Mapping data gaps to estimate biomass across Brazilian Amazon forests

Author(s)

Tejada, Graciela ^[1] ; Gorgens, Eric Bastos ^[2] ; Ovando, Alex ^[3] ; Ometto, Jean Pierre ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Natl Inst Space Res INPE, Earth Syst Sci Ctr CCST, Av Astronautas 1758, Sao Jose De Campos 12227010, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Vales Jequitinhonha & Mucuri, Dept Forestry Engn, Campus JK, Rod MGT 367, Km 583, 5000 Alto Jacuba, Diamantina 39100000, MG - Brazil

^[3] Natl Ctr Monitoring & Early Warning Nat Disasters, Estrada Doutor Alino Bondesani 500, Sao Jose Dos Campos 12247016, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FOREST ECOSYSTEMS; v. 7, n. 1 APR 22 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background Tropical forests play a fundamental role in the provision of diverse ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, climate and air quality regulation, freshwater provision, carbon cycling, agricultural support and culture. To understand the role of forests in the carbon balance, aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates are needed. Given the importance of Brazilian tropical forests, there is an urgent need to improve AGB estimates to support the Brazilian commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Many AGB maps and datasets exist, varying in availability, scale and coverage. Thus, stakeholders, policy makers and scientists must decide which AGB product, dataset or combination of data to use for their particular goals. In this study, we assessed the gaps in the spatial AGB data across the Brazilian Amazon forests not only to orient the decision makers about the data that are currently available but also to provide a guide for future initiatives. Results We obtained a map of the gaps in the forest AGB spatial data for the Brazilian Amazon using statistics and differences between AGB maps and a spatial multicriteria evaluation that considered the current AGB datasets. The AGB spatial data gap map represents areas with good coverage of AGB data and, consequently, the main gaps or priority areas where further biomass assessments should focus, including the northeast of Amazon State, Amapa and northeast of Para. Additionally, by quantifying the variability in both the AGB maps and field data on multiple environmental factors, we provide valuable elements for understanding the current AGB data as a function of climate, soil, vegetation and geomorphology. Conclusions The map of AGB data gaps could become a useful tool for policy makers and different stakeholders working on National Communications, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+), or carbon emissions modeling to prioritize places to implement further AGB assessments. Only 0.2% of the Amazon biome forest is sampled, and extensive effort is necessary to improve what we know about the tropical forest. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/20616-6 - Brazilian Amazon forest biomass assessment for the modeling of the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of deforestation-driven carbon emissions (INPE-EM)
• Grantee: Graciela Tejada Pinell
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/18493-7 - Correlation between greenhouse gases, natural processes and land use in the Amazon Basin region
• Grantee: Graciela Tejada Pinell
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate