**Acknowledgements**

The net primary productivity also showed its value in identifying and mapping forest degradation. NPP is a forest parameter that is difficult to estimate and can be subject to high levels of uncertainty [92–94]. NPP was estimated for the period 2007–2013 showing mean

estimations are difficult to perform and validate due to lack of field data, programs such the INIFAP meteorological network that register climatic variables every 15 minutes, and Eddy covariance tower networks along with remote sensing data, are promissory elements to

Finally, the results of the trajectory analysis of degradation indicators (NPP and CC) showed (overall timescale 28 years) a slight tendency toward forest degradation and decline, punctu‐ ated by cyclic oscillations of decline and recovery that indicate the cyclic nature of disturbances

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

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

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

The methodology described here also allows for the identification of the temporal and spatial

/year. Although NPP

values in the range of 480–512 and maximum values of 742–936 gC/m2

of the study area. These trends are shown in **Figure 4**.

**Figure 4.** Trajectories of means of net primary productivity, central Yucatan, Mexico.

by analyzing the indicators of degradation over time.

The next steps for this methodology are:

distributions of forest degradation based on the indicators used.

support NPP modeling.

16 Land Degradation and Desertification - a Global Crisis

**4. Conclusions**

canopy cover (CC).

plans.

Acknowledgment is extended to the Mexican Council for Science and Technology (CONA‐ CyT) and the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP) of Mexico for funding this study.
