GOFC-GOLD-LC-PO

Global Observation of Forest and Land Cover Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD) is a coordinated international effort working to provide on-going space-based and in-situ observations of forests and other vegetation cover, for the sustainable management of terrestrial resources and to obtain an accurate, reliable, quantitative understanding of the terrestrial carbon budget.

The role of GOFC GOLD is to establish the link between space agencies, science community and the users of Earth Observation data and data products. Within GOFC GOLD the primary function of the Land Cover Implementation Team (LC-IT) is to develop and evaluate methods, tools and products for land cover measurements and monitoring using space-borne and in-situ observations. The LC-IT assesses current needs and deficiencies for global and regional monitoring to support Global Change research, national and regional forest inventories and international policy

The objective of the GOFC GOLD LC Project Office is to support the LC-IT and to strengthen and broaden its recognition as a key international expert platform in land cover monitoring, Within this framework, the Office helps to strengthen the overall GOFC-GOLD framework putting emphasis on global land cover mapping and validation, REDD+ monitoring and reporting, and related capacity development. The team cooperates closely with other GOFC-GOLD implementation teams and regional networks worldwide. Since 2015 the Office took over the lead of the R&D element of the Global Forest Observations Initiative GFOI.

ESA has supported the GOFC GOLD Land Cover Project Office since 2004. Professor Christiane Schmullius from the University of Jena, Germany led the Office from 2004 until 2009. From then the University of Wageningen, The Netherlands hosted the Office under the lead of Professor Martin Herold.