**4. Conclusions**

This chapter has shown how free remote sensing data (i.e. Landsat archive) can outline degradation by computing some indicators such as net primary productivity (NPP) and canopy cover (CC).

The key features and benefits of this methodology are (a) it is easy to implement, (b) it can be adaptable to specific site conditions, and (c) it allows an opportunity to identify regional trends by analyzing the indicators of degradation over time.

The main feature of this methodology is its suitability for use in many regions of the developing world where more sophisticated and, therefore, data‐rich and demanding procedures are not possible. The trajectories of these degradation indicators can be used as a tool for regional monitoring of ecosystem condition and trends, enabling the formulation of remedial action plans.

The methodology described here also allows for the identification of the temporal and spatial distributions of forest degradation based on the indicators used.

The next steps for this methodology are:

