New use of satellite imagery gives better view of forest destruction

Daniel Murdiyarso, a CIFOR scientist, comments on new satellite-imaging technique that allows scientists to have a better bird's eye view of when carbon-rich peatlands were cleared and to what extent they have been replaced by palm oil trees. He called the work "timely" as the global mechanism for international forest conservation work is being promoted across Southeast Asia. The study "also signifies the importance of other services of tropical peatlands in sequestering carbon and [as the] home of uniquely diverse flora and fauna," he said.