Reporting the results of forest monitoring - An evaluation of the European forest monitoring programme

Abstract

An evaluation of the pan-European forest monitoring programme set up in the 1980s to examine the effects of atmospheric pollution on forest condition is presented. This is based on a questionnaire survey of national stakeholders and an examination of the quality of scientific information contained in the programme reports. The relevance of the results to different types of stakeholder is discussed. Annual reports from the programme have focussed on scientific understanding, but have only partially satisfied policy needs. Basic principles for an effective communication strategy to improve the content, accessibility and usability of the monitoring results are put forward. Future monitoring requires a proper analysis of policy-relevant indicators and more effort to get appropriate information to policy makers when they need it. Modelling and decision support tools should be seen as vital parts of knowledge transfer. © Institute of Chartered Foresters, 2008. All rights reserved.