Global tropical forest types as support for the consideration of biodiversity under REDD+

摘要

For REDD+ to achieve synergies between climate and biodiversity objectives, the complex spatial pattern of forest biodiversity needs to be considered. Data on forest cover and species diversity in tropical and subtropical forest types could serve as biodiversity indicators for REDD+ on the global scale. The evaluation of existing global ecological classification systems, forest and land cover maps, and species data shows that diverging definitions of forest and forest types impede thecomparison and collation of these datasets. The development of a common classification for (sub)tropical forests could facilitate the evaluation of global biodiversity carbon trade-offs and REDD+ management options, but requires enhanced collaboration between the international organizations involved in forest, carbon and biodiversity research and management.