Report of the UNEP/FAO Expert Meeting on Harmonizing Land Cover and Land Use Classifications -Gems Report Series No. 25

This document presents the outcomes of a UNEP/FAO expert meeting held in Geneva from 23 to 25 November 1993, focused on the harmonization of land cover and land use classifications. The report emphasizes the pressing need for standardized systems across global, regional, and national levels to ensure consistent, comparable data that supports policy-making, environmental monitoring, and sustainable land management. Discussions highlighted the complexity of reconciling diverse user requirements and existing classification systems, leading to the endorsement of a flexible approach centered on well-defined attribute definitions and a bridging reference system. The report proposes continued use of established national systems alongside the development of international "translator" protocols. Suggested follow-up actions include forming a multi-agency facilitating committee, designing prototype bridging systems, and conducting field tests through case studies with organizations like Eurostat and CORINE.