EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE USE OF ALOS PALSAR TO ASSESS ABOVEGROUND TREE BIOMASS OF DEGRADED TROPICAL FORESTS: A CASE STUDY IN EAST KALIMANTAN

摘要

The conversion of degraded tropical forests with a canopy cover of <30% into feedstock for biofuels are highly uncertain under the sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive, while these forests can contain high carbon stocks. Therefore we explored the potential of ALOS PALSAR, a space-borne satellite, to assess the variation in aboveground tree biomass by collecting field data from 54 plots in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and examining the relationship between ALOS PALSAR backscatter and aboveground tree biomass. Our preliminary findings show a strong and significant relationship and are relevant for stakeholders aiming at compliance of biofuel production with Renewable Energy Directive criteria. It supports the identification of degraded areas for oil palm cultivation while minimizing CO_2 emissions related to land-use change.