The TFA is part of the Forest Resources Assessment project of the FAO. The objective of this project is to periodically provide to international policy makers a reliable estimate of tropical deforestation. Obtaining information on the processes of change is also an important aspect of the project.  

Fig. 11 

To achieve these goals, FAO has adopted two approaches. One is based on collecting and compiling existing survey data from each country into one database. The second is based on using multi-date satellite images on a sampling basis. The last assessment was carried out in 1990. In Central Africa, 12 sites (Landsat image size) have been classified and analyzed.  

The interpretation was implemented at selected regional and national forestry/remote sensing institutions with the objective to strengthen national capacities. A database was established. The assessment is conducted every 10 years. FAO is currently preparing the TFA 2000.

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