Mexico's National Forest and Soils Inventory 2015-2020
Mexico, 2015 - 2019
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Reference ID
MEX_2015_INFyS_v01_EN_M_v01_A_ESS
Producer(s)
Comisión Nacional Forestal, Gerencia de Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo Forestal
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Jul 11, 2024
Last modified
Jul 26, 2024
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Identification
Survey ID Number
MEX_2015_INFyS_v01_EN_M_v01_A_ESS
Title
Mexico's National Forest and Soils Inventory 2015-2020
Country
| Name | Country code |
|---|---|
| Mexico | MEX |
Study type
Forest resource survey
Series Information
Mexico has previously conducted the National Forest and Soils Inventory for the periods 2004-2007 and 2009-2015.
Abstract
The National Forest and Soil Inventory System (INFyS), established by Mexico's General Law for Sustainable Forest Development, serves as a critical national forestry policy instrument. Implemented by the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), INFyS generates comprehensive data on Mexico's forest resources and soil conditions. This data plays a vital role in informing sound decision-making for forestry policy, ultimately promoting sustainable forest management practices.
Undertaken every five years, INFyS employs a rigorous assessment and monitoring methodology to evaluate the status and dynamics of Mexico's forest ecosystems. Following comprehensive field data analysis, INFyS publishes results reports detailing the extent, location, and composition of forest and other wooded lands; providing information on various forest vegetation types, formations, and classes; and reporting the changes in the nation's forest cover over time.
INFyS data extends beyond domestic needs, contributing significantly to national reporting that fulfills international commitments. For instance, it supports reporting under the Forest Resources Assessment (FRA). Furthermore, INFyS data is instrumental in accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the forestry sector, aligning with the Paris Agreement. This includes quantifying emissions reductions achieved through deforestation and forest degradation mitigation efforts. By providing this crucial information, INFyS plays a central role in promoting sustainable forest management practices in Mexico.
Undertaken every five years, INFyS employs a rigorous assessment and monitoring methodology to evaluate the status and dynamics of Mexico's forest ecosystems. Following comprehensive field data analysis, INFyS publishes results reports detailing the extent, location, and composition of forest and other wooded lands; providing information on various forest vegetation types, formations, and classes; and reporting the changes in the nation's forest cover over time.
INFyS data extends beyond domestic needs, contributing significantly to national reporting that fulfills international commitments. For instance, it supports reporting under the Forest Resources Assessment (FRA). Furthermore, INFyS data is instrumental in accounting for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the forestry sector, aligning with the Paris Agreement. This includes quantifying emissions reductions achieved through deforestation and forest degradation mitigation efforts. By providing this crucial information, INFyS plays a central role in promoting sustainable forest management practices in Mexico.
Kind of Data
Sample survey data [ssd]
Unit of Analysis
Plots of lands
Scope
Notes
INFyS data collection follows a modular design. An information module is a particular set of variables linked to a certain data elements of interest that are used on a specific object of study.Since INFyS studies diverse populations, each group receives a unique set of information modules based on specific criteria. This ensures relevant data collection for each population.
The following modules for data collection are considered:
Module A: Silvicultural ecological variables. Data collected includes information on the physical, ecological, and forest characteristics of the Primary Sampling Unit or conglomerate.
Module B: Biodiversity: Data collected includes information on flora and invasive species.
Module C: Carbon and fuel load: Data collected is used to estimate biomass and carbon stocks, as well as fuel loads in tracks established in Secondary Sampling Units.
Module D: Forest health: Data collected include variables related to forest health conditions, such as the presence of agents (pests, diseases, fires, etc.) and the severity of damages.
Module E: Soils: Data collected includes physical and chemical data of forest soils.
Module F: Hemispheric photos: In tree-covered Primary Sampling Units,hemispheric photos of canopy and understory are taken.
Module G: Mangroves and associated communities. Data collected includes interstitial water properties, physicochemical characteristics, and forest-structural variables in mangroves and associated aquatic communities.
Module H: Arid and Semi-arid Zones. Data collected includes physionomic and structural assessment of xerophytic and scrub vegetation communities in arid and semi-arid zones.
Note. Data collection for each module depends on the availability of financial resources.
The following modules for data collection are considered:
Module A: Silvicultural ecological variables. Data collected includes information on the physical, ecological, and forest characteristics of the Primary Sampling Unit or conglomerate.
Module B: Biodiversity: Data collected includes information on flora and invasive species.
Module C: Carbon and fuel load: Data collected is used to estimate biomass and carbon stocks, as well as fuel loads in tracks established in Secondary Sampling Units.
Module D: Forest health: Data collected include variables related to forest health conditions, such as the presence of agents (pests, diseases, fires, etc.) and the severity of damages.
Module E: Soils: Data collected includes physical and chemical data of forest soils.
Module F: Hemispheric photos: In tree-covered Primary Sampling Units,hemispheric photos of canopy and understory are taken.
Module G: Mangroves and associated communities. Data collected includes interstitial water properties, physicochemical characteristics, and forest-structural variables in mangroves and associated aquatic communities.
Module H: Arid and Semi-arid Zones. Data collected includes physionomic and structural assessment of xerophytic and scrub vegetation communities in arid and semi-arid zones.
Note. Data collection for each module depends on the availability of financial resources.
Coverage
Geographic Coverage
National coverage
Universe
INFyS is a land-based survey that covers all types of forests and other forest lands in the country.
The target population of INFyS includes all naturally occurring forest vegetation in the country, comprising temperate and tropical forests, and vegetation in arid and semi-arid zones, palm groves, mangroves, hydrophilic communities, and other forest areas.
The target population of INFyS includes all naturally occurring forest vegetation in the country, comprising temperate and tropical forests, and vegetation in arid and semi-arid zones, palm groves, mangroves, hydrophilic communities, and other forest areas.
Producers and sponsors
Primary investigators
| Name |
|---|
| Comisión Nacional Forestal |
| Gerencia de Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo Forestal |
Producers
| Name |
|---|
| Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía |
| Centro de Geociencias - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Campus Juriquilla, Qro. MX |
| Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias |
| Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático |
Funding Agency/Sponsor
| Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales | SEMARNAT |
| Comisión Nacional Forestal | CONAFOR |
Sampling
Sampling Procedure
INFyS uses systematic-stratified sampling design in two phases, in which 26,220 primary sampling plots (conglomerates) are located; sampling plots location is based on a systematic 2.5 x 2.5 km national sampling grid. Following this grid, 26,220 sampling plots or Primary Sample Units (UMP) are located in three sampling strata and intensities as follows: 5x5 km for temperate, sub-humid, and humid forests; 10x10 km for semi-arid forest-vegetation types; and 20x20 km for arid forest-vegetation types. The 2.5 x 2.5 km national sampling grid allows for implementing state and/or municipal forest inventories with greater detail.
Each UMP is a circular plot of one hectare (56.42 m in radius), with four secondary sampling units (UMS) geometrically arranged as an inverted "Y" with respect to north. UMS number 1 is also the center of the UMP and UMS 2, 3 and 4 are peripheral. The distance from the center of UMS 1 to each of the other secondary sampling units is 45.14 m. The azimuth to locate sites 2, 3 and 4 from the center of the site 1 is 0°, 120, and 240° respectively.
Within the conglomerate, measurements and observations are made on the different elements of vegetation and soil. Secondary sampling units (SSU) have a nested design with sampling sub-sites of different dimensions, according to the object of study. In UMS, specific information such as tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and height, species, tree damages and severity; and other dasometric features for trees with dbh equal to or greater than 7.5 cm is collected. In the case of vegetation of arid zones, data for larger individuals (with height equal to or greater than 25 cm, with the exception of globose life forms where the threshold is 10 cm in height) is recorded. In the center of each UMS, a 12.56-square meter circular subplot is established to collect data from trees with dbh less than 7.5 cm and height greater than or equal to 25 cm. Finally, in the center of each UMS, a 1-square meter (1 m x 1 m) plot is established to collect information on shrub and other non-tree species, such grasses, ferns, and lichens; data on soil condition, presence of organic matter, dead wood and erosion is also recorded. A full description of the field methodology for dat collection can be found at: https://www.conafor.gob.mx/apoyos/docs/externos/2022/DocumentosMetodologicos/2019/ANEXO_Procedimientos_de_muestreo_2019.pdf
Each UMP is a circular plot of one hectare (56.42 m in radius), with four secondary sampling units (UMS) geometrically arranged as an inverted "Y" with respect to north. UMS number 1 is also the center of the UMP and UMS 2, 3 and 4 are peripheral. The distance from the center of UMS 1 to each of the other secondary sampling units is 45.14 m. The azimuth to locate sites 2, 3 and 4 from the center of the site 1 is 0°, 120, and 240° respectively.
Within the conglomerate, measurements and observations are made on the different elements of vegetation and soil. Secondary sampling units (SSU) have a nested design with sampling sub-sites of different dimensions, according to the object of study. In UMS, specific information such as tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and height, species, tree damages and severity; and other dasometric features for trees with dbh equal to or greater than 7.5 cm is collected. In the case of vegetation of arid zones, data for larger individuals (with height equal to or greater than 25 cm, with the exception of globose life forms where the threshold is 10 cm in height) is recorded. In the center of each UMS, a 12.56-square meter circular subplot is established to collect data from trees with dbh less than 7.5 cm and height greater than or equal to 25 cm. Finally, in the center of each UMS, a 1-square meter (1 m x 1 m) plot is established to collect information on shrub and other non-tree species, such grasses, ferns, and lichens; data on soil condition, presence of organic matter, dead wood and erosion is also recorded. A full description of the field methodology for dat collection can be found at: https://www.conafor.gob.mx/apoyos/docs/externos/2022/DocumentosMetodologicos/2019/ANEXO_Procedimientos_de_muestreo_2019.pdf
Deviations from the Sample Design
If a conglomerate or primary sampling unit (UMP) cannot be found at the assigned coordinates due to physical or social conditions, the center of the conglomerate can be relocated within a radius of up to 450 meters from the assigned coordinates, if possible. If relocation is not possible, the cluster is considered inaccessible. Out of the 26,220 conglomerates at the national level, 144 were displaced in the third cycle, which is equivalent to 0.55%.
Response Rate
Between 2015 and 2020, only 42% of the conglomerates of the national sampling grid were sampled. This was mainly due to financial limitations. Other sampling plots were not sampled because they were located in inaccessible areas, permission was not granted by landowners, or due to security or other reasons (e.g. land tenure or social conflicts).
Weighting
The ratio estimator statistical method is utilized to estimate key forest indicators (such as volume, biomass, carbon stocks, basal area, and tree density, among others), as outlined in Velasco et al. (2003), available at http://cienciasforestales.inifap.gob.mx/index.php/forestales/article/view/882. This method offers data on a per-hectare basis for relevant indicators, using the ratio of two sampled values to estimate a population parameter. In the context of forest inventories, this technique commonly involves using the proportion of sampling units containing a specific attribute of interest (e.g., trees, volume, or basal area) to estimate the total proportion of the population possessing that attribute; information on confidence intervals and the relative sampling error is also provided by this statistical method.
Forest indicators are calculated at the national level by weighin, taking into account the area of each stratum. This ensures that the indicators accurately represent the composition and variability of the entire forest resource across the country.
Forest indicators are calculated at the national level by weighin, taking into account the area of each stratum. This ensures that the indicators accurately represent the composition and variability of the entire forest resource across the country.
Data Collection
Dates of Data Collection
| Start | End |
|---|---|
| 2015-07-06 | 2019-11-22 |
Data Collection Mode
Field measurement [field]
Data Processing
Data Editing
The field data for INFYS is captured digitally using Capture Client, which is a custom software designed for INFyS by CONAFOR. This software, based on Java, serves as a tool for data entry and management. To ensure data quality, dedicated personnel conduct random checks within Capture Client to detect inconsistencies or errors. Additionally, a separate program using C#.net is utilized to consolidate data from individual SQLite databases, created by Capture Client, into a central Microsoft SQL Server database. SQL scripts are employed for automated data analysis within the SQL Server database. The data is then exported from the SQL Server in tabular formats such as .csv or Excel, with sections organized by tabs to facilitate further analysis and calculation of forest indicators using tools like Microsoft Excel and/or R scripts.
Data Appraisal
Estimates of Sampling Error
The quantitative data analysis provides important dasometric indicators such as tree density, crown cover, above-ground biomass, carbon stocks, and timber volume. Statistical methods are used to generate reports for these indicators. The estimation of these relevant indicators is based on the ratio estimator (ER) approach, a statistical methodological approach developed to improve the accuracy of average values of relevant forest indicators based on the sampled area (Velasco, et. al., 2003; available at http://cienciasforestales.inifap.gob.mx/index.php/forestales/article/view/882
Data Appraisal
Some issues were encountered during data collection. The main problems included the inaccessibility of primary sampling units, leading to biased estimations of indicators. Errors in field data collection included mainly misidentification of tree species by scientific names, inconsistencies between tree height and diameter, and mislabeling of vegetation types.
Access policy
Contacts
| Name | Affiliation | |
|---|---|---|
| José Armando Alanís de la Rosa, Gerente de Sistema Nacional de Monitoreo Forestal | CONAFOR | [email protected] |
| Leonardo Ruiz Delgado, Subgerente de Instrumentos de Colecta de Datos | CONAFOR | [email protected] |
| Carlos Isaías Godínez Valdivia, Subgerencia de Administración de Bases de Datos del Sistena Nacional de Monitoreo Forestal | CONAFOR | [email protected] |
| Sergio Armando Villela Gaytán, Departamento de Inventario Forestal y de Suelos | CONAFOR | [email protected] |
| Rodrigo Ramos Madrigal, Departamento de Estadísticas Forestales. | CONAFOR | [email protected] |
Confidentiality
Personal data provided by contacts in the field are confidential and therefore classified as reserved and these are not provided to any person who requests information about the INFyS.
The Policy for the Management of Confidentiality in Statistical and Geographic Information (PGCIEG) establishes the general measures that must be implemented to manage the statistical confidentiality of the data provided by the System Informants (SI) under the National Statistical and Geographic Information System (SNIEG). The PGCIEG is mandatory for all State Units responsible for the generation and management of Information of National Interest (IIN), under the SNIEG criteria. PGCIEG is available at https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5634105&fecha=29/10/2021#gsc.tab=0.
CONAFOR is mandated to implement the PCMSIG, as it is the institution responsible for INFyS implementation which was determined as IIN, by an agreement published on May 28, 2014, in the Official Gazette of the Federation, available at https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5346488&fecha=28/05/2014#gsc.tab=0.
The PCIEG sets out measures to ensure the confidentiality of the data provided by the system's informants. The policy aims to protect the privacy of informants and ensure that the individual information they provide is kept confidential and used solely for statistical and geographic purposes.
Access conditions
Data available from an external repository
Citation requirements
"CONAFOR, (year of consultation). Database of the National Forest and Soils Inventory 2015-2020, Mexico"
Disclaimer and copyrights
Disclaimer
As an authorized end user of the INFYS database, you agree to the following terms:
CONAFOR is not responsible for how you interpret or apply the information from the database. Any decisions based on your interpretation release CONAFOR from responsibility. CONAFOR is also not responsible for discrepancies due to precision, rounding, numerical truncation, or technical changes that may affect the results.
Although CONAFOR strives to provide high-quality information and has implemented security measures to protect the data, it does not accept responsibility for any alteration or manipulation of the data once it is published on the website.
The website may contain links to other national and international organizations. However, CONAFOR does not take responsibility for the content or use of these sites.
The laws, regulations, and provisions on the website do not create new rights or obligations beyond those published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
CONAFOR is not responsible for how you interpret or apply the information from the database. Any decisions based on your interpretation release CONAFOR from responsibility. CONAFOR is also not responsible for discrepancies due to precision, rounding, numerical truncation, or technical changes that may affect the results.
Although CONAFOR strives to provide high-quality information and has implemented security measures to protect the data, it does not accept responsibility for any alteration or manipulation of the data once it is published on the website.
The website may contain links to other national and international organizations. However, CONAFOR does not take responsibility for the content or use of these sites.
The laws, regulations, and provisions on the website do not create new rights or obligations beyond those published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
Metadata production
DDI Document ID
DDI_MEX_2015_INFyS_v01_EN_M_v01_A_ESS_FAO
Producers
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jimena Saucedo Miranda | Food and Agriculture Organization | Metadata producer |
| Dissemination and Outreach Team, Statistics Division | Food and Agriculture Organization | Metadata adapted for FAM |
DDI Document version
MEX_2015_INFyS_v01_EN_M_v01_A_ESS