Example from Ghana where the embed shows a new area due to the area identifier changing</h4>



<iframe loading="lazy" width="670" height="490" frameborder="0" src="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/map/?mainMap=eyJzaG93QW5hbHlzaXMiOnRydWV9&map=eyJjZW50ZXIiOnsibGF0Ijo2LjkxNjA4ODMwOTEyNDQ2MiwibG5nIjotMC4zOTI1OTAxODgxNzM3Mzk5fSwiem9vbSI6OC42ODQxODM4MTA0ODgzNTMsImNhbkJvdW5kIjpmYWxzZSwiZGF0YXNldHMiOlt7ImRhdGFzZXQiOiJwb2xpdGljYWwtYm91bmRhcmllcyIsImxheWVycyI6WyJkaXNwdXRlZC1wb2xpdGljYWwtYm91bmRhcmllcyIsInBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIl0sImJvdW5kYXJ5Ijp0cnVlLCJvcGFjaXR5IjoxLCJ2aXNpYmlsaXR5Ijp0cnVlfV19&mapMenu=eyJzZWFyY2giOiJzZW5lLCBnaGFuYSJ9&mapPrompts=eyJvcGVuIjp0cnVlLCJzdGVwc0tleSI6InJlY2VudEltYWdlcnkifQ%3D%3D"></iframe>



<p>If you saved a URL that links to a political boundary, we also recommend checking that the URL still shows the desired area of interest. If it does not, follow <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/how-to-use-map-dashboards/">these instructions</a> on how you can search for an area on the map and dashboards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can I ask questions and get help?</h2>



<p>The GFW team aims to provide the latest forest monitoring updates for users and support your use of the GFW platform, and we highly value your feedback. If you have feedback on these changes or need help, please contact us at <a href="mailto:gfw@wri.org">gfw@wri.org.</a></p>



<style type="text/css"></style>

Global Forest Watch Has Updated Political Boundaries — Here’s What You Should Know

<p>Global Forest Watch (GFW) is constantly being updated to reflect the most recent and accurate data related to forests. To that end, we’ve updated the political boundaries available on GFW to the most recent version from the Database of Global Administrative Areas (GADM), an open-source political boundary data set. This update ensures that the map, statistics and analyses on GFW use the latest and most accurate information.</p>



<p>With this update, you may observe some changes that are important to be aware of, including changes to the names of political areas; the boundaries for countries, regions and subregions; map functionality around disputed areas; information in forest change and fire alert emails; and data set statistics.</p>



<p>This blog will walk through each of these changes — read on to learn more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is changing and who do these changes affect?</h2>



<p>For many years, GFW has used <a href="https://gadm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GADM boundaries</a> as political boundaries for analyses of geospatial data hosted on GFW. When a user performs an analysis of a political boundary on the map or views statistics for a country on the dashboards, they are seeing statistics for a GADM boundary.</p>



<p>In this recent update, we moved from GADM version 3.6 to version 4.1 to provide newer and more accurate information, including renamed areas, adjustments to political borders and more.</p>



<p>Please note, however, that there are various sources of political boundaries available. You can <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/analyze-data-map/">view instructions in our Help Center</a> on how to upload shapefiles of an alternative country, region or subregion’s boundary.</p>



<p>At the time of this article’s publication, this change is only relevant to the main GFW site, map and dashboards. GFW Pro will also update its political boundaries soon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which areas are affected by this update?</h2>



<p>This update includes changes in boundaries across the globe at different levels. GADM labels these different levels as “administrative units,” and breaks them down as follows: “admin 0” refers to country level, “admin 1” refers to state/province level, and “admin 2” refers to county/district level.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Country boundaries</h3>



<p>There is no official changelog available from GADM for this update, but our team has identified several changes to country boundaries. We saw small but noticeable differences in the borders of approximately 10 countries: Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Togo and Uruguay.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Subnational boundaries</h3>



<p>Our analysis also revealed several updated subnational boundaries.</p>



<p>Multiple countries added or removed regions (admin 2 areas):</p>



<table>
    <tr>
        <td>Countries</td>
        <td>Number of regions in GADM 3.6</td>
        <td>Number of regions in GADM 4.1</td>
        <td>Change </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Colombia</td>
        <td>1065</td>
        <td>1119</td>
        <td>+54 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Togo</td>
        <td>21</td>
        <td>40</td>
        <td>+19 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Djibouti</td>
        <td>11</td>
        <td>21</td>
        <td>+10 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Brunei</td>
        <td>32</td>
        <td>39</td>
        <td>+7 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>American Samoa</td>
        <td>16</td>
        <td>17</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Benin</td>
        <td>76</td>
        <td>77</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Chile</td>
        <td>54</td>
        <td>55</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Costa Rica</td>
        <td>81</td>
        <td>82</td>
        <td>+1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Australia</td>
        <td>569</td>
        <td>568</td>
        <td>-1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Kenya</td>
        <td>301</td>
        <td>300</td>
        <td>-1 </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Ukraine</td>
        <td>629</td>
        <td>628</td>
        <td>-1 </td>
    </tr>
</table>



<p></p>



<p>At the subnational level, we noted some changes in names, identification codes and/or borders, especially in West and Southern Africa, Central America, South America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The yellow areas of the map below show the updated admin 2 areas that were changed: &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gadm_changes_gold-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18783"/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disputed boundaries</h3>



<p>One major change in this update is that some politically disputed boundaries are no longer included in any country or subnational analysis (note that GADM does not include all disputed boundaries in their data).</p>



<p>With this update, disputed areas are only included in global analysis available on the dashboards. This is because the previous GADM version (3.6) did not delineate disputed boundaries, but GADM 4.1 does: in version 4.1, disputed areas are separated from adjacent admin areas and have their own identification codes. This will mean that the GFW country analyses will no longer include any areas GADM identifies as politically disputed.</p>



<p>For example, the disputed region of Kashmir between China, Pakistan and India is now delineated in version 4.1.</p>



<div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/22364626?163031"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script><noscript><img src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/22364626/thumbnail" width="100%" alt="photo-slider visualization" /></noscript></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How will this update affect GFW data and statistics?</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Analyses</h3>



<p>With this update, any changes in area boundaries will result in some changes to statistics and results of analyses. If you’d like to compare the previous and new version of your admin area, we recommend downloading the 3.6 version for the chosen area via the <a href="https://gadm.org/old_versions.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GADM site</a> and comparing it to the same area on the GFW map or dashboard. Please see <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/analyze-data-map/">this article in our Help Center</a> for instructions on how to upload shapefiles<strong><em>.</em></strong></p>



<p>As an example of this type of change, there are now five provinces in Kalimantan, Indonesia instead of four: Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan) has split into two areas — <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IDN/34/?location=WyJjb3VudHJ5IiwiSUROIiwiMzQiXQ%3D%3D&amp;map=eyJjYW5Cb3VuZCI6dHJ1ZX0%3D">Kalimantan Timur</a> and <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IDN/35/?map=eyJjYW5Cb3VuZCI6dHJ1ZX0%3D">Kalimantan Utara (North Kalimantan)</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alert subscriptions and areas saved to MyGFW accounts</h3>



<p>Users will no longer receive alert subscription emails for countries, regions or subregions saved to their MyGFW account before April 29, 2025<strong><em>.</em></strong></p>



<p>To make this change more convenient, we automatically updated political boundaries for saved countries, regions and subregions that maintained the same name between GADM versions 3.6 and 4.1. Users whose areas were automatically updated will receive an email notifying them of this change.</p>



<p>However, if you did not receive an email from us or have multiple saved political boundaries, we recommend that you re-save relevant areas of interest to your MyGFW account:</p>



<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>Navigate to your <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/my-gfw/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=email1&amp;utm_campaign=gadmupdate">MyGFW account</a> and look for areas marked with an “outdated area, notifications paused” tag.</li>



<li>Once you have noted the country, region or subregion that is no longer receiving alert emails, navigate to <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=email1&amp;utm_campaign=gadmupdate">www.globalforestwatch.org/map</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/?map=eyJkYXRhc2V0cyI6W3siZGF0YXNldCI6InBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIiwibGF5ZXJzIjpbImRpc3B1dGVkLXBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIiwicG9saXRpY2FsLWJvdW5kYXJpZXMiXSwiYm91bmRhcnkiOnRydWUsIm9wYWNpdHkiOjEsInZpc2liaWxpdHkiOnRydWV9XX0%3D&amp;mapMenu=eyJtZW51U2VjdGlvbiI6InNlYXJjaCJ9&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=email1&amp;utm_campaign=gadmupdate">Search for the area</a> or navigate to it.</li>



<li>Click on the area, select “analyze,” and then select “save in MyGFW.”</li>



<li>Customize the saved area by selecting a name, tags, alert notifications and more, and then click “save.”</li>
</ol>



<p>You will then continue to receive alert notification emails for this area.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Embeds and URLs</h3>



<p>Embeds of and links to countries, regions and subregions on the dashboard and map may now show or link to new areas. This is due to the GADM identification code changing between versions.</p>



<p>If you are using an embed that shows a political boundary, we recommend checking that it still shows the area you originally chose; if the area’s identifier changed, the embed may show an entirely new area.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Example from Ghana where the embed shows a new area due to the area identifier changing</h4>



<iframe width="670" height="490" frameborder="0" src="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/map/?mainMap=eyJzaG93QW5hbHlzaXMiOnRydWV9&map=eyJjZW50ZXIiOnsibGF0Ijo2LjkxNjA4ODMwOTEyNDQ2MiwibG5nIjotMC4zOTI1OTAxODgxNzM3Mzk5fSwiem9vbSI6OC42ODQxODM4MTA0ODgzNTMsImNhbkJvdW5kIjpmYWxzZSwiZGF0YXNldHMiOlt7ImRhdGFzZXQiOiJwb2xpdGljYWwtYm91bmRhcmllcyIsImxheWVycyI6WyJkaXNwdXRlZC1wb2xpdGljYWwtYm91bmRhcmllcyIsInBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIl0sImJvdW5kYXJ5Ijp0cnVlLCJvcGFjaXR5IjoxLCJ2aXNpYmlsaXR5Ijp0cnVlfV19&mapMenu=eyJzZWFyY2giOiJzZW5lLCBnaGFuYSJ9&mapPrompts=eyJvcGVuIjp0cnVlLCJzdGVwc0tleSI6InJlY2VudEltYWdlcnkifQ%3D%3D"></iframe>



<p>If you saved a URL that links to a political boundary, we also recommend checking that the URL still shows the desired area of interest. If it does not, follow <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/how-to-use-map-dashboards/">these instructions</a> on how you can search for an area on the map and dashboards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can I ask questions and get help?</h2>



<p>The GFW team aims to provide the latest forest monitoring updates for users and support your use of the GFW platform, and we highly value your feedback. If you have feedback on these changes or need help, please contact us at <a href="mailto:gfw@wri.org">gfw@wri.org.</a></p>



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Global Forest Watch Has Updated Political Boundaries — Here's What You Should Know

We’ve updated the political boundaries available on GFW using the latest and most accurate information. Learn about the changes in our blog.

Global Forest Watch has Updated Political Boundaries

Global Forest Watch Has Updated Political Boundaries — Here&#8217;s What You Should Know

Users In Action

Hear stories from the forest defenders working in the field.

Users In Action | Global Forest Watch Blog

deforestation

deforestation | Global Forest Watch Blog

Indonesia

Indonesia | Global Forest Watch Blog

logging

logging | Global Forest Watch Blog

Mirzha Hanifah

Benita Nathania

Deden Pramudyana

Harnessing Technology, Raising a New Generation of Forest Monitors

WRI Indonesia and the IFM Fund are laying the groundwork for a new generation of forest monitors to contribute to environmental protection in Indonesia.

Harnessing Technology, Raising a New Generation of Forest Monitors | Users In Action | Global Forest Watch Blog

restoration

restoration | Global Forest Watch Blog

Katie Reytar

Victoria Rachmaninoff

René Zamora-Cristales

Peter Potapov

Tree Cover Is Still Declining Overall in Latin America, but New Data Shows Where It’s Coming Back

New analysis from WRI and UMD shows that while Latin America lost more tree cover than it gained from 2015 to 2023, restoration progress is being made.

Tree Cover Is Still Declining Overall in Latin America, but New Data Shows Where It’s Coming Back | Forest Insights | Global Forest Watch Blog

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Did you use Planet satellite imagery on GFW? Please tell us how this change affects you in our <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8260607/Planet-blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short survey here</a>.</h3>



<p>Recent, high-resolution satellite imagery is essential for providing context to other data layers available on Global Forest Watch (GFW), such as interpreting drivers of tree cover change, identifying possible causes of near-real-time deforestation alerts, and in validation protocols to assess accuracy of land and forest cover and change products.</p>



<p>Launched in 2020, Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) partnered with Planet and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to provide high-resolution Planet imagery for free, including on GFW, through their Satellite Data Program.</p>



<p>However, the current phase of the program has ended, and <strong>Planet imagery is no longer available on GFW as of April 1, 2025</strong> — but GFW will continue to provide other satellite imagery. Here is what you need to know.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Planet imagery?</h2>



<p>Planet’s high-resolution, analysis-ready mosaics (single images that combine multiple satellite images) of the world’s tropics are natural color images using information from visible light (red, green and blue) to show Earth’s surface as it would appear to the human eye. They are available biannually from December 2015 – May 2020, quarterly for June 2020 – August 2020, and monthly since September 2020.</p>



<p>Over the last few years, many GFW users have benefitted from Planet data, such as organizations like Mighty Earth and HAkA <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/people/video-patrol-leuser-ecosystem-forest-defenders-haka/">combatting illegal deforestation</a>, those <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/data-and-tools/satellite-data-eu-regulation-deforestation-free-supply-chains/">responding to policies such as EUDR</a>, and those reporting on deforestation and other critical forest-related news like Mongabay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the changes to Planet on GFW?</h2>



<p><strong>Planet imagery was removed from GFW on April 1, 2025.</strong> This means that as of April 1, new Planet mosaics AND historical mosaics are no longer available on GFW.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What alternative satellite imagery can I use on GFW?</h2>



<p>GFW offers several other imagery sources that are already available to users and can be used to support their work. If resolution is most important, <a href="https://gfw.global/4hQKGAQ">Google satellite imagery</a>, which is available globally for the past 1-3 years, has a resolution that ranges from 15 meters to 15 centimeters depending on the location. For alternative sources of recent data, imagery from the <a href="https://gfw.global/4l7PnJi">Landsat 8 (30-meter resolution) and Sentinel-2A (10-meter resolution)</a> satellites is also available since 2012 and is updated daily on GFW.</p>



<p>Since all imagery has different characteristics (e.g. time periods available and update frequency), users should assess which is most suited to their needs.</p>



<p>To learn more about how to use the satellite imagery currently available on GFW to investigate forest change please <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/investigate-forest-change-satellite-imagery/">visit our Help Center</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will new satellite imagery be available through the NICFI program in the future?</h2>



<p>NICFI plans to continue the Satellite Data Program, however, they are in the process of developing a new phase, to be launched later this year. As part of this process, NICFI is evaluating satellite data providers as well as other details of the program (such as frequency and type of data).</p>



<p>Once NICFI is ready to launch the new phase of the Satellite Data Program, GFW will explore whether we will add any new satellite imagery to the platform.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can I stay updated on these changes?</h2>



<p>To stay up to date with the latest developments on the NICFI Satellite Data Program, please sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nicfi.no%2Fnewsletter%2F&data=05%7C02%7CIsabela.Barriga%40wri.org%7C51c383e67cd4426038fd08dd3a349078%7C476bac1f36b24ad98699cda6bad1f862%7C0%7C0%7C638730719665838145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qcUFo47GOA4SkhXMOI8EvdXKIUlFp4b1KpOYWi%2FjD2Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NICFI newsletter</a>. You can learn more about Planet in their <a href="https://support.planet.com/hc/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Help Center</a>.</p>



<p>We will also update this blog as new information is available. You can always see the latest updates about data changes and outages in the notifications on the GFW main menu:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1738" height="902" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18675" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board.png 1738w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board-1024x531.png 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board-768x399.png 768w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board-1536x797.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1738px) 100vw, 1738px" /></figure>



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Planet Imagery is No Longer Available on GFW — Here’s What You Should Know

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Did you use Planet satellite imagery on GFW? Please tell us how this change affects you in our <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8260607/Planet-blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short survey here</a>.</h3>



<p>Recent, high-resolution satellite imagery is essential for providing context to other data layers available on Global Forest Watch (GFW), such as interpreting drivers of tree cover change, identifying possible causes of near-real-time deforestation alerts, and in validation protocols to assess accuracy of land and forest cover and change products.</p>



<p>Launched in 2020, Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) partnered with Planet and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to provide high-resolution Planet imagery for free, including on GFW, through their Satellite Data Program.</p>



<p>However, the current phase of the program has ended, and <strong>Planet imagery is no longer available on GFW as of April 1, 2025</strong> — but GFW will continue to provide other satellite imagery. Here is what you need to know.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is Planet imagery?</h2>



<p>Planet’s high-resolution, analysis-ready mosaics (single images that combine multiple satellite images) of the world’s tropics are natural color images using information from visible light (red, green and blue) to show Earth’s surface as it would appear to the human eye. They are available biannually from December 2015 - May 2020, quarterly for June 2020 - August 2020, and monthly since September 2020.</p>



<p>Over the last few years, many GFW users have benefitted from Planet data, such as organizations like Mighty Earth and HAkA <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/people/video-patrol-leuser-ecosystem-forest-defenders-haka/">combatting illegal deforestation</a>, those <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/data-and-tools/satellite-data-eu-regulation-deforestation-free-supply-chains/">responding to policies such as EUDR</a>, and those reporting on deforestation and other critical forest-related news like Mongabay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the changes to Planet on GFW?</h2>



<p><strong>Planet imagery was removed from GFW on April 1, 2025.</strong> This means that as of April 1, new Planet mosaics AND historical mosaics are no longer available on GFW.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What alternative satellite imagery can I use on GFW?</h2>



<p>GFW offers several other imagery sources that are already available to users and can be used to support their work. If resolution is most important, <a href="https://gfw.global/4hQKGAQ">Google satellite imagery</a>, which is available globally for the past 1-3 years, has a resolution that ranges from 15 meters to 15 centimeters depending on the location. For alternative sources of recent data, imagery from the <a href="https://gfw.global/4l7PnJi">Landsat 8 (30-meter resolution) and Sentinel-2A (10-meter resolution)</a> satellites is also available since 2012 and is updated daily on GFW.</p>



<p>Since all imagery has different characteristics (e.g. time periods available and update frequency), users should assess which is most suited to their needs.</p>



<p>To learn more about how to use the satellite imagery currently available on GFW to investigate forest change please <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/investigate-forest-change-satellite-imagery/">visit our Help Center</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will new satellite imagery be available through the NICFI program in the future?</h2>



<p>NICFI plans to continue the Satellite Data Program, however, they are in the process of developing a new phase, to be launched later this year. As part of this process, NICFI is evaluating satellite data providers as well as other details of the program (such as frequency and type of data).</p>



<p>Once NICFI is ready to launch the new phase of the Satellite Data Program, GFW will explore whether we will add any new satellite imagery to the platform.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can I stay updated on these changes?</h2>



<p>To stay up to date with the latest developments on the NICFI Satellite Data Program, please sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nicfi.no%2Fnewsletter%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CIsabela.Barriga%40wri.org%7C51c383e67cd4426038fd08dd3a349078%7C476bac1f36b24ad98699cda6bad1f862%7C0%7C0%7C638730719665838145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=qcUFo47GOA4SkhXMOI8EvdXKIUlFp4b1KpOYWi%2FjD2Y%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NICFI newsletter</a>. You can learn more about Planet in their <a href="https://support.planet.com/hc/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Help Center</a>.</p>



<p>We will also update this blog as new information is available. You can always see the latest updates about data changes and outages in the notifications on the GFW main menu:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18675"/></figure>



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Planet Imagery is No Longer Available on GFW — Here's What You Should Know

<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Apakah Anda menggunakan citra satelit Planet di GFW? Beritahu kami bagaimana perubahan ini mempengaruhi Anda dalam </em></strong><a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8260607/Planet-blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>survei singkat kami di sini</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> </h3>



<p>Citra satelit resolusi tinggi terbaru sangat penting untuk memberikan konteks pada lapisan data lain yang tersedia di Global Forest Watch (GFW), seperti menginterpretasikan faktor pendorong perubahan tutupan pohon, mengidentifikasi kemungkinan penyebab peringatan deforestasi secara nyaris seketika, serta digunakan dalam proses validasi awal untuk menilai akurasi data tutupan dan perubahan hutan dan lahan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Diluncurkan pada 2020, Inisiatif Iklim dan Hutan Internasional Norwegia (NICFI) bekerja sama dengan Planet dan Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) untuk menyediakan citra resolusi tinggi dari Planet secara gratis, termasuk melalui platform GFW, lewat program mereka yang bernama Program Data Satelit.  </p>



<p>Namun, saat ini program tersebut telah berakhir, dan citra Planet tidak lagi tersedia di GFW per 1 April 2025, tetapi GFW akan terus menyediakan citra satelit lainnya. Inilah yang perlu Anda ketahui.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apa yang dimaksud dengan citra Planet? </h2>



<p>Citra Planet adalah mosaik resolusi tinggi yang siap dianalisis, yaitu gabungan dari beberapa citra satelit menjadi satu gambar utuh. Citra ini menampilkan kawasan tropis dalam warna alami, menggunakan kombinasi cahaya tampak (merah, hijau, dan biru) sehingga permukaan Bumi terlihat seperti yang tampak oleh mata manusia. Citra ini tersedia dua kali setahun dari Desember 2015 hingga Mei 2020, empat kali setahun pada periode Juni-Agustus 2020, dan setiap bulan sejak September 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Selama beberapa tahun terakhir, banyak pengguna GFW yang telah mendapatkan manfaat dari data Planet. Misalnya, organisasi seperti Mighty Earth dan Yayasan Hutan, Alam, dan Lingkungan Aceh (HAkA) <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/people/video-patrol-leuser-ecosystem-forest-defenders-haka/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dalam memerangi deforestasi</a>, para pihak yang <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/data-and-tools/satellite-data-eu-regulation-deforestation-free-supply-chains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">merespons kebijakan seperti EUDR</a>, serta media seperti Mongabay yang melaporkan deforestasi dan isu penting lainnya terkait hutan.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apa saja perubahan yang terjadi pada Citra Planet di GFW? </h2>



<p><strong>Mulai 1 April 2025, citra Planet telah dihapus dari platform GFW</strong>. Artinya, sejak tanggal tersebut, baik mosaik Planet terbaru DAN arsip mosaik sebelumnya sudah tidak lagi tersedia di GFW. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Citra satelit alternatif apa yang dapat saya gunakan di GFW? </h2>



<p>GFW masih menyediakan beberapa sumber citra satelit lain yang&nbsp; yang dapat digunakan untuk mendukung pekerjaan pengguna. Jika resolusi menjadi prioritas utama, <a href="https://gfw.global/4hQKGAQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citra satelit Google</a> bisa menjadi pilihan. Citra ini tersedia secara global untuk kurun waktu 1-3 tahun terakhir dengan resolusi yang berkisar antara 15 meter hingga 15 sentimeter tergantung pada lokasinya. Untuk sumber alternatif data terbaru, GFW juga menyediakan citra dari satelit <a href="https://gfw.global/4l7PnJi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat 8 (resolusi 30 meter) dan Sentinel-2A (resolusi 10 meter)</a> yang tersedia sejak tahun 2012 dan diperbarui setiap hari di GFW.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Karena masing-masing sumber citra satelit memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda (misalnya periode waktu yang tersedia dan frekuensi pembaruan), pengguna disarankan untuk menyesuaikan pilihan berdasarkan kebutuhan masing-masing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Untuk mempelajari lebih lanjut mengenai cara menggunakan citra satelit yang tersedia di GFW untuk menginvestigasi perubahan hutan, silakan kunjungi <a href="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/help/map/guides/investigate-forest-change-satellite-imagery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pusat Bantuan kami</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apakah akan ada citra satelit baru dari program NICFI di masa depan? </h2>



<p>NICFI berencana untuk melanjutkan Program Data Satelit, namun saat ini mereka sedang mempersiapkan fase baru yang akan diluncurkan akhir tahun ini. Dalam proses ini, NICFI sedang mengevaluasi penyedia data satelit serta berbagai aspek lain dari programnya, seperti frekuensi pembaruan dan jenis data yang akan disediakan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Setelah NICFI siap untuk meluncurkan fase baru dari Program Data Satelit, GFW akan mempertimbangkan kemungkinan untuk menambahkan citra satelit baru ke dalam platform ini.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bagaimana cara saya tetap mendapatkan informasi terbaru terkait perubahan ini? </h2>



<p>Untuk mengikuti perkembangan terbaru dari Program Data Satelit NICFI, silakan mendaftar ke <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nicfi.no%2Fnewsletter%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CIsabela.Barriga%40wri.org%7C51c383e67cd4426038fd08dd3a349078%7C476bac1f36b24ad98699cda6bad1f862%7C0%7C0%7C638730719665838145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=qcUFo47GOA4SkhXMOI8EvdXKIUlFp4b1KpOYWi%2FjD2Y%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buletin NICFI</a>. Anda juga bisa mempelajari lebih lanjut tentang Planet melalui <a href="https://support.planet.com/hc/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pusat Bantuan</a> mereka.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Kami akan terus memperbarui blog ini seiring dengan ketersediaan informasi baru. Selain itu, Anda juga bisa melihat update terkini mengenai perubahan data atau gangguan layanan melalui notifikasi pada menu utama GFW:&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GFW-notice-board.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18675"/></figure>



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Citra Planet Tidak Lagi Tersedia di GFW - Inilah yang Harus Anda Ketahui 

Planet imagery is no longer available on GFW as of April 1 2025, but GFW continues to provide other satellite imagery. Here's what you should know.

Planet Imagery is No Longer Available on GFW — Here&#8217;s What You Should Know

policy

policy | Global Forest Watch Blog

Giacomo Grassi

New Research Aligns Country and Global Satellite Data for Improved Forest Carbon Reporting

New research "translates" global forest carbon flux data into the same categories countries use to report their national GHG inventories.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity | Global Forest Watch Blog

forest quality

forest quality | Global Forest Watch Blog

mexico

mexico | Global Forest Watch Blog

Stephanie Borcea

Eligio García Serrano

Ramón Guadarrama León

Salvador Huitrón García

Elizabeth Espinoza Hernández

Fernanda González Kohrs

Erick Noé Huitrón García

<p>Every fall, one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural spectacles occurs amid the fir forests of central Mexico: Millions of monarch butterflies land here to find respite from the cooling winter temperatures in northeastern U.S. and Canada for their annual hibernation. It is a phenomenon that the <a href="https://monarchconservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch Butterfly Fund</a> affectionately refers to as “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDmKBvztIbk&t=1s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the arrival of the sun’s daughters</a>.” The sight is both visually splendid and culturally important to the people of Mexico. Several myths surround this phenomenon, <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/monarch-butterflies-us-mexico/#:~:text=As%20pollinators%2C%20the%20monarch%20butterfly,enjoy%2C%20like%20squash%20and%20blueberries" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such as beliefs that monarch butterflies are returning souls of loved ones</a>. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1323" height="1600" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18600" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG.jpeg 1323w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG-847x1024.jpeg 847w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG-768x929.jpeg 768w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG-1270x1536.jpeg 1270w" sizes="(max-width: 1323px) 100vw, 1323px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monarch butterfly sanctuary “Piedra Herrada.” Credit: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>This incredible event, a critical part of the monarchs’ life cycle, depends on Mexico’s forests. However, these forests are feeling the effects of global climate change. One of the effects is the rise of pests; a problem that is not unique to Mexico, forests pests are a growing threat in many other countries (for example, in 2024, WRI reported that forest pests are <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/europe-forest-loss-drivers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a growing threat to Europe’s forests</a>).  </p>



<p>To help tackle this issue in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Global Forest Watch (GFW) Small Grants Fund recipient <a href="https://focenmexico.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neovolcanic Axis Conservation Fund (FOCEN)</a> has developed a novel approach, combining alerts on GFW’s Forest Watcher app and complementary technology like drones to monitor pests and inform actions to eradicate them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new challenge for monarchs and monitoring: Forest pests</h2>



<p>FOCEN works regionally to create alliances for the conservation, restoration and responsible use of natural resources in central Mexico. Since 2000, FOCEN has worked to conserve the valuable forests in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), a <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-see-mexico-monarch-butterfly-migration#:~:text=Travelers%20can%20help%20protect%20these,on%20UNESCO's%20World%20Heritage%20list.&text=In%20one%20of%20the%20planet's,fir%20forests%20of%20Central%20Mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>. Through the <a href="https://focenmexico.org/fondo-monarca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch Butterfly Conservation Fund (Monarch Fund)</a>, FOCEN has facilitated a scheme that provides economic incentives for the payment of ecosystem services to forest owners (ejidos — small landowners and Indigenous communities) across 12,367 hectares of forests, 91% of which are within MBBR’s core zone.</p>



<p>In 2021, after receiving a grant from GFW’s Small Grants Fund, FOCEN set out to address forest disturbance in the MBBR.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="761" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18601" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG.jpeg 1600w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG-1024x487.jpeg 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG-768x365.jpeg 768w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG-1536x731.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peña Blanca viewpoint, “Sierra Chincua” monarch butterfly sanctuary. Credit: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>While conducting initial field investigations using Forest Watcher to identify areas of degradation and create reports on their findings, they quickly discovered that the primary cause of forest degradation in the Reserve is forest pests, specifically bark beetles, which attack weakened trees. Worse, they discovered that the beetles are continuing to spread as temperatures and drought increase, threatening forest habitat that is critical for monarch butterfly migration and overwintering.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1545" height="2000" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imagen_Descortezadores_JL-Gallardo.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18602" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imagen_Descortezadores_JL-Gallardo.png 1545w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imagen_Descortezadores_JL-Gallardo-791x1024.png 791w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imagen_Descortezadores_JL-Gallardo-768x994.png 768w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imagen_Descortezadores_JL-Gallardo-1187x1536.png 1187w" sizes="(max-width: 1545px) 100vw, 1545px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new way to use Forest Watcher and monitoring tools</h2>



<p>FOCEN worked quickly to mobilize on this new finding. Teaming up with technical monitoring partner <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambiomas_org/reels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ambiomas Acciones y Respuestas Adaptativas (Ambiomas)</a>, they adapted their project and set out to create an early warning system for monitoring forest pests and to develop capacity for using the system and monitoring the forest in a new way. &nbsp;</p>



<p>As a first step, FOCEN and Ambiomas recognized that engaging forest owners and community members living in and around the Reserve was essential. They created a comprehensive course with a corresponding manual and led a two-day intensive training event for 14 people on using Forest Watcher. Over the course of six months, community technicians from the participating ejidos and communities, with the support of Ambiomas and FOCEN, conducted more than 100 field visits and produced more than 1,000 reports on observations of forest degradation in the field. This provided the data needed to inform FOCEN’s development of an early warning system. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18603" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG.jpeg 1600w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Training of community technicians from the Senguio ejido by the Ambiomas team. Credit: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>Next, FOCEN and Ambiomas, with support from GFW and the Monarch Butterfly Fund, took a multi-pronged approach to creating the early warning system. Realizing the time commitment of ground patrols and the limitations of satellite imagery, they incorporated multispectral drone technology that can capture data in multiple wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum (red, green, blue) to complement field visits and provide high-resolution imagery of forest degradation that satellites cannot always capture.</p>



<p>They selected five watersheds to assess that had historical records of monarch butterfly hibernation and that are critical to communities. After conducting drone flights, they used a Tree Density Calculator algorithm (available as a QGIS plugin) that provides an estimate of the number of trees present in the study area and shows the coordinates of each tree, creating a forest inventory that includes each tree’s precise location. They then assessed vegetation health using a platform to interpret the multispectral drone imagery and by assessing high-resolution images.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="663" height="505" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tree-Density-Calculator-fig.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18604"/></figure>



<p>Using the forest inventory, they performed a visual interpretation for each tree determined by the algorithm to have signs of disease, such as standing dead or dry trees and trees with dry tops. The identification criteria were based on the color and appearance of the tree.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="814" height="441" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Examples-of-dead-and-dry-trees-ENG.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18605" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Examples-of-dead-and-dry-trees-ENG.png 814w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Examples-of-dead-and-dry-trees-ENG-768x416.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px" /></figure>



<p>They compared this information with the reports generated during monitoring trips using Forest Watcher and found that the reports aligned with the visual interpretation of the images identified by the algorithm.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-English-v4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18606" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-English-v4.png 1080w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-English-v4-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-English-v4-300x300.png 300w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-English-v4-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>FOCEN and Ambiomas have now conducted multispectral drone flights for two consecutive years during the pre- and post-rainy season and at times of the year when monarchs are not present to determine the vitality of the fir trees and in order to have timely information on the possible presence of forest pests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outcomes for improved pest monitoring and response </h2>



<p>Thanks to the early warning system, FOCEN, Ambiomas and communities have been able to take targeted action in controlling bark beetles — namely, removing infected trees and wood debris, in accordance with Mexican regulations for controlling and preventing beetle outbreaks. More monitoring is needed to determine whether the bark beetles are now contained, and local communities are currently conducting pest and forest disease monitoring surveys as part of FOCEN’s Best Management Practices Programs within their <a href="https://focenmexico.org/cuenca-sierra-chincua" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">payment for ecosystem services program</a>.</p>



<p>The combination of tools and practices used in the early warning system provides an important complement to field monitoring. It has helped ejidatarios (community landowners), community members and field technicians monitor larger areas and less accessible places faster and has allowed them to better understand their territory. Using the information collected, they have been able to implement conservation and restoration activities that are helping counteract the effects caused by forest pests.</p>



<p>Additionally, FOCEN and Ambiomas have developed a <a href="https://focenmexico.org/microcuencas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MapBuilder and Story Map</a> for each of the five watersheds crucial to monarch hibernation that they monitored throughout the project to aggregate and represent all the data generated, making it possible to conduct spatial analyses with this information.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1430" height="678" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MapBuilder-screenshot.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18607" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MapBuilder-screenshot.jpg 1430w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MapBuilder-screenshot-1024x486.jpg 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MapBuilder-screenshot-768x364.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1430px) 100vw, 1430px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MapBuilder Application for the Nicolas Romero watershed. Source: FOCEN, 2022</figcaption></figure>



<p>FOCEN and Ambiomas also worked with the team at GFW to make several improvements to Forest Watcher such as improving the location accuracy of reports and the ability to directly link reports to MapBuilder, which will help others interested in monitoring for pests or using these tools for other applications in the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adapting lessons for tackling forest pests around the world</h2>



<p>In October 2022, FOCEN convened a workshop with the Reserve’s community technicians, technical advisors and researchers from the Colegio de Geografía de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México to discuss the impact of climate change on forest degradation. As a next step for FOCEN and Ambiomas, greater funding is needed to allow the continuation of monitoring larger areas and to more accurately assess levels of forest degradation in the forests that monarchs depend on.</p>



<p>These impacts to forests and lessons learned are relevant for many geographies that are confronted with similar issues. FOCEN and Ambiomas found that, in addition to an early warning system to reduce response time to forest damage, early detection and monitoring activities are essential to prevent forest degradation from pests. This requires long-term aerial monitoring and strengthening the local capacities of forest owners, in coordination with the various stakeholders involved in the area.</p>



<p>As climate change continues to wreak havoc, less visible but damaging effects like forest pests are becoming more apparent. The issue of pests causing degradation is not isolated to Mexico, and others can learn from the technologies and approaches developed by FOCEN and Ambiomas and implement similar strategies in the areas that are experiencing similar challenges.</p>



<p><em>To learn more about FOCEN and Ambiomas’s work and their early warning system for forest pests, please contact </em><a href="mailto:eligio.garcia@focenmexico.org"><em>eligio.garcia@focenmexico.org</em></a><em> or </em><a href="mailto:ambiomasorg@gmail.co"><em>ambiomasorg@gmail.com</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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A New Monitoring Challenge: Protecting Forests from Pests

<p>Every fall, one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural spectacles occurs amid the fir forests of central Mexico: Millions of monarch butterflies land here to find respite from the cooling winter temperatures in northeastern U.S. and Canada for their annual hibernation. It is a phenomenon that the <a href="https://monarchconservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch Butterfly Fund</a> affectionately refers to as “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDmKBvztIbk&amp;t=1s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the arrival of the sun’s daughters</a>.” The sight is both visually splendid and culturally important to the people of Mexico. Several myths surround this phenomenon, <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/monarch-butterflies-us-mexico/#:~:text=As%20pollinators%2C%20the%20monarch%20butterfly,enjoy%2C%20like%20squash%20and%20blueberries" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">such as beliefs that monarch butterflies are returning souls of loved ones</a>. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18600"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monarch butterfly sanctuary "Piedra Herrada." Credit: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>This incredible event, a critical part of the monarchs’ life cycle, depends on Mexico’s forests. However, these forests are feeling the effects of global climate change. One of the effects is the rise of pests; a problem that is not unique to Mexico, forests pests are a growing threat in many other countries (for example, in 2024, WRI reported that forest pests are <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/europe-forest-loss-drivers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a growing threat to Europe’s forests</a>).  </p>



<p>To help tackle this issue in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Global Forest Watch (GFW) Small Grants Fund recipient <a href="https://focenmexico.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neovolcanic Axis Conservation Fund (FOCEN)</a> has developed a novel approach, combining alerts on GFW’s Forest Watcher app and complementary technology like drones to monitor pests and inform actions to eradicate them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new challenge for monarchs and monitoring: Forest pests</h2>



<p>FOCEN works regionally to create alliances for the conservation, restoration and responsible use of natural resources in central Mexico. Since 2000, FOCEN has worked to conserve the valuable forests in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR), a <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-see-mexico-monarch-butterfly-migration#:~:text=Travelers%20can%20help%20protect%20these,on%20UNESCO's%20World%20Heritage%20list.&amp;text=In%20one%20of%20the%20planet's,fir%20forests%20of%20Central%20Mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>. Through the <a href="https://focenmexico.org/fondo-monarca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch Butterfly Conservation Fund (Monarch Fund)</a>, FOCEN has facilitated a scheme that provides economic incentives for the payment of ecosystem services to forest owners (ejidos — small landowners and Indigenous communities) across 12,367 hectares of forests, 91% of which are within MBBR's core zone.</p>



<p>In 2021, after receiving a grant from GFW’s Small Grants Fund, FOCEN set out to address forest disturbance in the MBBR.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18601"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peña Blanca viewpoint, "Sierra Chincua" monarch butterfly sanctuary. Credit: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>While conducting initial field investigations using Forest Watcher to identify areas of degradation and create reports on their findings, they quickly discovered that the primary cause of forest degradation in the Reserve is forest pests, specifically bark beetles, which attack weakened trees. Worse, they discovered that the beetles are continuing to spread as temperatures and drought increase, threatening forest habitat that is critical for monarch butterfly migration and overwintering.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imagen_Descortezadores_JL-Gallardo.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18602"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new way to use Forest Watcher and monitoring tools</h2>



<p>FOCEN worked quickly to mobilize on this new finding. Teaming up with technical monitoring partner <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambiomas_org/reels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ambiomas Acciones y Respuestas Adaptativas (Ambiomas)</a>, they adapted their project and set out to create an early warning system for monitoring forest pests and to develop capacity for using the system and monitoring the forest in a new way. &nbsp;</p>



<p>As a first step, FOCEN and Ambiomas recognized that engaging forest owners and community members living in and around the Reserve was essential. They created a comprehensive course with a corresponding manual and led a two-day intensive training event for 14 people on using Forest Watcher. Over the course of six months, community technicians from the participating ejidos and communities, with the support of Ambiomas and FOCEN, conducted more than 100 field visits and produced more than 1,000 reports on observations of forest degradation in the field. This provided the data needed to inform FOCEN’s development of an early warning system. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18603"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Training of community technicians from the Senguio ejido by the Ambiomas team. Credit: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>Next, FOCEN and Ambiomas, with support from GFW and the Monarch Butterfly Fund, took a multi-pronged approach to creating the early warning system. Realizing the time commitment of ground patrols and the limitations of satellite imagery, they incorporated multispectral drone technology that can capture data in multiple wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum (red, green, blue) to complement field visits and provide high-resolution imagery of forest degradation that satellites cannot always capture.</p>



<p>They selected five watersheds to assess that had historical records of monarch butterfly hibernation and that are critical to communities. After conducting drone flights, they used a Tree Density Calculator algorithm (available as a QGIS plugin) that provides an estimate of the number of trees present in the study area and shows the coordinates of each tree, creating a forest inventory that includes each tree’s precise location. They then assessed vegetation health using a platform to interpret the multispectral drone imagery and by assessing high-resolution images.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tree-Density-Calculator-fig.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18604"/></figure>



<p>Using the forest inventory, they performed a visual interpretation for each tree determined by the algorithm to have signs of disease, such as standing dead or dry trees and trees with dry tops. The identification criteria were based on the color and appearance of the tree.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Examples-of-dead-and-dry-trees-ENG.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18605"/></figure>



<p>They compared this information with the reports generated during monitoring trips using Forest Watcher and found that the reports aligned with the visual interpretation of the images identified by the algorithm.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-English-v4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18606"/></figure>



<p>FOCEN and Ambiomas have now conducted multispectral drone flights for two consecutive years during the pre- and post-rainy season and at times of the year when monarchs are not present to determine the vitality of the fir trees and in order to have timely information on the possible presence of forest pests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outcomes for improved pest monitoring and response </h2>



<p>Thanks to the early warning system, FOCEN, Ambiomas and communities have been able to take targeted action in controlling bark beetles — namely, removing infected trees and wood debris, in accordance with Mexican regulations for controlling and preventing beetle outbreaks. More monitoring is needed to determine whether the bark beetles are now contained, and local communities are currently conducting pest and forest disease monitoring surveys as part of FOCEN’s Best Management Practices Programs within their <a href="https://focenmexico.org/cuenca-sierra-chincua" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">payment for ecosystem services program</a>.</p>



<p>The combination of tools and practices used in the early warning system provides an important complement to field monitoring. It has helped ejidatarios (community landowners), community members and field technicians monitor larger areas and less accessible places faster and has allowed them to better understand their territory. Using the information collected, they have been able to implement conservation and restoration activities that are helping counteract the effects caused by forest pests.</p>



<p>Additionally, FOCEN and Ambiomas have developed a <a href="https://focenmexico.org/microcuencas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MapBuilder and Story Map</a> for each of the five watersheds crucial to monarch hibernation that they monitored throughout the project to aggregate and represent all the data generated, making it possible to conduct spatial analyses with this information.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MapBuilder-screenshot.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18607"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MapBuilder Application for the Nicolas Romero watershed. Source: FOCEN, 2022</figcaption></figure>



<p>FOCEN and Ambiomas also worked with the team at GFW to make several improvements to Forest Watcher such as improving the location accuracy of reports and the ability to directly link reports to MapBuilder, which will help others interested in monitoring for pests or using these tools for other applications in the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adapting lessons for tackling forest pests around the world</h2>



<p>In October 2022, FOCEN convened a workshop with the Reserve’s community technicians, technical advisors and researchers from the Colegio de Geografía de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México to discuss the impact of climate change on forest degradation. As a next step for FOCEN and Ambiomas, greater funding is needed to allow the continuation of monitoring larger areas and to more accurately assess levels of forest degradation in the forests that monarchs depend on.</p>



<p>These impacts to forests and lessons learned are relevant for many geographies that are confronted with similar issues. FOCEN and Ambiomas found that, in addition to an early warning system to reduce response time to forest damage, early detection and monitoring activities are essential to prevent forest degradation from pests. This requires long-term aerial monitoring and strengthening the local capacities of forest owners, in coordination with the various stakeholders involved in the area.</p>



<p>As climate change continues to wreak havoc, less visible but damaging effects like forest pests are becoming more apparent. The issue of pests causing degradation is not isolated to Mexico, and others can learn from the technologies and approaches developed by FOCEN and Ambiomas and implement similar strategies in the areas that are experiencing similar challenges.</p>



<p><em>To learn more about FOCEN and Ambiomas’s work and their early warning system for forest pests, please contact </em><a href="mailto:eligio.garcia@focenmexico.org"><em>eligio.garcia@focenmexico.org</em></a><em> or </em><a href="mailto:ambiomasorg@gmail.co"><em>ambiomasorg@gmail.com</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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<p>Cada otoño, uno de los espectáculos naturales más extraordinarios del planeta tiene lugar entre los bosques de abetos (oyamel) del centro de México: Millones de mariposas monarca aterrizan aquí en busca de un respiro a las frías temperaturas invernales del noreste de EE.UU. y Canadá para su hibernación anual. Es un fenómeno al que el <a href="https://monarchconservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch Butterfly Fund</a> se refiere cariñosamente como «<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDmKBvztIbk&amp;t=1s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">la llegada de las hijas del sol</a>». El espectáculo es a la vez visualmente espléndido y culturalmente importante para el pueblo de México. Existen varios mitos en torno a este fenómeno, como <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/monarch-butterflies-us-mexico/#:~:text=As%20pollinators%2C%20the%20monarch%20butterfly,enjoy%2C%20like%20squash%20and%20blueberries" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">la creencia de que las mariposas monarca son almas que regresan de seres queridos</a>. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SANTUARIO_MONARCA_HERRADA_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18600"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Santuario de la mariposa monarca «Piedra Herrada». Crédito: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>Este increíble acontecimiento, parte fundamental del ciclo vital de las monarcas, depende de los bosques de México. Sin embargo, estos bosques están sintiendo los efectos del cambio climático global. Uno de los efectos es el aumento de plagas; un problema que no es exclusivo de México, las plagas forestales son una amenaza creciente en muchos otros países (por ejemplo, en 2024, WRI informó que las plagas forestales son una <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/europe-forest-loss-drivers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amenaza creciente para los bosques de Europa</a>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Para ayudar a abordar este problema en la Reserva de la Biosfera de la Mariposa Monarca de México, <a href="https://focenmexico.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Fondo de Conservación del Eje Neovolcánico (FOCEN)</a>, beneficiario del Fondo de Pequeñas Suvenciones de Global Forest Watch (GFW), ha desarrollado un enfoque novedoso, combinando alertas en la aplicación Forest Watcher de GFW y tecnología complementaria como drones para monitorear las plagas e informar de las acciones para erradicarlas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Un nuevo reto para las monarcas y su monitoreo: las plagas forestales</h2>



<p>FOCEN trabaja a escala regional para crear alianzas en favor de la conservación, la restauración y el uso responsable de los recursos naturales del centro de México. Desde 2000, FOCEN ha trabajado para conservar los valiosos bosques de la Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca (RBMM) de México, declarada <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-see-mexico-monarch-butterfly-migration#:~:text=Travelers%20can%20help%20protect%20these,on%20UNESCO's%20World%20Heritage%20list.&amp;text=In%20one%20of%20the%20planet's,fir%20forests%20of%20Central%20Mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO</a>. A través del <a href="https://focenmexico.org/fondo-monarca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fondo para la Conservación de la Mariposa Monarca (Fondo Monarca)</a>, FOCEN ha facilitado un esquema que proporciona incentivos económicos para el pago de servicios ecosistémicos a los propietarios de bosques (ejidos - pequeños propietarios y comunidades indígenas) a lo largo de 12,367 hectáreas de bosques, 91% de los cuales se encuentran dentro de la zona núcleo de la RBMM.</p>



<p>En 2021, tras recibir una subvención del Fondo de Pequeñas Subvenciones de GFW, FOCEN se propuso abordar las alteraciones forestales en la RBMM.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIRADOR_PENA_BLANCA_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18601"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mirador de Peña Blanca, santuario de la mariposa monarca «Sierra Chincua». Crédito: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>Mientras realizaban las primeras investigaciones sobre el terreno utilizando Forest Watcher para identificar las zonas de degradación y elaborar informes sobre sus hallazgos, descubrieron rápidamente que la principal causa de degradación forestal en la Reserva son las plagas forestales, concretamente los escarabajos descortezador, que atacan a los árboles debilitados. Peor aún, descubrieron que los escarabajos siguen extendiéndose a medida que aumentan las temperaturas y la sequía, amenazando el hábitat forestal que es fundamental para la migración y la hibernación de la mariposa monarca.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ES-pests-fig.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18628"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fuente: Gallardo S. J.L. 2023</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Una nueva forma de utilizar Forest Watcher y las herramientas de monitoreo</h2>



<p>FOCEN trabajó rápidamente para movilizarse ante este nuevo hallazgo. En colaboración con Ambiomas Acciones y Respuestas Adaptivas (Ambiomas), adaptaron su proyecto y se propusieron crear un sistema de alerta temprana para monitorear plagas forestales y desarrollar capacidades para utilizar el sistema y monitorear el bosque de una forma nueva.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Como primer paso, FOCEN y Ambiomas reconocieron que era esencial implicar a los propietarios de los bosques y a los miembros de las comunidades que viven en la Reserva y sus alrededores. Crearon un curso integral acompañado de un &nbsp;manual y organizaron un curso intensivo de dos días para capacitar a 14 personas en el uso de Forest Watcher. A lo largo de seis meses, técnicos comunitarios de los ejidos y comunidades participantes, con el apoyo de Ambiomas y FOCEN, realizaron más de 100 visitas de campo y elaboraron más de 1000 informes sobre observaciones de degradación forestal sobre el terreno. Esto proporcionó los datos necesarios para que FOCEN desarrollara un sistema de alerta temprana.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAPACITACION_TECNICOS_SHG.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-18603"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Capacitación de técnicos comunitarios del ejido de Senguio por el equipo de Ambiomas. Crédito: Salvador Huitrón García</figcaption></figure>



<p>A continuación, FOCEN y Ambiomas, con el apoyo de GFW y el Fondo de la Mariposa Monarca, adoptaron un enfoque múltiple para crear el sistema de alerta temprana. Conscientes del tiempo que requieren las patrullas terrestres y de las limitaciones de las imágenes por satélite, incorporaron drones con tecnología multiespectral, capaz de captar datos en múltiples longitudes de onda más allá del espectro visible (rojo, verde y azul) para complementar las visitas en campo y proporcionar imágenes de alta resolución de la degradación forestal que los satélites no siempre pueden captar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Seleccionaron cinco cuencas hidrográficas con registros históricos de hibernación de la mariposa monarca y que son fundamentales para las comunidades. Tras realizar vuelos con drones, utilizaron un algoritmo de cálculo de densidad de árboles (<em>Tree Density Calculator, </em>disponible como complemento de QGIS) que proporciona una estimación del número de árboles presentes en el área de estudio y muestra las coordenadas de cada árbol, creando un inventario forestal que incluye la ubicación precisa de cada árbol. A continuación, evaluaron la salud de la vegetación utilizando una plataforma para interpretar las imágenes multiespectrales de los drones y evaluando imágenes de alta resolución.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tree-Density-Calculator-fig.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18604"/></figure>



<p>Utilizando el inventario forestal, realizaron una interpretación visual de cada árbol que el algoritmo determinaba que presentaba signos de enfermedad, como árboles muertos o secos en pie y árboles con copas secas. Los criterios de identificación se basaron en el color y el aspecto del árbol.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ES-dead-trees-fig.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18631"/></figure>



<p>Compararon esta información con los informes generados durante los viajes de monitoreo con Forest Watcher y comprobaron que los informes coincidían con la interpretación visual de las imágenes identificadas por el algoritmo.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FOCEN-Spanish-v6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18632"/></figure>



<p>FOCEN y Ambiomas llevan dos años consecutivos realizando vuelos multiespectrales con drones durante la época anterior y posterior a las lluvias, así como en épocas del año en las que no hay monarcas para determinar la vitalidad de los oyameles y poder disponer de información puntual sobre la posible presencia de plagas forestales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Resultados para un mejor monitoreo y la respuesta ante plagas&nbsp; </h2>



<p>Gracias al sistema de alerta temprana, FOCEN, Ambiomas y las comunidades han podido tomar medidas específicas para controlar los escarabajos descortezadores,concretamente, retirar los árboles infectados y los restos de madera, de acuerdo con la normativa mexicana para controlar y prevenir los brotes de escarabajos. Se necesita más monitoreo para determinar si los escarabajos descortezadores están ahora contenidos y las comunidades locales están llevando a cabo actualmente encuestas de monitoreo de plagas y enfermedades forestales como parte de los Programas de Mejores Prácticas de Gestión de FOCEN dentro de su <a href="https://focenmexico.org/cuenca-sierra-chincua" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">programa de pago por servicios ecosistémicos</a>.</p>



<p>El conjunto de herramientas y prácticas utilizadas en el sistema de alerta temprana constituye un complemento importante a la vigilancia en campo. Ha ayudado a los ejidatarios, a los miembros de la comunidad y a los técnicos de campo a vigilar más rápidamente zonas más extensas y lugares menos accesibles y les ha permitido conocer mejor su territorio. Con la información recopilada, han podido poner en marcha actividades de conservación y restauración que están ayudando a contrarrestar los efectos causados por las plagas forestales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Además, FOCEN y Ambiomas han desarrollado un <a href="https://focenmexico.org/microcuencas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MapBuilder y un Story Map</a> para cada una de las cinco cuencas hidrográficas que son cruciales para la hibernación de las monarcas y que monitorearon a lo largo del proyecto. En ellos, agregaron y representaron todos los datos generados, haciendo posible realizar análisis espaciales con esta información.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MapBuilder-screenshot.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18607"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aplicación MapBuilder para la cuenca Nicolas Romero. Fuente: FOCEN, 2022</figcaption></figure>



<p>FOCEN and Ambiomas also worked with the team at GFW to make several improvements to Forest Watcher such as improving the location accuracy of reports and the ability to directly link reports to MapBuilder, which will help others interested in monitoring for pests or using these tools for other applications in the future.</p>



<p>FOCEN y Ambiomas también trabajaron con el equipo de GFW para introducir varias mejoras en Forest Watcher, como mejorar la precisión de la ubicación de los informes y la posibilidad de vincular directamente los informes a MapBuilder, lo que ayudará a otras personas interesadas en la vigilancia de plagas o en utilizar estas herramientas para otras aplicaciones en el futuro.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adaptar las enseñanzas para combatir las plagas forestales en todo el mundo</h2>



<p>En octubre de 2022, FOCEN convocó a un taller con los técnicos comunitarios de la Reserva, asesores técnicos e investigadores del Colegio de Geografía de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México para discutir el impacto del cambio climático en la degradación forestal. Como un siguiente paso para FOCEN y Ambiomas, se necesita mayor financiamiento que permita continuar con el monitoreo de áreas más extensas y evaluar con mayor precisión los niveles de degradación forestal en los bosques de los que dependen las monarcas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Estos impactos en los bosques y las lecciones aprendidas son relevantes para muchas geografías que se enfrentan a problemas similares. FOCEN y Ambiomas descubrieron que, además de un sistema de alerta temprana para reducir el tiempo de respuesta a los daños forestales, las actividades de detección temprana y seguimiento son esenciales para prevenir la degradación de los bosques a causa de las plagas. Para ello es necesario realizar un monitoreo aéreo a largo plazo y reforzar las capacidades locales de los propietarios forestales, en coordinación con las distintas partes interesadas de la zona.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A medida que el cambio climático sigue causando estragos, los efectos menos visibles pero perjudiciales, como las plagas forestales, son cada vez más evidentes. El problema de las plagas que causan degradación no es exclusivo de México, y otros pueden aprender de las tecnologías y los enfoques desarrollados por FOCEN y Ambiomas y aplicar estrategias similares en las zonas que están experimentando retos parecidos.</p>



<p><em>Si desea más información sobre el trabajo de FOCEN y Ambiomas y su sistema de alerta temprana de plagas forestales, póngase en contacto con </em><a href="mailto:eligio.garcia@focenmexico.org"><em>eligio.garcia@focenmexico.org</em></a><em> o </em><a href="mailto:ambiomasorg@gmail.com"><em>ambiomasorg@gmail.com</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Un nuevo reto de monitoreo: Proteger los bosques de las plagas

GFW partner FOCEN is using a novel monitoring approach to tackle increasing forest pests in in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

commodities

commodities | Global Forest Watch Blog

fires

fires | Global Forest Watch Blog

Michelle Sims

Radost Stanimirova

Maxim Neumann

Anton Raichuk

Drew Purves 

New Data Shows What’s Driving Forest Loss Around the World

New data provides a more detailed picture than ever before on the local, regional and global causes of tree cover loss.

Large forest fire to open area for agriculture and cattle ranching in the Amazon rainforest. Credit: Paralaxis / Alamy Stock Photo

3A2KGCM

amazon

amazon | Global Forest Watch Blog

Brazil

Brazil | Global Forest Watch Blog

Congo Basin

Congo Basin | Global Forest Watch Blog

Malaysia

Malaysia | Global Forest Watch Blog

Peru

Peru | Global Forest Watch Blog

Fires Drove Record-breaking Tropical Forest Loss in 2024

The tropics lost a record-shattering amount of primary rainforest in 2024 driven largely by fires, according to new data from UMD and GFW.

Indoensia

Indoensia | Global Forest Watch Blog

Global Forest Watch’s 2024 Tree Cover Loss Data Explained

Explicación de los datos de Global Forest Watch sobre la pérdida de cobertura arbórea en 2024

Explication des données du Global Forest Watch sur la perte de la couverture arborée en 2024  

Penjelasan Data Kehilangan Tutupan Pohon 2024 dari Global Forest Watch  

Explicação dos dados do Global Forest Watch sobre a perda de cobertura arbórea de 2024  

New data shows alarming increases in primary forest loss in 2024. What does the data measure and how does it compare to other official data?

<p>Over the past several decades, forest loss has been a <a href="https://research.wri.org/gfr/latest-analysis-deforestation-trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stubbornly persistent problem</a> that can disrupt ecosystems, biodiversity and climate stability, as well as negatively impact forest-dependent people around the world.</p>



<p>However, <a href="https://research.wri.org/gfr/key-terms-definitions#tree-cover-loss-and-deforestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not all forest loss is created equal</a>. Deforestation, which typically refers to the permanent conversion of forests to other land uses, often has more severe carbon and ecological impacts compared to temporary forest disturbances such as from logging and other natural and anthropogenic causes.</p>



<p>To better track and differentiate these changes, Global Forest Watch (GFW), Land & Carbon Lab and <a href="https://deepmind.google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google DeepMind</a> have developed a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/add606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new global data set</a> — <a href="https://gfw.global/39qbPdC">available on GFW</a> — on the drivers of tree cover loss at 1-kilometer (km) resolution from 2001 to 2024. Previously, data on drivers was available at <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aau3445" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10-km resolution</a>. The development of this data was led by <a href="https://sustainabilityconsortium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sustainability Consortium</a> and provided the foundation for the new 1-km data set. The higher resolution of the new data makes it possible to assess drivers in local or regional applications for the first time. The new data also has more driver classes, providing the most detailed view of drivers yet.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="619" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/global_drivers_wlogging-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-19070" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/global_drivers_wlogging-1.png 1500w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/global_drivers_wlogging-1-1024x423.png 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/global_drivers_wlogging-1-768x317.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Thanks to this increased granularity, the new data can be used to support the development of forest conservation and management policies, inform supply chain actors and governments bodies about the causes of deforestation, carbon emissions and biodiversity loss within their supply chains and jurisdictions, and track progress towards global goals to end deforestation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How was the new drivers of tree cover loss data developed?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The new drivers of tree cover loss data, part of a World Resources Institute (WRI) and Google DeepMind collaboration, was developed using deep learning, which is a type of advanced AI model. We developed a <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1912.11370" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customized</a> <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1512.03385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Residual Network</a> (or ResNet, a convolutional neural network model) that uses publicly available satellite observations from Landsat 7 & 8 and Sentinel 2 along with additional satellite-derived biophysical and population data relevant to the driver classes (<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/add606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see Table 2</a>) to predict the dominant driver of tree cover loss from 2001 to 2024 at 1-km resolution.</p>



<p>To train the model to make accurate predictions, we visually interpreted nearly 7,000 training samples using very-high resolution imagery. The model uses these labeled samples to learn how to associate the patterns from the input satellite imagery and other supporting data with a driver class. ResNet is a powerful AI algorithm because it uses many data transformations (or “layers”) to extract important features or patterns from an image. It can handle intricate tasks like recognizing objects in images more accurately and efficiently than traditional machine learning approaches.</p>



<p>We also collected an independent stratified random sample of 3,574 1-km plots to estimate the accuracy of the final drivers of tree cover loss map. Both the training and validation data sets are available on <a href="https://zenodo.org/records/15366671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zenodo</a> and <a href="https://datasets.wri.org/datasets/dominant-drivers-of-tree-cover-loss-at-1km" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WRI’s Data Explorer</a>. You can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/add606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learn more here</a> about the methodology behind the new data. </p>



<p>The data distinguishes between seven classes of drivers: permanent agriculture, hard commodities, shifting cultivation, logging, settlements and infrastructure, wildfire, and other natural disturbances. The dominant driver is defined as the direct driver that caused the majority of <a href="https://gfw.global/2HrzxeF">tree cover loss area</a> within each 1-km grid cell from 2001 to 2024.</p>



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<p>In addition to the drivers of tree cover loss classification, we also created seven probability layers, one for each of the seven driver classes. With these layers, users can implement different probability thresholds to customize the driver classification based on their knowledge of a region of interest. For example, a stakeholder in Southeast Asia interested in understanding tree cover loss due to palm oil expansion can select a custom threshold for the permanent agriculture class (e.g., greater than 0.7), and can exclude areas where probabilities of multiple drivers are high (e.g., no single class has a probability higher than 0.6) as those are more uncertain. The probabilities are available on <a href="https://datasets.wri.org/datasets/dominant-drivers-of-tree-cover-loss-at-1km" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WRI’s Data Explorer</a> and <a href="https://developers.google.com/earth-engine/datasets/catalog/projects_landandcarbon_assets_wri_gdm_drivers_forest_loss_1km_v1_2_2001_2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Earth Engine.</a></p>



<p>Despite the improvements the new data provides, there are some limitations:</p>



<ul>
<li>The map does not distinguish between the loss of natural forest and planted trees. For example, logging can occur in both natural forests and plantations. Similarly, permanent agriculture, hard commodities, and settlements and infrastructure classes represent a close approximation of deforestation but do not always represent the conversion of natural forests to other land uses.</li>



<li>We do not disentangle different drivers that are co-located at scales smaller than 1- km or that occur in quick succession in time.</li>
</ul>



<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/add606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more details here</a> about the limitations of the data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can I find the new drivers of tree cover loss data on GFW?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Users can access the data on the<a href="https://gfw.global/39qbPdC"> GFW map</a>. Users can also analyze the area and proportion of loss attributable to each driver from 2001 to 2024 within their area of interest.</p>



<iframe loading="lazy" width="630" height="460" frameborder="0" src="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/widget/treeLossTsc/country/BRA"></iframe>



<p>Note that results from the previous drivers of tree cover loss data were displayed on the GFW dashboard as a bar chart time series, while results from the new data are displayed as a donut chart. We have changed the visualization to better reflect the characteristics of the underlying data set — the dominant driver of tree cover loss for the full time period between 2001 and 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does the new drivers of tree cover loss data compare with the previous data?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Compared to the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aau3445" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous drivers of tree cover loss data set</a>, the new data has the following improvements:</p>



<ul>
<li>Higher spatial resolution<ul><li>Improves differentiation between small-scale commodity crop production and shifting cultivation</li></ul>
<ul>
<li>Improves detection of small-scale drivers, such as small wildfires, settlements and infrastructure, and selective logging</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>More driver classes<ul><li>Separates commodity-driven deforestation into two separate classes: permanent agriculture and hard commodities (i.e., mining and energy infrastructure)</li></ul>
<ul>
<li>Adds a new class: other natural disturbances (e.g., storms, flooding, landslides, etc.)</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Higher accuracy and added probability layers<ul><li>Has higher accuracy for most regions (except Europe and Africa) and smaller confidence intervals across all regions</li></ul>
<ul>
<li>Provides probability layers, one for each of the seven driver classes</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Specifications of the previous 10-km data and the new 1-km data&nbsp;</h4>



<table>
    <tr>
        <td><strong>Data set</strong></td>
        <td><strong>Geographic coverage</strong></td>
        <td><strong>Years of coverage</strong></td>
        <td><strong>Spatial resolution</strong></td>
        <td><strong>Number of driver classes</strong></td>
        <td><strong>Number of layers</strong></td>
        <td><strong>Global overall accuracy</strong></td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Previous 10-km drivers data 
<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aau3445">(Curtis et al., 2018)</a>
 </td>
        <td>Global </td>
        <td>2001-2023 </td>
        <td>10-km  </td>
        <td>5 </td>
        <td>1 </td>
        <td>89 ± 3% </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>New 1-km drivers data <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/add606">(Sims et al. 2025)</a></td>
        <td>Global </td>
        <td>2001-2024, to be updated annually with new tree cover loss data </td>
        <td>1-km  </td>
        <td>7 </td>
        <td>8, 1 for driver classes and 7 layers of probabilities </td>
        <td>91 ± 1% </td>
    </tr>
</table>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1638" src="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drivers-accuracy-comparison-2048x1638.png" alt="" class="wp-image-19053" style="aspect-ratio:1.2503052503052503;width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drivers-accuracy-comparison-2048x1638.png 2048w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drivers-accuracy-comparison-1024x819.png 1024w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drivers-accuracy-comparison-768x614.png 768w, https://content.globalforestwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Drivers-accuracy-comparison-1536x1229.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



<p>These improvements can be seen when comparing the two data sets in various places.</p>



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<p>The new data differentiates small scale fires from logging in Oregon, USA. The previous data in the same location classifies all loss as forestry.</p>



<div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/21452304?163031"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script><noscript><img decoding="async" src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/21452304/thumbnail" width="100%" alt="photo-slider visualization" /></noscript></div>



<p>The new data detects mining, smallholder cocoa production, and urban expansion outside Kumasi, Ghana. The previous data in the same location classifies shifting agriculture and urban expansion.</p>



<div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/21452353?163031"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script><noscript><img decoding="async" src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/21452353/thumbnail" width="100%" alt="photo-slider visualization" /></noscript></div>



<p>The new data detects selective logging, fires and flooding for hydropower in the Ouésso District of the Republic of Congo. The previous data in the same location classifies all loss as shifting agriculture.</p>



<p>Due to the substantial improvements the new data offers, we recommend using the 1-km drivers data set for analysis of tree cover loss drivers going forward. However, the previous 10-km data can still be accessed via the <a href="https://data.globalforestwatch.org/documents/ff304784a9f04ac4a45a40f60bae5b26/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GFW open data portal</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can the new data be used and what does it tell us about drivers of tree cover loss?&nbsp;</h2>



<iframe loading="lazy" width="670" height="490" frameborder="0" src="https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/map/?map=eyJkYXRhc2V0cyI6W3siZGF0YXNldCI6InRyZWUtY292ZXItbG9zcy1ieS1kb21pbmFudC1kcml2ZXIiLCJvcGFjaXR5IjoxLCJ2aXNpYmlsaXR5Ijp0cnVlLCJsYXllcnMiOlsidHJlZS1jb3Zlci1sb3NzLWJ5LWRvbWluYW50LWRyaXZlciJdfSx7ImRhdGFzZXQiOiJwb2xpdGljYWwtYm91bmRhcmllcyIsImxheWVycyI6WyJkaXNwdXRlZC1wb2xpdGljYWwtYm91bmRhcmllcyIsInBvbGl0aWNhbC1ib3VuZGFyaWVzIl0sIm9wYWNpdHkiOjEsInZpc2liaWxpdHkiOnRydWV9XX0%3D"></iframe>



<p>On a global scale, our analysis of the new data reveals that most tree cover loss can be attributed to three main drivers: permanent agriculture, wildfire and logging. But while drivers like other natural disturbances, <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/how-mining-impacts-forests" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hard commodities</a> and settlements and infrastructure represent a relatively small proportion of loss globally, they can play an important role regionally. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/add606" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more here</a> about findings from the data on what’s driving tree cover loss.</p>



<p>This analysis demonstrates how the higher level of spatial detail in the new map provides useful contextual information for users to understand the nature of tree cover loss in their local area of interest. For example, using the map, GFW users can now separate tree cover loss due to expansion of “soft” agricultural commodities from “hard” commodities such as minerals, better characterize selective logging in the tropics and better differentiate permanent agriculture from shifting cultivation. Moreover, this map represents a major advancement in differentiating between natural and anthropogenic losses by detecting events such as bark beetle outbreaks, hurricane damage, meandering rivers and other natural disturbance events. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because these improvements allow us to disentangle deforestation from temporary disturbances in greater detail, the new data improves our ability to track progress towards reducing deforestation such as in the <a href="https://forestdeclaration.org/about/assessment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Declaration Assessment</a>, the <a href="https://research.wri.org/gfr/forest-targets-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Forest Review Targets Tracker</a> and the <a href="https://www.wri.org/research/state-climate-action-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State of Climate Action</a> report.</p>



<p>The new data can be used to support the development of forest conservation and management policies by making it possible to pinpoint the causes of deforestation hotspots at finer scales than ever before possible. Detailed insights allow policymakers and conservationists to design tailored interventions to address specific drivers such as logging, for example, and to hold accountable governments and organizations based on their conservation commitments.</p>



<p>Additionally, using this new data, we can refine <a href="https://gfw.global/3jLklJ9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maps</a> of <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/forests-absorb-twice-much-carbon-they-emit-each-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> due to tree cover loss by assigning different amounts of emissions to each driver of loss. It also improves our understanding of the causes of emissions from tree cover loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s next for 1-km global drivers of tree cover loss data?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This new data replaces the previous 10-km data across the whole GFW platform and in all analyses, such as <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-00976-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GFW’s carbon flux model</a>. The new data is used in the <a href="https://gfr.wri.org/latest-analysis-deforestation-trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 analysis of tree cover loss</a> and in the updated <a href="https://gfr.wri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Forest Review</a>. We will update the new 1-km drivers of tree cover loss data annually. </p>



<p>In the future, we plan to develop an AI model to map drivers of tree cover loss at even higher temporal and spatial resolution to understand how different drivers play out over time. Annual data on the drivers of tree cover loss is critical for assessing deforestation after specific cutoff dates relevant for policy commitments such as European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and for quantifying trends in drivers such as expansion of commodity agriculture.</p>



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New Data on GFW Provides the Most Detailed Look Yet of What’s Driving Forest Loss Globally

New data on GFW shows drivers of tree cover loss at 1-kilometer resolution, providing the most detailed view of drivers yet.

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