A global ecological zoning (EZ) map is needed for carrying out the "Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000" (FRA 2000) presently being facilitated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The underlying strategy for FRA’s ecological zoning closely reflects both the thematic and technical requirements of the map, and the many operational constraints for implementation. Characteristics and components of the FAO EZ classification include the use of the Köppen system (1931) in a hierarchical framework as a basis for the delineation of zones, and translating existing national or regional "potential vegetation" maps, or ecoregion maps to the FAO system.
Although using a variety of map inputs inevitably provokes methodological problems such as edge matching across adjacent maps, a protocol for correcting such problems was successfully developed and implemented during a pilot study. The results of the North America Pilot Study illustrate the overall concept, methods, and utility of the map in an operational context (see annex A).
At the WCMC/FAO/EDC Cambridge meeting (July 1999), regional experts will review the proposed FAO Ecological zone classification. The system’s characteristics, principles and assumptions will be assessed in view of FAO’s requirements, and options for more detailed Regional EZ classification will be discussed. Another objective is to define a strategy and work plan to produce the Global map with involvement of Regional experts and institutions.
