Guidelines on forest biodiversity monitoring methodologies for Central Asian countries

Book excerpt: For effective forest biodiversity monitoring in FAO Sub-regional Office for Central Asia (SEC) countries (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Türkiye), it is important to develop cost-effective and efficient monitoring methods. The main purpose of the guidelines on forest biodiversity monitoring methodologies is to support FAOSEC countries in their efforts to detect changes in forest biodiversity and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken for sustainable forest management. The monitoring process begins with the assessment of monitoring requirements and the establishment of specific goals for the subsequent development of the monitoring approach. Subsequently, essential factors such as indicators, methods and tools for monitoring, team composition, frequency of monitoring, and data management are identified to shape the monitoring initiative, integrating aspects related to the state, impact, and response. The monitoring process is then concluded through the practical implementation of the program via field investigations, analysis and interpretation of the gathered information, and dissemination of resultant reports to pertinent stakeholders. The guidelines for forest biodiversity monitoring methodologies employ this comprehensive five-step monitoring cycle as a foundation for crafting an efficient forest biodiversity monitoring program. The guidelines on forest biodiversity monitoring methodologies are designed to take into account the changes in pressure, state and response indicators especially for biodiversity monitoring with the contributions of subject-matter experts. This study uses the "Pressure-State-Response" framework that has been frequently used in different global, regional, and national monitoring programs. In the guidelines, monitoring targets for species, habitats, ecosystem services, and forestry practices are defined for each monitoring component by using relevant indicators. Using Türkiye’s national biodiversity database (Noah’s Ark Database) and its monitoring tables as samples, the indicators are tabulated with detailed information on the following topics: •Monitoring Level •Monitoring Period and Frequency •Monitoring Area •Monitoring Method •Monitoring Team/Expertise •Target / Success Criteria For effective implementation of the guidelines, a governance mechanism is also proposed for the participation of regional and national stakeholders. The guidelines serve as a comprehensive framework for monitoring forest biodiversity in FAOSEC countries with the aim of providing practical guidance and recommendations for establishing effective forest biodiversity monitoring systems in those countries. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of harmonization and standardization of biodiversity indicators and methods across countries, enhancing comparability and facilitating regional and global reporting.