3. Land use/forest type classification

The classification system used to define land use/forest type classes is based on a dichotomous approach and includes two levels:

- The first level is composed by the global classes designed for the assessment of forest and tree resources at the global level;

- The second level is country specific, and includes additional classes integrated in order to take into account national and sub-national information needs.

The global classes were developed within the framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment of FAO. The terms and definitions used in national assessments are chosen to harmonize national with global level forest assessments. The global classes include:

- Forests;

- Other wooded land;

- Other land;

- Inland water.

The global classes ensure harmonisation of the classifications between countries for regional or global assessments. The second level of classification is designed to meet specific country needs for information.

A code with 2 to 4 characters has been assigned to each class in order to facilitate data collection and input.

The classes and related codes used in the inventory are shown in Table 4. The diagram on Figure 4 shows the dichotomous approach and the class subdivision. Classes are further defined in the Annexes (section 6.1).

Table 4. Land use/forest type classification

Figure 4. Forest type/land use classification