GFW is a new, free, online platform for monitoring the world's forests. It combines satellite data on different forest indicators with spatial information on land uses and data from many other sources. It offers relevant information on forest change on a global scale.

Even though forests are expanding in Europe, deforestation and forest degradation are still major threats in many regions of the world. By monitoring changes in forests on this scale the application can contribute to better decision making and management of forests.

This project began in 1997, aiming to establish a forest monitoring network around the world.  The latest version of the platform was launched last week by a partnership of more than 40 organizations, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI). Partners and donors include, among others, Google, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the University of Maryland, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Partners contribute to this project by providing data, technical capabilities, funding, and expertise.

More information about this platform can be found at its official website: http://www.globalforestwatch.org/