A novel approach based on Earth Observations to measure Mountain Green Cover Index was developed by FAO in 2020. It was developed to address countries’ concerns regarding the methodology developed in 2017. The aim was to provide a standardized solution that is robust, transparent and cost efficient. A full description of the methodological development is available through the published Map Story.

The new method allows countries to extract data on Mountain Green Cover Index at the national and subnational levels, as well as land cover statistics from free and open global land cover maps, in addition to their own national maps (if available) using a standardized method. The method is based on a quantitative approach and is characterized by its high accuracy of results (>90 percent). Compared to other methodologies based on the analysis of remote sensing data, FAO’s new approach is dramatically simpler, increasing the likelihood that NSOs and national SDG focal points will use it.

The results of the Mountain Green Cover Index validation process led by FAO in 2020, as of the SDG reporting cycle, confirm the positive impact of the new methodology: 39 percent of countries contacted responded to the validation request; 21 percent of countries approved the validation request (compared to 12 percent in 2017); and 13 percent provided their own national data (compared to zero in 2017).

After completing the validation process, several countries followed up with FAO, resulting in further technical exchanges. This was necessary because countries were using the methodology to calculate Mountain Green Cover Index using their own national land cover data as inputs.

The new Earth Observation-based methodology has been instrumental for FAO to assess the capacity of the Mountain Green Cover Index indicator to capture land cover changes at the subnational level that are drivers of ecosystem degradation. The findings suggest that the indicator has low sensitivity to degradation as well as to improved conditions. This further suggests that adjustments are needed to the definitions. FAO is working on improving this indicator and adjusting the Earth Observation-based methodology accordingly in 2021.

1. Evidence-based policy, global instruments and knowledge products

Improving country data for monitoring SDG achievements and informing policy decisions
(FMM/GLO/129/MUL)

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