Futurefor2025-04-11T08:39:06+00:00
futurefor logo, Innovation for European forests

Copernicus-based forest monitoring for a resilient Europe – leveraging Earth Observation to support biodiversity, climate action, and the green economy.

Copernicus-based forest monitoring for a resilient EuropeCopernicus-based forest monitoring for a resilient EuropeCopernicus-based forest monitoring for a resilient Europe

  The project

European forests, covering nearly 40% of EU27 land area, are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and economic activities.

However, these ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change, disturbances such as storms, wildfires, pests, diseases, and unsustainable management practices.

FUTUREFOR, is a Horizon Europe project, addressing these challenges through innovative Copernicus-based applications.

The project focuses on supporting the set-up and implementation of the proposed EU Regulation for a monitoring framework for resilient European forests.

   Key innovations

The following cutting-edge technologies will transform our understanding of complex forest ecosystems and provide powerful tools for decision-makers, forest managers, and conservationists.

Forest Disturbance Monitoring

Mapping and monitoring forest disturbances by type to understand forest dynamics, vitality trends, and post-disturbance recovery.

Sustainable biomass estimation

Assessing the sustainable bioenergy potential of forests using satellite and airborne data.

Enhanced Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring

AI-based fusion of LEO and GEO satellite data for automated, 24/7 wildfire detection and tracking, enabling faster response.

Improved Wildfire risk mapping

Dynamic risk assessments integrating seasonal fuel maps with AI-driven models to improve burned area delineation and post-fire impact assessment.

HRL Forest Prototypes for Ukraine

Developing and validating deep learning models to generate tree cover density maps, dominant tree type maps, and change maps for pilot areas in Ukraine.

Future UAV and Stratosphere Gliders to Augment Copernicus Forest Services

Research and testing of advanced stratospheric gliders for deployment over active disturbances and crises, such as illegal logging and wildfires.

   Business cases

 


Expected impacts

FUTUREFOR aims to enhance decision-making for forest management, improve forest resilience, and support EU green initiatives. The project offers advanced tools to address challenges facing European forests and creates new economic opportunities in Earth observation and forestry sectors. FUTUREFOR’s comprehensive approach fosters business opportunities in ecosystem services and forest monitoring.

   International collaboration

FUTUREFOR unites experts from eight European countries. The team is built on combined experience in global and European forest mapping and monitoring, Copernicus service development, and research and development expertise in fields such as Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analysis.

beetlefortech
kermap
university of zilina
State Space Agency of Ukraine
Riscognition
Fondazione links
Joanneum Research
University of Copenhagen

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