A new set of tools, methodologies and case studies have been developed to better assess and monitor trees outside of forests.

The International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) reports on a new working paper by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aimed at agencies responsible for the management and analysis of forests.

While trees outside forests are vital in providing food and sources of income as well as supporting biodiversity, they are “often excluded from assessments of forests and forest resources,” says the article. Much of the confusion lies in the definition of forests and ambiguity surrounding shifting cultivation, rubber plantations, linear tree formations such as windbreaks and living fences, agroforestry and urban trees.

The paper, co-authored by Prof August Temu from the World Agroforestry Centre, forms part of the FAO’s Global Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) 2010.

Read the full story: FAO Working Paper Addresses Issues on Assessing Trees Outside Forests

Download the working paper: Towards the Assessment of Trees Outside Forests