There are six different forms, as indicated in the below table.
Table 7. Field forms description and corresponding information level
Form No. |
Information |
F1a/b |
Tract: General information and access |
F2 |
Plot: Marker position, plot access and plan |
F3a/b |
Plot and SPL1: Trees and stumps measurements (Dbh ≥10 cm) |
F4a/b |
Subplots: Edaphic and topographic measurement points and tree measurements within the SPL2 (Dbh < 10 cm) |
F5 |
LUS: General information, stand structure and management |
F6 |
Plot: Forest products and services and forest users |
This form will be filled for each tract (1 km x 1 km). It contains general information related to the tract location and identification; information on the people living in the surrounding area of the tract and on the distance to the main infrastructures. The name list of persons involved in the inventory is also included.
Headline: identification of the tract
- Country name (1)
- Tract Nº (2): identification number of the tract (from 1 to total tract number). See map with tracts (see Figure 1).
A. Tract location: general information on tract location.
- (ADM1) (7): name of the first administrative division level (e.g. state) where the tract is located.
- (ADM2) (8): name of the second administrative division level (e.g. province) where the tract is located.
- (ADM3) (9): name of the third administrative division level (e.g. district) where the tract is located.
- (ADM4) (10): other administrative divisions (e.g. locality, municipality, etc).
- Global Ecological Zone (GEZ) (11): name of the global ecological zone where the tract is located, based on the FRA Global Ecological Zones map. The various classes are as follows:
GEZ class |
Code |
Tropical rain forest |
Tar |
Tropical moist deciduous forest |
Tawa |
Tropical dry forest |
Tawb |
Tropical shrub land |
TBSh |
Tropical desert |
TBWh |
Tropical mountain |
TM |
Subtropical humid forest |
SCf |
Subtropical dry forest |
SCs |
Subtropical steppe |
SBSh |
Subtropical desert |
SBWh |
Subtropical mountain |
SM |
Temperate oceanic forest |
TeDo |
Temperate continental forest |
TeDc |
Temperate steppe/prairie |
TeBSk |
Temperate desert |
TeBWk |
Temperate mountain |
TeM |
Boreal coniferous forest |
Ba |
Boreal tundra woodland |
Bb |
Boreal mountain |
BM |
Polar |
P |
- Altitude (12): altitude in meters above the sea level of the central point of the tract. Can be determined from a topographic map or from GPS as the average of the altitude at each plot starting point.
- Maps and aerial photos (13): name of used maps, aerial photographs or satellite images (acquisition date, coordinates).
- Coordinates tract SW corner (14): latitude (14a) and longitude (14b) in decimal degrees of the south-western corner of the tract.
- Projected coordinate system (14c): projected coordinated system used for the NFA (for GPS reading and maps).
B. Crew/Owner/Informant list (15-20)
This table will include name (15), address (16) and telephone number (17) of:
- Crew leader (18a): the leader of the crew in current tract. In this case, “crew leader” will be ticked.
- Crew members (18b): other crew members working in the tract. In this case, “crew member” (18) will be ticked.
- Owner (19): owner(s) of all, or part of the land where the tract is located. In this case, “owner” will be ticked.
- Informant (20): the persons interviewed in the tract referred to by a code indicating existing relationship between the informant and the tract. To be indicated by marking the appropriate checkboxes, according to option list (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Estate owner |
Owner of a plot within the tract |
O |
Employee |
Person working in the tract |
E |
Manager of site |
Person responsible for natural resources management in the tract |
M |
Settler |
Person living in the tract or user from surroundings |
S |
External |
External key informant, with a knowledge about the tract |
X |
C. Population
- Population on site (21): estimate of the number of people living in the tract.
- Year of settlement (22): approximate year when the settlement was established in the tract. If there is no inhabitant in the tract, or if the information is not known, write respectively “n.a.” (not applicable) or “unknown” in the box.
- Population dynamics (23): trend of the population living in or close to the tract, in the past 5 years. To be indicated according to an option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
No inhabitants in the tract or surroundings |
0 |
Decreasing |
The population living in the site decreased during the last 5 years |
1 |
Stable |
The number of people living in the site remained stable during the last 5 years |
2 |
Increasing |
The population living in the site increased during the last 5 years |
3 |
Not known |
There is not enough information to estimate this trend |
90 |
- Permanent population main activity (24): income generation and employment sources of most of the permanent population living within the tract or in the surroundings. The expression “income generation” refers to activities to satisfy basic needs such as food and housing, i.e. self-sufficient farmers or workers in the town. These data are entered according to an option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
No inhabitants in the tract or surroundings |
0 |
Crop production |
Cropping activities |
1 |
Livestock/ Herding |
Pasture, herding |
2 |
Forestry |
Livelihood and income generation provided by the forest and related activities, including processing and marketing of forest products |
3 |
Urban/peri-urban |
Work in the town or in the industrial sector – income generated from services. |
4 |
Tourism |
Income generated from tourism or activities related to recreation. |
5 |
Fishery |
Livelihood and income generation provided by fishing activities |
6 |
Mining |
Mining and land extraction activities |
7 |
Not known |
90 | |
Others |
To be indicated in the notes. Includes subsidies, etc. |
99 |
- Overall main activity (24a): income generation and employment sources of most of the total population including both permanent and seasonal population living within the tract or in the surroundings. These data are entered according to an option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
No inhabitants in the tract or surroundings |
0 |
Crop production |
Livelihood and income generation provided by cropping activities |
1 |
Livestock/ Herding |
Livelihood and income generation provided by livestock, pasture, herding |
2 |
Forestry |
Livelihood and income generation provided by the forest and related activities, including processing and marketing of forest products |
3 |
Urban/ Peri-urban |
Work in the town or in the industrial sector – income generated from services |
4 |
Tourism |
Income generated from tourism or activities related to recreation. |
5 |
Fishery |
Livelihood and income generation provided by fishing activities |
6 |
Mining |
Mining and land extraction activities |
7 |
Not known |
90 | |
Others |
To be indicated in the notes. Includes subsidies, etc. |
99 |
- Settlement history (25): major historical events that have affected the local people and land use in the area and date or periods of these events (25a). To be indicated by marking appropriate checkbox(es) (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
No inhabitants in the tract or surroundings |
0 |
Wars/conflicts |
1 | |
Change of ownership/land tenure |
2 | |
Expansion of agriculture |
Land converted to agriculture fields or pastures |
3 |
Urban development |
Land changed from agricultural production, open rangeland, forest, or recreational uses to residential, commercial, or industrial uses |
5 |
Infrastructure, electric power |
Infrastructure, e.g., roads, water or water channel, electric line, recently installed in the tract |
6 |
Socio-economic crisis |
Change in consumption patterns due to drastic change in income generation |
7 |
Natural disaster |
8 | |
Rural-to-urban migration |
Migration of people from rural areas to urban areas |
9 |
Urban-to-rural migration |
Migration of people from urban areas to rural areas |
10 |
Rural-to-rural migration |
Migration of people from a rural area to another |
11 |
Urban-to-urban migration |
Migration of people from a urban area to another |
12 |
Immigration |
There has been an influx of people from other country(ies) moving to the area |
13 |
Emigration |
There has been an exodus of people from the area to other country(ies) |
14 |
Others |
To be specified |
D. Proximity to infrastructure
- All-weather road (26): distance, in km, to reach the closest all-weather road (accessible by motor vehicle all the year), departing from the tract centre (equal to 0 if the road is located within the tract).
- Seasonal road (27): distance, in km, from the centre of the tract to the closest seasonal road (road accessible by motor vehicle during some seasons only, equal to 0 if it is located within the tract).
- Settlement (28): distance, in km, from the tract centre to the closest inhabited area (equal to 0 if it is located within the tract).
- Hospital (29): distance, in km, to reach the closest hospital, departing from the tract centre (equal to 0 if the hospital is located within the tract).
- School (30): distance, in km, to reach the closest school, departing from the tract centre (equal 0 if the school is located within the tract).
- Market (31): distance, in km, to reach the closest market, departing from the tract centre (equal to 0 if the market is located within the tract).
E. Tract access
- Starting position (32): latitude (32a) and longitude (32b) in decimal degrees, or coordinates X (32d) and Y (32c) in meters (in the coordinate system adopted) where the field crew starts accessing the tract by foot (i.e. at the closest road accessible by motor vehicle).
- Access Time – Start time (33): time when leaving vehicle to access the tract by foot (hour: minutes).
- Access Time – End time (34): time when arriving at the first plot (hour: minutes).
- Arriving at plot No (34b): number of the first surveyed plot (from 1 to 4).
Reference points of access path: these points will be used to retrieve the tract in the future. An itinerary sketch representing the access path from the road to the tract will be drawn on a separate page while accessing the tract and attached.
The following data must be filled in for each tract:
- ID (35): reference point ID (number from 1 to a series of reference points); this number is reported on the attached itinerary scheme.
- Description (36): brief description of reference point (i.e. road, river, house, rock)
- Latitude (37a) and longitude (37b): position given by GPS (in decimal degrees or in meters in the adopted coordinate system).
- Photo ID (36b): “three-digit tract number” + “-0.” + ”running photo on the access path to tract” (e.g. the 3rd photo taken on the access path to tract number 028 = 028-0.3).
- Bearing (36d): compass bearing in which the photo is taken (from 0 to 360 degrees).
- Notes (38): general notes concerning the tract.
This form will be filled in for each plot contained in the tract (thus, a total of 4 per tract). The forms will include the general data on the plot and the information on its location and access.
Plot identification
- Country name (1)
- Tract Nº (2): identification number of the tract (from 1 to total tract number). See map with tracts (see Figure 1).
- Plot Nº (3): identification number of the plot (1 to 4).
A. Plot access
This section is not completed for the first visited plot in the tract.
- Starting position (34): latitude (34e) and longitude (34f) in decimal degrees, or coordinates X (34g) and Y (34h) in meters in the coordinate system adopted) where the field crew starts accessing the plot by foot (at the closest road accessible by motor vehicle or from the previous surveyed plot).
- Access time - Start time (34i): time when the field crew starts accessing the plot by foot (hour: minutes).
- Access time - End time (34j): time when arriving at the plot (hour: minutes).
B. Time record of work within Plot
- Date 1 (48): first date of measurement in the plot (day / month / year)
- Date 2 (50): second date of measurement if the work in the plot cannot be completed within one day.
- Start time (49): start time of measurement in the plot (hour : minutes) at the first (49a) or second (49b) measurement day
- End time (51): end time of measurement in the plot (hour : minutes)) at the first (50a) or second (51b) measurement day
C. Plot starting point description
This part contains the indications to identify the plot starting point and the marker location:
Plot starting point (calculated)
- Latitude (39a) and Longitude (39b): the coordinates of the plot starting point according to the projection system adopted (meters).
Marker position (GPS reading)
- Latitude (40a) and Longitude (40b): latitude and longitude coordinates in the projection system adopted.
- Distance from Marker to Plot starting point (41): distance in meters from the plot starting point to the marker (equal to “0” if the marker and the starting point coincide).
- Bearing from Marker to Plot starting point (42): compass bearing (from 0 to 360 degrees) from marker to the plot starting point (equal to “0” if the marker and the plot starting point coincide).
Plot starting point plan (43):
Three accurate and, if possible, permanent reference points such as rock, house, bridge, dominant/outstanding trees must be selected in order to be able to find the marker in the future. The orientation and distance of three reference points, from the marker should be measured. The three bearings should preferably be as different as possible and not in alignment. These reference points, as well as the plot start position, will be represented in the plan.
The scheme centre corresponds to the marker (“ M ”). The plot starting point (“ P ”) and the reference points must be represented in the scheme according to the bearing from the marker (as shown on the protractor, from 0 to 360 degrees). The distance from the marker will also be indicated. An example is given below:
Figure 6. Example of Plot starting point plan (form F2)
Information and measurements concerning the reference points will also be reported into a table as following (see example below):
- ID (44): identification of the reference points (e.g. R1).
- Description (45): description of the reference points (e.g. north side of rock, ).
- Bearing (46): orientation of the reference points from the marker.
- Distance (47): distance of the reference points to the marker.
A recommendable supplement to the registration of reference points could be to photograph each reference point from the marker position (36c).
- Photo ID (36c): “Three-digit tract number” + “-“ + ”plot number” + “.” + ”running photo number within plot” (e.g. 3rd photo taken in the 2nd plot tract number 028 = 028-2. )
Figure 7. Example of table recording the Reference points surrounding marker position
D. Plot plan (52): Scheme displaying plot layout
The scheme represents the plot as a whole. The rectangular and the circular subplots are both drawn in the scheme. The starting point is located at the bottom of the page. The central axis of the plot (X axis), at 0 m on the vertical axis (Y axis), and the locations of circular and rectangular subplots centres (located on the main axis, at 5 m, 125 m and 245 m) are included.
The following objects should be drawn:
- Borderlines of the LUS, including the code of the land use classes in the corresponding sections.
- Intersections with infrastructure (roads, paths…) and water courses, as line object, including the code and width of the road/water course. The line drawing corresponds to the centre of the road/stream.
Codes must be attached to the lines according to the legend included in the form (water course, road type).
In the plot plan, any explanatory notes may be written. When entering the fieldwork data in the database these notes must be entered in the field 52a plot plan notes in the database.
- Plot end point (39e and 39f): latitude and longitude coordinates of the plot end point in meters, in the coordinate system adopted (GPS reading).
- Notes (53): general notes concerning the whole plot.
This form consists of a table where information related to all the trees and stumps measured in the plots will be recorded, apart from tree regeneration (height over 1.3m and Dbh under 10 cm) whose data, collected at subplot level 2, will be reported in the form F4 (see Table 5).
Plot identification
- Country name (1)
- Tract Nº (2): identification number of the tract (from 1 to total tract number). See map with tracts (see Figure 1).
- Plot Nº (3): identification number of the plot (1 to 4):
Table: This table will contain data related to:
- All trees and stumps with Dbh ≥ 20 cm present in the plot ;
- Trees and stumps with a Dbh between 10 to 20 cm measured in rectangular subplots;
- Trees and stumps with a Dbh ≥ 10 cm present in all non-forest sections.
When a stump is lower than 1.3m, the diameter it is measured at stump height (Dsh).
- LUS No (4): identification number (from 1 to number of land use sections) of the LUS where the tree/stump is found.
- Tree No (55): tree identification number. Trees are numbered consecutively in the order they are measured.
- Species (56): either common/local (56a) or scientific (56b) species name of the tree.
Tree/Stump location: Tree/Stump location in plot:
- Along plot axis (57a): Horizontal distance in meters along the plot axis from plot starting point to the tree (from 0 to 250 m).
- Left or right axis (57b): Horizontal distance in meters from the plot central axis to the tree (from 0 to 10 m).
- Dbh (58): tree or stump diameter, in centimetres:
- In the case of a tree, diameter in centimetres at breast height (1.3 m) (see Appendix section 6.2.1 for diameter measurements and particular cases).
- In the case of a stump, the stump diameter in centimetres at breast height (Dbh) or measured at the top of the stump if the stump is lower than 1.3 m (Dsh).
- Diameter height (59): height of diameter measurement in meters, if different from breast height (1.3 m).
- Year(s) since cut (60): only for stumps. Estimated time since the tree was cut according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
< 1 year |
1 | |
1 – 5 years |
2 | |
6 – 10 years |
3 | |
> 10 years |
4 |
- Total height (61): total tree or stump height in meters (see appendix section 6.2.2. In the case of a stump, to be indicated only if the stump is more than 1.3 m.
- Commercial height (62): commercial tree height in meters (only for trees).
- Stem quality (63): estimated stem quality (only for trees). To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
High |
Straight tree without visible damage due to fire, pests, diseases, animals, etc. |
1 |
Medium |
Tree with little defects or damage due to fire, pests, diseases, animals, etc. |
2 |
Low |
Tree with several defects or damage due to fire, pests, diseases, animals… |
3 |
Health (only for trees):
- Condition (64): intensity of the symptom, to be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Healthy |
A tree is healthy when it does not show symptoms of disease or presence of parasites, fire or other that have any substantial affect on the tree’s growth and vitality. |
1 |
Slightly Affected |
A tree is slightly affected when it shows symptoms of disease or presence of parasites that to some extent affect the tree’s growth and vitality. |
2 |
Severely affected |
A tree is severely affected when it shows symptoms of disease or presence of parasites that substantially affect the tree’s growth and vitality without being lethal. |
3 |
Dead/dying standing tree |
A tree is dead when none of its parts are alive (leaves, buds, cambium) at 1.3m or above. A tree is dying if it shows damage that will surely lead to death. Standing. |
4 |
Dead/dying fallen tree |
A tree is dead when none of its parts are alive (leaves, bud, cambium) at 1.3m or above. Diameter of a fallen tree is measured at the estimated previous breast height. A tree is dying if it has damage that will surely lead to death. Fallen. |
5 |
- Causing agents (65): causing agents that have been identified (diseases, insects, animals, etc.) according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
Healthy tree, with no signs of disease, parasites, etc. |
0 |
Insects |
Traces of insect attacks |
1 |
Disease/Fungi |
Fungus or other disease |
2 |
Fires |
Burned |
3 |
Animals |
Damage due to wild or domestic animals |
4 |
Humans |
Human induced damage (cuttings, bark damage, logging...) |
5 |
Climate |
Damage induced by climate (wind, snow, lightning, etc.) |
6 |
Other |
To be specified |
Branches: Up to four major branches (minimum diameter > 25 cm and length > 2 m) per tree should be measured if the branches represent a relatively large proportion of the tree woody volume.
- D1, D2, D3, D4(66a-d): mean diameter, in centimetres, of measured part of branch
- L1, L2, L3 L4 (67a-d): length, in meters, of measured branch.
Tree Notes (68): notes concerning the trees and stumps.
This form contains the information on tree regeneration on the circular subplots (subplot level 2, SPL2) as well as on edaphic and topographic variables from the measurement points (MP). Subplots and Measurement Points are only established in land use section classified as “forest”.
Plot identification
- Country name (1).
- Tract Nº (2): identification number of the tract (from 1 to total tract number).
- Plot Nº (3): identification number of the plot (1 to 4).
A. Measurement points: Topography and Soil
Variables on topography and soil are collected in three fixed measurement points located in the centre of each subplot (measurement points).
This section of the form includes three boxes corresponding to the three measurement points.
- LUS Nº (4): Identification number (from 1 to number of land use sections) of the LUS where the measurement point is located.
- Orientation (70): slope orientation at measurement point. To be indicated as compass bearing (from 0 to 360º). On flat terrain write “n.a.” (not applicable).
- Slope (71): the average inclination at the measurement point. To be indicated in %.
- Relief (72): topographic position of subplots. Characterized by microrelief. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Flat terrain |
Flat terrain with slope <= 5% |
1 |
Upper valley slope |
Upper valley slope |
2 |
Middle valley slope |
Middle valley slope (slope >5 %) |
3 |
Lower valley slope |
Lower valley slope |
4 |
Bench |
Horizontal zone of average width over 30 m interposed by a hillside (slope <=15%) or terrace over 6 m width |
5 |
Depression, at the bottom of a small, narrow, or anticlinal |
Enclosed depression or confinement situation at the bottom of a small, narrow or anticlinal valley |
6 |
Summit |
Crest of any kind, sharp, rounded crest or escarpment |
7 |
Wide valley depression |
Large valley or very wide depression in the bottom of a small valley |
8 |
- Soil texture (73a): texture class (grain or basic particles of the soil dimensions) of a soil sample collected at the measurement point level (centre of subplot). To be described according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Fine |
No sound when rubbed between fingers. Plastic and possibly even slippery when handled. Can be formed into a string. Includes clay or clay loam |
1 |
Medium |
Makes a (light) sound, when rubbed between the fingers close to the ear. Allows to be formed into a stick of cigarette size or possibly thinner. Includes loam and sandy loam |
2 |
Coarse |
A wet sample does not stain hands or is only slightly sticky. Cannot be formed. Includes sand and loamy sand |
3 |
Rock |
Surface rock |
4 |
- Detailed soil texture (73b): texture class (grain or basic particles of the soil dimensions) of a soil sample collected at the measurement point level (centre of subplot). To be described according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Sand |
A wet sample does not stain hands |
1 |
Loamy sand |
Slightly sticky, but no ribbons can be formed |
2 |
Sandy loam |
Makes a sound, when rubbed between the fingers close to the ear. Allows to be formed into a stick of cigarette size |
3 |
Loam |
Only a relatively thick ribbon can be formed which will break soon after formation from its own weight. Rubbing between fingers makes a very light sound only |
4 |
Clay loam |
Forms a thin ribbon which will readily break from its own weight when about 2-4 cm long. No sound when rubbed between fingers |
5 |
Clay |
Highly plastic and slippery when handled. Allows to be formed into a thin string |
6 |
Rock |
Surface rock |
7 |
- Soil drainage (74): average soil drainage within subplot. To be described according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Very good drainage |
The water/humidity does not stay in the soil during more than a few consecutive days |
0 |
Good drainage |
The water/humidity does not stay in the soil more than a few consecutive weeks |
1 |
Poor drainage |
The water/humidity does not stay in the soil more than a few consecutive months |
2 |
No drainage |
Land covered with water most of the year, such as lakes, swamps and mangroves, etc. |
3 |
- Organic matter (75): is defined by the thickness of the organic matter stratum, excluding litter. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Absent |
0 | |
< 1 cm |
1 | |
1-5 cm |
2 | |
> 5 cm |
3 |
B. Subplots level 1 and level 2 – Area covered by forest
- SP1L1, SP2L1, SP3L1 width (54a): width of the part of subplot level 1 (SPL1) covered by forest in meters. If the whole subplot level 1 is covered by forest, then the default width is 10 m. If part of the subplot falls into land use classes other than “forest”, this area should be reduced accordingly.
- SP1L1, SP2L1, SP3L1 length (54a): length of the part of subplot level 1 (SPL1) covered by forest in meters. If the whole SPL1 is covered by forest, then the default width is 20 m. If part of the subplot falls into other than “forest”, this area should be reduced accordingly.
- SP1L2, SP2L2, SP3L2 (76a-c): area of the subplot level 2 (SPL2) covered by forest in square meters. The default area is 50m2. If part of the SPL2 falls into “other than “forest”, this area should be reduced accordingly.
C. Subplots level 2 - Tree measurements (trees above 1.3 m height with Dbh <10 cm)
As in previous cases, this section must be filled for each Subplot level 2 that falls into a Land Use Section classified as “forest”.
Each line of the table corresponds to one species found in any of the Subplot level 2. In the columns of the table the tree species name and the corresponding number of individual found in each subplot are registered.
- Species (77): either common/local (77a) or scientific (77b) species name of the tree.
- Counts (78a): allows to count individual trees over 1.3 m and with a Dbh < 10 cm, per species, present in each subplot level 2;
- Total (78): Total number (sum of counts) of individual trees over 1.3 m and with a Dbh < 10cm, per species, present in each subplot level 2.
- Notes (79): Notes concerning measurement points and subplots level 1 and level 2.
Information on Land Use Sections (LUS) found in a given Plot will be registered on this form. It contains general data related to the LUS as well as data on forest structure and management and the use of forest and tree resources. Up to 3 different LUS can be recorded in one form.
Plot identification
- Country name (1).
- Tract Nº (2): identification number of the tract (from 1 to total tract number).
- Plot Nº (3): identification number of the plot (1 to 4).
- LUS number (4): identification number of the Land use section, from 1 to the number of LUS identified.
A. General: This section should be filled out for each LUS.
- Land use (80): alphanumeric code describing the land use/forest type class in the LUS, according to classification described in section 3, page 9. In case of inaccessible areas where the LU class cannot be specified, write “nk” (=”not known”) in the box.
- Width (81a): average width of the LUS in meters.
- Length (81b): average length of the LUS in meters.
- Accessibility (80b): Condition of accessibility of the Land Use Section. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Accessible |
0 | |
Inaccessible due to slope |
Very steep hill making the field work dangerous |
1 |
Inaccessible due to owner refusal |
2 | |
Inaccessible due to restricted area |
E.g. military areas, border areas, land mines areas |
3 |
Inaccessible due to water body |
4 | |
Other inaccessibility |
To be specified in the notes |
99 |
- Tree Canopy cover (92a): ground surface covered by the vertical projection of the tree canopies, expressed as percentage of the total ground area in the LUS. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
No trees |
0 | |
< 5% |
1 | |
5-10% |
2 | |
10-40% |
3 | |
40-70% |
4 | |
>70% |
5 |
- Designation / Protection status (82): protection status and legal/official designation. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code | |
Protection / Conservation |
Strict nature reserve/ Wilderness area |
Strictly protected area, managed mainly for science or wilderness protection. Corresponds to IUCN category I (see Annex section 6.6, page 82). |
1 |
National Park |
Protected area managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. Corresponds to IUCN category II (see Annex section 6.6, page 82) |
2 | |
Natural monument |
Protected area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features. Corresponds to IUCN category III (see Annex section 6.6, page 82) |
3 | |
Habitat/ species management area |
Conservation through active management - Protected area managed mainly for conservation through management intervention. Corresponds to IUCN category IV (see Annex section 6.6, page 82). |
4 | |
Protected landscape / seascape |
Protected areas managed mainly for landscape/seascape conservation and recreation. Corresponds to IUCN category V (see Annex section 6.6, page 82) |
5 | |
Multiple purpose |
Land designated to production, protection and social functions. Encompasses IUCN category VI (see Annex section 6.6, page 82) |
6 | |
Production |
Land designated for production and extraction of products. Includes concessions, exploitation licenses, community forests etc. |
7 | |
Not known |
No information available |
90 | |
Other |
To be specified in the notes |
99 |
- Land ownership (83): land ownership designation under which most of the LUS is defined. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code | |
Private |
Individual |
Owned by individuals and families |
1 |
Industries |
Owned by private enterprises or industries |
2 | |
Others private |
Owned by private co-operatives, corporations, religious and educational institutions, pension or investment funds, NGOs, nature conservation societies and other private institutions |
3 | |
Public |
State |
Owned by national and state governments, or by government-owned institutions or corporations |
4 |
Regional or district level |
Owned by regional or district governments |
5 | |
Municipality |
Owned by the cities or municipalities |
6 | |
Community/ group owned |
Owned by a collective, a group of co-owners, a community who hold exclusive rights and share duties |
7 | |
Indigenous or tribal people |
Owned by indigenous or tribal people |
8 | |
Not known |
No information available on the land ownership |
90 | |
Other |
To be specified |
- Environmental problems (84): main environmental problems observed/identified within the LUS. To be indicated by marking the appropriate checkbox (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
E. g urban areas |
0 |
Not existing |
1 | |
Loss of water levels in rivers and other sources |
2 | |
Drought |
3 | |
Flooding |
4 | |
Poor water quality |
5 | |
Pests |
6 | |
Erosion |
7 | |
Loss of soil fertility |
8 | |
Burning |
9 | |
Landslide |
10 | |
Windthrow |
Including storms, cyclones, hurricanes… |
11 |
Overexploitation of forest resources |
12 | |
Overgrazing |
14 | |
Not known |
90 | |
Other |
- Trees expected (88): Trend in tree density expected in LUS within 5 years. To be captured through interview and indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Increasing |
Increased tree density expected within 5 years |
1 |
Decreasing |
Decreased tree density expected within 5 years |
2 |
Stable |
No change in tree density expected within 5 years |
3 |
B. Forest1 management and structure: This section should be filled out only for LUS within forest and other wooded land
- Tree origin (90): to be indicated by marking the appropriate checkbox (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Natural |
Natural regeneration of stand by seed |
N |
Plantation |
Artificial regeneration by seeding or planting |
P |
Coppice |
Regeneration by shoots from stump or roots |
C |
Not known |
nk |
- Stand structure (91): distinct canopy layers in the stand. To be indicated according to an option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
Non forest area |
0 |
Single layer |
Stand with only one well-defined layer formed by the tree canopies |
1 |
Two-layer vegetation |
Stand with two distinct canopy layers: an upper layer (a dominant canopy layer with two thirds above the lower layer, forming a clearly defined layer with at least 20% cc), and a lower layer (under storey). |
2 |
Three-layer vegetation |
Stand with three distinct canopy layers each with at least 20% cc: - a dominant upper layer two thirds above the lowest layer; - an intermediate layer where the canopies is from one to two thirds above the lower layer; - a lowest layer (under storey) growing at a maximum height of one third of the dominant layer. |
3 |
More than three layers |
Stand with more than three distinct layers of tree canopies at different heights. |
4 |
- Shrub coverage (92b): vertical projection of the shrub canopies as percentage of the total ground area. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
Non forest area |
0 |
<10% |
1 | |
10-40% |
2 | |
40-70% |
3 | |
>70% |
4 |
- Shrub height (92c): average height of the shrubs expressed in meters.
- Management plan (93): any existing forest2 management plan. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Formal |
Formal management plan formulated and implemented |
1 |
Traditional |
No formal management plan formulated or, formal management plan formulated but not implemented |
2 |
Not known |
90 |
- Management agreement (93b): management arrangement between the land owner and other groups. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code | |
Owner is the exclusive manager |
The owner retains management rights and responsibilities within the limits specified by the legislation |
1 | |
Joint management |
with communities |
Management decisions remain with the owner and the management activities are executed by local communities, according to an agreement. The agreement allocates temporary exploitation rights for specific forest products or activities. Are included forests allocated for extraction purposes through licenses or timber concession |
2 |
with private companies / private sector |
Management decisions remain with the owner and the management activities are executed by private companies, according to an agreement. The agreement allocates temporary exploitation rights for specific forest products or activities. Are included forests allocated for extraction purposes through licenses or timber concession |
3 | |
Devolution of management rights |
to communities |
The owner devolves forest management to the local communities according to leases or management agreement. |
4 |
to private companies/ private sector |
The owner devolves forest management to the private companies according to leases or management agreement |
5 | |
Not known |
90 | ||
Other |
To be specified in notes |
99 |
- Disturbances (94): impact level of human activity in the forest3. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not disturbed |
Protected areas, all resources conserved |
1 |
Slightly disturbed |
Exploitation of goods and services is carried out according to management plans |
2 |
Moderately disturbed |
Many products collected without conforming to management plans, notion of sustainability not respected |
3 |
Heavily disturbed |
Removal of products at rates higher than Mean Annual Increment (MAI), biodiversity degradation due to high pressure on selected species, encroachment of agriculture leading to high rate of deforestation |
4 |
Fire:
- Fire occurrence (85): the presence or absence of fire evidence in the LUS. To be indicated according to options list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
No evidence of fire |
There is no evidence of fire in the LUS |
1 |
Recent fire |
Evidence of fire during the current season/year |
2 |
Old fire |
Evidence of fire during the previous years but not during current season |
3 |
- Fire area (86): surface of fire in the LUS. To be indicated in m².
- Fire type (87): to be indicated according to option list (multiple choice):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Underground fire |
Fire spreading under the surface through roots or any other underground means |
1 |
Surface fire |
Fire spreading through the ground cover where it consumes litter and ground vegetation without reaching the tree canopies |
2 |
Crown fire |
Fire spreading through the canopies of woody vegetation |
3 |
- Timber exploitation (95): exploitation system applied in the LUS. To be indicated by marking the appropriate checkbox (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
No felling |
1 | |
Clear-cutting |
Felling of most commercial-sized trees in a stand |
2 |
Selective felling |
Selective felling extracting only trees of certain species, dimensions, value, etc., not taking into account silvicultural needs. |
3 |
Group felling |
4 | |
Strip felling |
5 | |
Other |
To be specified |
- Silviculture (96): visible silvicultural practices (cutting). To be indicated by marking the appropriate checkbox (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
No practice |
1 | |
Improvement |
Operation that aims at improving the yield and quality of the stand. It includes clearing, selective thinning, pruning and regeneration by natural or artificial seeding |
2 |
Release of desirable superior trees |
Removal of higher and larger and intermediate diameter trees to allow the development of desired future trees. It includes selective thinning. |
3 |
Removal of undesirable vegetation layer |
Intervention aimed at freeing trees from disturbing vegetation layer (e.g. lianas) |
4 |
Enrichment planting |
Supplementary planting or seeding of indigenous species for increasing the percentage of desirable species in natural forest |
5 |
Sanitary cutting |
Removal of dead, damaged or unhealthy trees, with the aim of stopping or preventing the spreading of insects and diseases |
6 |
Prescribed burning |
Controlled application of fire to vegetation in either their natural or modified state, under specified environmental conditions which allow the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and at the same time to produce the intensity of heat and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management objectives |
7 |
Other |
To be specified |
- Technology used (97): technology used for tree exploitation. To be indicated by marking the appropriate checkbox (multiple choice possible):
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Manual |
Manual saw, axe, machete etc. |
1 |
Chainsaw |
Chainsaw |
2 |
Mechanized |
Tractors, mechanization, etc. |
3 |
Not known |
90 | |
Other |
To be specified |
- Notes (98): general notes concerning the LUS.
This form contains the information on products and services (P/S) provided by trees and forests4. One form will be completed for each land use class found in the plot. Most of the information will be collected through interviews and observations and organized in the table.
Plot identification
- Country name (1).
- Tract Nº (2): identification number of the tract (from 1 to total tract number).
- Plot Nº (3): identification number of the plot (1 to 4).
- Land use (80): alphanumeric code describing the land use class.
Table for the products and services (P/S) provided by the trees and forests
- Product/service category (99): categories of products, services and benefits provided by the trees and forest5 in a given land use class (one line for each product/service category). To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code | |
Wood products |
Industrial wood |
Includes timber, chips |
101 |
Fuelwood |
102 | ||
Charcoal |
103 | ||
Wood carvings |
Tools, household equipment, carvings and other small woods |
104 | |
NWFP- Plant products |
Plant food |
Vegetable foodstuffs and beverages provided by fruits, nuts, seeds, roots, mushrooms etc. |
201 |
Fodder |
Animal and bee fodder provided by leaves, fruits, etc |
202 | |
Plant medicines |
Medicinal plants (e.g. leaves, bark, roots) used in traditional medicine and/or for pharmaceutical companies |
203 | |
Soap / cosmetics |
Aromatic plants providing essential (volatile) oils and other products used for cosmetic purposes such as soaps, perfumes |
204 | |
Dying / tanning |
Plant material (bark and leaves) providing tannins and other plant parts (especially leaves and fruits) used as colorants |
205 | |
Herbs and spices |
206 | ||
Exudates |
Substances such as gums (water soluble), resins (water insoluble) and latex (milky or clear juice), released from plants by exudation |
207 | |
Utensils, handicrafts |
Non wood products |
208 | |
Construction material |
Includes thatch, bamboo, rattan, wrapping, leaves and fibres |
209 | |
Ornamentals |
Entire plants (e.g. orchids) and parts of plants (e.g. pots made from roots) used for ornamental purposes |
210 | |
Seeds |
Seeds collected for regeneration purposes |
211 | |
Other plant products |
To be specified |
299 | |
NWFP- Animal products |
Living animals |
Mainly vertebrates such as mammals, birds, reptiles kept/bought as pets |
301 |
Honey, beeswax |
Products provided by bees |
302 | |
Bush meat |
Meat provided by vertebrates, mainly mammals |
302 | |
Other edible animal products |
Mainly edible invertebrates such as insects (e.g. caterpillars) and other “secondary” products of animals (e.g. eggs, nests)- To be specified |
398 | |
Hides, skins for trophies |
Hide and skin of animals used for various purposes |
304 | |
Medicines from animals |
Entire animals or parts of animals such as various organs used for medicinal purposes |
305 | |
Colorants |
Entire animals or parts of animals such as various organs used as colorants |
306 | |
Other non-edible animal products |
e.g. bones used as tools - To be specified |
399 | |
Forest services and benefit |
Employment (salary) |
Local employment |
401 |
Grazing |
403 | ||
Scientific studies |
Including bio-prospecting |
405 | |
Protection |
Including soil and water conservation, protection against erosion and landslides |
406 | |
Recreation and tourism |
Including ecotourism, including hunting or fishing as leisure activity |
407 | |
Religious / spiritual |
408 | ||
Windbreaks |
411 | ||
Shade |
412 | ||
Other services |
To be specified |
499 |
- P/S Ranking (99a): ranking of the product or service (P/S) according to importance. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
High |
Products of high importance |
H |
Medium |
Products of medium importance |
M |
Low |
Products of low importance |
L |
- Species (111): list of species collected in the P/S category by land use. The species will be ranked according to their importance (high, medium or low) and indicated in the corresponding lines as mentioned in the column labelled Species Rank (111a) (respectively H, M or L)6.
- Conflicts (104): existence of conflicts between different users of the P/S. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
No |
No conflicts due to use/collection of the P/S |
1 |
Yes |
Conflicts due to use/collection of the P/S |
2 |
Not known |
90 |
- Demand trend (105): trend of P/S demand during the last 5 years. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Decreasing |
1 | |
No change |
2 | |
Increasing |
3 | |
Not known |
90 |
- Supply trend (106): trend of P/S supply or stock during the last 5 years. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Decreasing |
1 | |
No change |
2 | |
Increasing |
3 | |
Not known |
90 |
Harvesting/Use: each line of this section of the table corresponds to a harvester/user category.
- Harvester /user (101): the harvester/user group of the P/S is indicated by the following codes:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Individuals |
Individuals and families with rights to harvest/use the P/S |
I |
Companies |
Companies with rights to harvest/use the P/S. Includes public or private enterprises, industries and organizations |
C |
No rights |
User (individuals or companies) without any right to harvest/use the P/S |
X |
- Harvester/User Rank (101a): ranking of the user groups according to the harvested quantity/frequency of use of the product/service. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
High |
User group with high use of the P/S |
H |
Medium |
User group with medium use of the P/S |
M |
Low |
User group with low use of the P/S |
L |
- User rights (103): right to harvest/use the P/S. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Property rights |
The user is the land owner or has been transferred property rights |
1 |
Customary or common rights |
Rights to harvest/use the P/S based on tradition or habit, to satisfy local people’s needs or a specific group. Might be regulated through permits and licenses |
2 |
Open access |
The use of the P/S is a common right. Everybody has the right to harvest/use the P/S. |
3 |
No right |
The use of the P/S is prohibited |
4 |
Not known |
90 |
- Organization level (101b): level in which regime activity is carried out. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Organized |
Harvesting or activity is carried out in a coordinated manner |
1 |
Spontaneous |
Harvesting or activity is carried out in a spontaneous, non organized manner. |
2 |
Organized and spontaneous |
Harvesting or activity is carried out both in a coordinated and spontaneous manner |
3 |
- Gender balance (101c): Gender balance of harvesters/users. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
<30% women |
1 | |
30 – 70% women |
2 | |
>70% women |
3 |
- Child labour (101d): if more than 30% of the work related to harvesting/activity is done by children indication should be made in check box.
- End-use (102): main end-use of P/S. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Domestic |
Mainly non commercial use of the P/S (home consumption) |
1 |
Commercial |
P/S mainly sold in the local, national or international markets |
2 |
Domestic and commercial |
P/S is both sold in the markets (local, national or international) and used for home consumption |
3 |
Not known |
4 |
- Frequency (108): frequency of harvesting/use of the P/S. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Daily |
P/S is harvested/used practically every day |
1 |
Weekly |
P/S is harvested /used practically every week |
2 |
Seasonally |
P/S is harvested /used every year during well defined seasons |
3 |
Intervals larger than 1 year |
P/S is not harvested/used every year |
4 |
90 | ||
Other |
To be specified |
- Trend (109): trend of harvesting/use of the P/S during the last 5 years. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Decreasing |
1 | |
No change |
2 | |
Increasing |
3 | |
Not known |
90 |
- Change reason (110): reason of change in trend of harvesting/use of the P/S during the last 5 years. To be indicated according to option list:
Options |
Description/definition |
Code |
Not applicable |
0 | |
Decreasing benefits |
1 | |
Market |
Change in market |
2 |
Substitution by other products/ services |
3 | |
Change in the quantity of product in the surroundings |
4 | |
Change in the access to the resource |
5 | |
Not known |
90 | |
Other |
To be specified in notes |
99 |
Legislation:
- Awareness (101e): awareness of the legislation regarding the P/S related to the harvester/user. When major parts of the user group are aware of the legal restrictions, this should be indicated by marking the checkbox.
- Compliance (101f): compliance to legislation for the P/S (any user). If the majority of the user group act in compliance with the legislation, this should be indicated by marking the checkbox.
Forestry incentives:
- Awareness (101g): awareness of forestry incentives for the product/service by legal users. If the majority of the user group is aware of the forestry incentives, this should be indicated by marking the checkbox.
- Application (101g): application to forestry incentive for the product/service by legal users. If the majority of the user group has applied or is applying for forestry incentives, this should be indicated by marking the checkbox.
- Notes (98): notes regarding forest products and services in the plot.
1 Woodlands may be included for dry forest countries.
2 Woodlands may be included for dry forest countries.
3 Woodlands may be included for dry forest countries.
4 Woodlands may be included for dry forest countries.
5 Woodlands may be included for dry forest countries.
6 If a product is collected from shrubs in “other wooded land”, it should be mentioned.