For reliable analysis of changes between the first and second inventory, a methodology has been carefully constructed that will be applied in future forest inventory cycles. The methodology will allow you to analyze and obtain reliable data on growth rates and productivity, survival and dying processes, use and regeneration. To ensure the reliability of the sampling methodology and design, the following tasks were performed:

Information needs assessment of the main actors in the forest sector and analysis of forest policy.

Review of the methodology of the second national forest inventory to identify aspects that require modification and improvement.

Inclusion of a new element as a national land cover classification.

In combination with modern data collection technologies such as remote sensing, this will allow you to exclude areas that are not forests or shrubs and get the most accurate data.

National land cover classification is necessary for preliminary stratification. These land cover classification data will reduce the number of deviations and improve the accuracy of forest inventory. It will also help to conduct a preliminary refinement of each cluster and sampling points of forest inventory. The classification system is based on existing land-use / cover class systems, as well as international standards such as the FAO land-use classification system.

Performing land cover classification includes several steps. The first GIS project was created, which will help in data preparation and pre-processing. This will also be the Central place where the classification will be completed and finally illustrated. All processes related to data preparation and verification on the ground, field maps and verification will also be performed within the framework of the GIS project.

To improve the quality of ground control and verification data, the team will also explore the possibility of using other or auxiliary data available in the country. For example, data from the State forest Agency’s forest management plan (FMP), which is available for approximately 13,000 sites in the country. At the beginning, a detailed analysis will be used to check the final map more accurately.

The implementation of the field element, including survey and quality control, begins in June 2019, and the second-in the spring and summer of 2020. The collection of field data is accompanied by regular field monitoring by consultants and the TTFI team. In order to ensure the sustainability of the process, the consultant team will pay particular attention to training the Supervisory staff and the staff of the SAEPF.

To collect field data, the programs Ореnfоris Collect and Collect Mobile were selected. After the internal tests conducted by UNIQUE-CAREC in the field, both the work of the Openforis Collect Mobile program and the field research methodology, the main training on working with Open Foris Collect and training on collecting field data will first be conducted for the Central NFI team (training of trainers), and then in the second stage – training will be conducted for all field teams.

Capacity-building for the national forest inventory and monitoring cycle is another thematic area. The forest inventory and monitoring group will be able to use the results of the second forest inventory effectively and comprehensively. It will also be able to prepare and conduct future inventory cycles.

The team of the technical group of forest inventory (TTFI) is considered the core of such a group at the state institution “Kyrgyz forest and hunting management” (SKFHM). With this in mind, the focus of the capacity building process will be on the TTFI team. In addition, an IFMS group responsible for information technology, software, and related it infrastructure should be established as a division. This division should constantly work with the NFI software as part of the future of IFMS.

Thus, the team should consist of specialists who are technically capable of managing inventory tasks, databases, remote sensing, mapping and data processing based on sound forest management and applying information technology skills.

Communication is an important tool for ensuring support and acceptance of NFI results. This should be considered as part of the overall objective of institutional reform and capacity-building. The goal of the project is to develop a structure that provides favorable conditions for more decentralized management and planning at the level of administration, forestry, districts and aiyl okmotu. Therefore, a communication strategy that provides more transparent management is important. The communication strategy is therefore developed with all relevant stakeholders and includes tools such as seminars, newsletters, web pages, official reports and training events. Communication is built into the management structure and is part of the project awareness campaign and social mobilization strategy.

In accordance with the goals of the strategy, a communication plan was developed that contains specific tasks and steps to raise awareness and channels for disseminating information about the NFI implementation process and its results.

The strategy for compiling, analyzing, and even reporting inventory data has already been developed before inventory starts. This goal is to: develop NFI software modules before using them as the main tools for performing all tasks within the NFI, and organize a data analysis workflow that will result in defined or custom reports in the format of tables, graphs, and maps. To achieve these goals, the following tasks will be completed:

Development of several software modules for the second forest inventory as part of the future forest management Information system (FMIS).

Data analysis using allometric equations and performing tasks using the NFI software to analyze NFI data during the workflow.

Capacity-building for experts and field team leaders through training courses on the use of software modules and analysis results.