Paving the way to the 4th Lao National Forest Inventory

The Department of Forestry (DOF) of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is planning the fourth National Forest Inventory (NFI) for the coming 2024-2025 dry season. Previously, the Forest Inventory and Planning Division (FIPD) conducted the second and third NFIs in 2016 and 2019, respectively, with technical assistance from the Sustainable Forest Management and REDD+ Support Project (F-REDD), the predecessor to F-REDD 2. NFIs survey forested areas at sample plot locations to assess forest status and forest resources, including forest carbon stock. For instance, some of the main outputs of the second and third NFIs were the carbon stock estimates for the five natural forest classes required to produce the emission factors used for the National Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL/FRL).

The methodological approach will be improved for the fourth NFI, with significant revisions to the sample and plot design for an enhanced statistical robustness. In addition, permanent plots will be established, enabling re-surveying in the future to assess forest cover change and the tree growth.

To test the proposed revisions under real conditions in the field, a Pilot Study was conducted by the FIPD in late March and early April 2024, with the support of the SilvaCarbon program and the facilitation of the F-REDD 2 project. For this, participants were divided into three teams, plus a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) team, to survey six plots each in three different districts (Pek in Xiengkhouang Province, Bolikhan in Bolikhamxay Province, and Phin in Savannakhet Province). Additionally, two experts from the United States Forest Service joined the study, providing insightful guidance to the whole team on establishing permanent plots and conducting measurements on the first two days in Bolikhamxay Province and then closely following the QA/QC team to provide support in Xiengkhouang Province.

The outcomes of the Pilot Study are currently being analyzed to refine the sampling and plot design.
The final proposal and plan for the fourth NFI will be discussed by the DOF during the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).