Satellite Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Technologies for Industrial Tree Plantation Mapping and Monitoring: A Way Forward for the Sustainable Development of the Philippine ITP Industry

KEY POINTS ● Industrial Tree Plantations (ITPs) are a vital contributor to the Philippines' log and timber production, but these ITPs requires better and more efficient way of characterization and monitoring. ● Current policies require ground validations surveys to monitor ITPs for regulation purposes. However, these approaches are often difficult to conduct, time consuming and expensive. ● Satellite remote sensing (SRS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies offer an efficient alternative to traditional ground surveys for mapping and monitoring ITPs. ● SRS and GIS enable detailed mapping of ITPs, including species-level identification, and provides valuable data for forest resource management and environmental monitoring. ● SRS and GIS technologies should be integrated into existing policies by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to efficiently map, monitor, and manage ITPs in the country, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable forestry practices.