CBM-CFS3 : The CBM-CFS3 is an example of a flexible integration framework that can implement both spatially-referenced (Stinson et al., 2011, Kurz et al, 2008) and spatially-explicit approaches (both polygon (Trofymow et al., 2008) and pixel-based (Mascorro et al., 2015)) to simulate forest carbon dynamics as affected by forest growth, mortality, natural disturbances, forest management and land-use change. Moreover, the model can simulate a single stand, a region or several hundred million hectares of forests. Depending on available data, it can be scaled up from representing a small number of forest strata to representing many thousands of forest strata. The model has been applied in Canada, 26 European Union countries, Russia, Korea, Mexico, China and other regions. Because the model was developed more than 15 years ago, the main constraints in the toolbox arise from software and hardware limitations that make it difficult and impractical to scale the model to pixel-based approaches with millions of pixels. While some tools have been developed as interim solutions, work is under way to implement the scientific modules of the CBM-CFS3 on a new platform (FLINT).

FullCAM: The Full Carbon Accounting Model is another example of a flexible integration framework. Similar to the CBM-CFS3 it can operate using spatially-referenced or spatially-explicit approaches, but its main strength is running pixel-based systems. FullCAM can also model emissions from the entire land sector (both forest and non-forest land uses). FullCAM models both biological and management processes which affect carbon pools and transfers between pools in forest and agricultural systems. The exchanges of carbon, loss and uptake between the terrestrial biological system and the atmosphere are accounted for in the full, closed cycle mass balance model which includes all biomass, litter and soil pools (Waterworth & Richards 2008). Analysis and reporting includes all carbon pools (biomass, dead organic matter and soil), greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide).

FullCAM has been supporting the production of the Australian national greenhouse gas inventory since 2005. While drawing on pre-existing constituent models (like CamFOR and Roth-C), there were elements in the initial design that were Australian-specific and not designed with a broader international purpose in mind. Consequently, like all systems, implementation of country-specific models would require detailed support. On the other hand, much of the system is generic and Australian-specific elements are in the process of being standardised to ensure broader application.

FLINT : The Full Lands Integration Tool (FLINT) is a second generation integration tool currently under development through collaboration between Kenya, Australia and Canada. The need for FLINT arose as there were no existing integration tools that could meet all the needs of the Systems for Land-based Emissions in Kenya (SLEEK). Due to the cost of developing an integration tool it was decided to design the FLINT as a generic framework. This will allow other countries to easily use the same tool, hence reducing costs for others in the future. This will also increase transparency, comparability and validation of reported estimates.

The FLINT incorporates the lessons from the teams that developed the CBM-CFS3 and FullCAM. The core design features are:

FLINT is currently operating as a prototype, with initial full runs for the entire Kenyan land sector to occur in mid-2106. Canada has implemented most CBM-CFS modules on the FLINT platform and has verified the new module estimates against the CBM-CFS3. FLINT will be open source with a proposed management structure that will allow countries using the tool to make requests for enhancements and support, pending resource availability.