2023-07-21T15:22:56.669431

2025-04-17T20:36:25.640421

30×30 meters

Global

Sporadic

Mazur, E., M. Sims, E. Goldman, M. Schneider, F. Stolle, M. Daldoss Pirri, and C.R. Beatty. 2023. “SBTN Natural Lands Map”.

Natural Forest

2020, 30-m, Global, Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), version 0.3

Mazur, E., M. Sims, E. Goldman, M. Schneider, F. Stolle, M. Daldoss Pirri, and C.R. Beatty. 2023. “SBTN Natural Lands Map”. [Link](https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Technical-Guidance-2024-Step3-Land-v1-Natural-Lands-Map.pdf)

This dataset displays the extent of natural forest and non-natural tree cover in 2020, drawing from the relevant classes delineated in the Science Based Targets Network’s (STBN) Natural Lands Map. These data draw from multiple sources to develop a global map of natural and non-natural land cover with a globally consistent classification scheme. Definitions of natural ecosystems and forests published by the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were referenced to develop the map. AFi and FAO define forests as land spanning more than 0.5 hectares that is dominated by trees greater than 5-m in height and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent or areas able to reach these thresholds in-situ. AFi defines a natural forest as one that resembles – in terms of species composition, structure, and ecological function – what would be found in a given area absent major human impacts. Because species composition and ecological function cannot be directly mapped with earth observation data, AFi and FAO definitions were operationalized using proxy data to exclude tree cover that would not meet the natural forest definition. AFi guidance also states that thresholds established by national and sub-national forest definitions may take precedence, so regional maps of land cover were given priority over global data in select regions. Non-natural tree cover may include tree crops, planted forests, patches of trees under 0.5 hectares, or trees within areas predominantly under agricultural or urban land use. Users should refer to the [technical documentation](https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Technical-Guidance-2023-Step3-Land-v0.3-Natural-Lands-Map.pdf) for more details on the input data used to develop the map as well as its limitations. An updated version of the [SBTN Natural Lands Map, v1,](https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Technical-Guidance-2024-Step3-Land-v1-Natural-Lands-Map.pdf) is now published and will soon be updated on GFW.

Identifies areas of natural forest in 2020

This dataset is based on the relevant forest and tree cover classes delineated in the Science Based Targets Networks (SBTN) Natural Lands Map, which itself was developed by bringing together multiple datasets which identify the extent of natural and non-natural lands. Users are encouraged to cross-check their analyses using additional data, including high resolution imagery, and follow up with in-person field visits. Full details on the limitations of these can be found in the [technical documentation](https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Technical-Guidance-2023-Step3-Land-v0.3-Natural-Lands-Map.pdf)

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