The objectives of this project are: (i) to evaluate the sensitivity of the parameterization of biophysical attributes from remote sensing to the level of correction for possible distortions due to topographic effects, illumination and shadowing (ii) test and apply an optimal preprocessing chain for monitoring forest cover change and ecosystem services, (iii) to provide new insights in the impact and feedback mechanisms of forest transitions on ecosystem services. The results of this study on forest transition are very relevant for climate change policies and possible future obligations of countries with respect to limitations of GHG emissions from land cover activities (reforestation and avoided deforestation) as part of the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) scheme. The research will be based on three mountain sites in very different geographic contexts, to allow for a rich comparative analysis: the Carpathian mountains in Eastern Europe; the Northern Andes in Ecuador; and the Himalayas in Buthan.