**3.1. Mapping regional trend indicators with satellite data**

Any operational monitoring assessment needs to establish as starting a clear understanding of what are the relevant and regionally significant indicators that are used as components of the analysis. This is followed by what will be the practical impact of the utilization of these parameters in the actual implementation of measuring and monitoring methods. Part of the methodological approach presented here was developed by the first author during his doctoral program and was focused on forest degradation. However, the main components were translated to the land degradation and desertification monitoring requirements as both phenomena are intimately linked.

Within the UNCCD, it is necessary to understand what are the drivers and activities causing degradation [30]. According to project needs and based on the literature reviewed, canopy cover and net primary productivity are considered as the leading indicators within this methodological framework. These variables are thus proposed as indicators of degradation (mainly forest landscapes) in practice. Although it is acknowledged that other indicators (biodiversity, disturbances, and fragmentation) are also variables that may merit to be considered, together with those above, as indicators of degradation, are not regarded as part of this chapter. However, the limitations of time and the scope of a rapid assessment do not stretch to encompass them in this study.
