This briefing note presents some recent developments in satellite-based earth observation (EO) and how new and disruptive technology can improve understanding on tropical dry forests. It focuses on tools and algorithms developed by the Satellite Monitoring for Forest Management (SMFM) project...

Boycotting tropical timber reduces its economic value and provides an incentive to burn down forests, making them available for subsequent agricultural use or livestock farming. In contrast, a certification scheme for sustainability produced timber (tropical or non-tropical) protects the forests...