Criteria and indicators for assessment of forest degradation in dry-tropical forests of india

Forest degradation is a critical issue around the globe particularly in developing countries like India which has diverse phytogeography and forest types. It is a complex issue, existing parameters are difficult to apply across different forest types and classes, due to lack of specific guidelines therefore needs to be addressed in broader terms and scale. Therefore, the present paper proposes a new methodology based on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) criteria and indicators leveraging remote sensing data for assessing the forest degradation. Emphasis is put on the upscale and explicability aspects of the methodology rather than stand level and local dentitions of forest degradation so that the methodology can be broadly applicable to all Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of India. Hence to provide a scientific framework for assessing forest degradation and helps in the implementation of specific rehabilitation practices in degraded forests