With the help of the European Space Agency, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has initiated its TransparentForests study, using satellite systems to monitor certified forests for FSC-compliance.
Using Earth Observation (EO) satellite mapping systems, global positioning systems (GPS) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) in a web-based geographic information system (GIS), TransparentForests will provide a source of independent, up-to-date and spatially accurate data with which certification bodies can plan and execute audits. The data will also be useful to forest communities and non-governmental organizations, allowing them to monitor forest assets.
The project has also established a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) forum, which established a formal link with all the CABs undertaking FSC forest management certifications.
More information on the project is available here.
