GFOI R&D Exchange: Uncertainty quantification and reporting

18/11/2025

©FAO/Cory Wright

The Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) Research and Development (R&D) Coordination Component is pleased to invite you to the fourth session of the virtual GFOI R&D Exchange series: “Uncertainty quantification and reporting”.

This session will take place on 18 November 2025 from 16.00 to 18.00 CET (GMT +1.00). Space is limited – register here to secure your spot.

Accurate carbon reporting is essential for effective climate action, but how can we measure and communicate uncertainty in our estimates? This session will showcase a range of different tools and methodologies – from geostatistical models to Monte Carlo simulations – designed to help countries effectively quantify and manage uncertainty.

Join us to learn from countries and leading experts as they share practical solutions and discuss strategies to strengthen the credibility of national forest monitoring and greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting. This event is designed for national GHG inventory compilers, remote sensing specialists, policy makers, researchers, and all stakeholders engaged in forest and carbon monitoring.

Facilitators

  • Javier García Pérez (Gamarra), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
  • Chad Babcock, University of Minnesota (UMN) 

Agenda

  • Introduction to R&D Exchanges, CALM Framework and Agenda (10 minutes)
    • Daniela Requena (GFZ, GFOI R&D Coordinator)
  • The importance of uncertainties in forest monitoring and the R&D Component's role (5 minutes)
    • Javier García Pérez (Gamarra) (FAO, GFOI R&D Uncertainties Co-Lead)
  • Communicating uncertainty using Earth Observation (15 minutes)
    • Robert Kennedy (Oregon State University, GFOI R&D Uncertainties Co-Lead)
  • On design-based, model-assisted, and model-based forest carbon estimation and uncertainty assessment approaches (15 minutes)
    • Chad Babcock (UMN)
  • {mocaredd}: A Monte Carlo Tool and its application (25 minutes)
    • Gael Sola (FAO)
  • Q&A, feedback and closing remarks (10 minutes)
    • Daniela Requena (moderator)
  • GFOI & audience interaction (5 minutes)
    • Javier García Pérez (Gamarra) and Daniela Requena
  • Closing remarks and next steps (5 minutes)
    • Chad Babcock and Daniela Requena

We look forward to your participation and contributions to these important discussions. To register and submit your key questions in advance, please click here. For those unable to attend, this exchange will be recorded.

 


 

About the series: GFOI R&D Exchanges

The GFOI R&D Exchanges are an online series of regular events designed to foster discussions on evolving forest monitoring methods and their applications in national forest monitoring systems. These meetings serve as a dynamic platform for our research community and interested stakeholders to exchange information and insights on recent research achievements and persisting gaps. The sessions will focus on the current GFOI R&D priorities: biomass and emission factor estimation, deforestation alerts, uncertainty analysis, land use and greenhouse gas emissions and uptakes, including tropical wetland monitoring.