The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in collaboration with partner universities in Tanzania and partner institutions in Norway have recently concluded on more than four years of research and development on a broad specter of REDD+ issues in Tanzania. Monitoring of deforestation and capacity building in the field of forest monitoring have been significant parts of these activities.

On October 29 we wish to share some of these experiences with you and take a broader look at lessons learned in other parts of the world. We also want to provide a brief look into the scientists’ laboratory: “what can we expect in terms of new technical opportunities for improved forest carbon assessment in the future?” We also want to highlight some of the co-benefits that seem to be overlooked in the current REDD+ debate: the connection between forests and carbon storage on one side and pollination of agricultural crops on the other – the latter being another environmental challenge faced in our time. Some of these aspects will be detailed in two doctoral dissertations taking place on October 28 and October 30. People are welcome to attend these dissertations as well.

Organizer: Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management
Time: October 29, 10:00 – 15:00
Place: Studentsamfunnet i Ås, Olav L. Moens plass 1, Ås
Registration: per email to Terje Gobakken (terje.gobakken at nmbu.no) before October 20.

Program:

Moderator: Prof. Erik Næsset, NMBU

1000-1020      Dean Øystein Johnsen, NMBU, Opening remarks

Policy issues for REDD+ and MRV

1020-1040      Prof. Ole Hofstad, NMBU, REDD+ policies and land use

1040-1100      Dr. Pete Watt, Indufor, New Zealand, Implementing MRV from scratch – some lessons learned in Guyana

1100-1120      Prof. Ørjan Totland, NMBU, REDD+, co-benefits and biodiversity: examples from carbon storage and crop pollination

 1120-1140      Prof. Rogers Malimbwi and Prof. Eliakimu Zahabu, SUA, Experiences with the REDD+ – policy issues and challenges: case Tanzania

1140-1240      Lunch

 Current issues in forest monitoring for REDD+

1240-1300      Prof. Arild Angelsen, NMBU, How to set reference levels for REDD+

1300-1320      Prof. R. Malimbwi (SUA), Prof. E. Zahabu (SUA), Prof. Tron Eid (NMBU), Towards monitoring of forest degradation – development of biomass models for Tanzania

1320-1340      Prof. Timo Tokola, University of Eastern Finland, Finland’s engagement an experience with establishment of forest monitoring in tropical countries

1340-1400      Dr. Ross Nelson, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Towards global assessment of biomass – where do we stand and what is lacking: future space missions and their prospects

1400-1420      Prof. Terje Gobakken, NMBU, Recent experiences with advanced technologies for forest monitoring in a developing country: Tanzania

1420-1430      Senior Adviser Karine Hertzberg, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Eight years of REDD+: NICFI’s perspectives on knowledge gaps

1430-1500      Discussion