Connecting Southeast Asia with Space Agencies

Workshop on Integrating Global AFOLU Datasets into National Carbon Inventory Systems Concludes!

Under the CEOS umbrella, two weeks of learning concluded, bringing together SE Asia government agencies, universities, and powerhouse organizations like the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA), the US Geological Survey SilvaCarbon Program, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the European Space Agency (ESA). The workshop was hosted by Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment. The main goal was to integrate global AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use) datasets into national carbon inventory and reporting systems.

Hands–On Learning in Mangrove Forests

Participants dove into the unique world of mangrove ecosystems. These ecologically significant and vulnerable forests offer both challenges and opportunities in data acquisition and analysis.

Capturing the Action: Attendees were seen actively participating in data collection and analysis, highlighting the collaborative and practical nature of the event.

Cutting–Edge Technologies for Emission Factor Estimation

In the second week, the focus shifted to innovative methodologies for improving emission factor estima- tion, with a spotlight on space-based LiDAR data.

Participants explored new approaches to refine emission factor estimates, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of national inventory and reporting systems.

The Final Goal: Building Regional Capacity

Addressing regional capacity-building needs, the workshop empowered participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective carbon accounting, and prepared them to contribute to national and global carbon reporting efforts. This workshop harnessed the power of collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on learning to advance our understanding and management of vital ecosystems!

Additionally, JAXA launched ALOS-4 during the opening biomass session, adding to the significance of the event. Satellite data has become more powerful and abundant than ever, and the mission of CEOS collaboration is to ensure that this valuable resource is accessible to end users for the future of our forests.

For more information, contact Sylvia Wilson (snwilson@usgs.gov).