The importance of translating the results of forest monitoring into useful commodities (i.e., data, information, knowledge, and wisdom) is discussed. The need for an effective communications strategy is stressed, following well-established reporting principles. Reporting may involve a range of communications specialists as well as those who collect the data, and scientists who analyze and interpret it. It is vital that the type of report is tailored to the needs of particular audiences, be they scientists or modelers, policy and/or decision makers. Monitoring platforms need to be increasingly aware of new opportunities for the data and information they generate. The internet is now enabling quicker and global reporting of monitoring outputs but also promoting two-way communication between user and consumer. A political movement to promote open access to all forms of monitoring data is gaining ground and some international and European regulations are already affecting the way forest monitoring outputs are placed in the public domain.
Forest monitoring by terrestrial investigation has achieved a number of results in terms of infrastructure, enhanced international cooperation, development of methods, data, data quality, and capability to provide information. In addition, long-term monitoring data are increasingly requested by researchers and modelers. Despite these achievements, forest monitoring programs are facing increasing challenges related to a superimposed reduction in resources and a generalized loss of appeal and enthusiasm by policy and funding agencies. Although forest monitoring is a relatively young discipline, which has already evolved considerably, a further, rapid evolution is necessary. The next generation of monitoring programs should consider (i) identifying a wider range of users for monitoring information; (ii) expanding monitoring potential by means of connections with terrestrial and remotely based inventory, modeling, and research systems; (iii) adapting and further improving quality and coverage of data, information and reporting to fit specialized stakeholders; and (iv) enhanced global cooperation. Long-term commitment and financial support are necessary to secure continuity of operation, data collection, and maintenance of data series.
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