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

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Forest Monitoring

AI-Driven System

Innovative Solutions

Copernicus-based Applications

European forest canopy

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

Forest Disturbance Monitoring

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

Sustainable Biomass Estimation

Evaluates bioenergy potential by combining Copernicus satellite imagery with airborne and in-situ data for sustainable forest management.

Enhanced Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring

AI-based fusion of LEO and GEO satellite data enables automated, 24/7 early fire detection and active fire monitoring.

Improved Wildfire Risk Mapping

Dynamic seasonal wildfire risk assessments powered by AI-driven burned area analysis and fuel load modelling.

HRL Forest Prototypes for Ukraine

Deep learning models for tree cover density and change detection generating High-Resolution Layer forest products for Ukraine.

Future UAV and Stratosphere Gliders to Augment Copernicus Forest Services

Advanced airborne platforms including UAVs and stratospheric gliders for ultra-high-resolution forest disturbance assessment.

Business Cases

Biomass powerplant operation
optimization

Wildfire risk monitoring for critical
infrastructure resilience

Forest Digital Twin

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.

Enhance decision-making

Improve forest resilience

Support EU green initiatives

International collaboration

BeetleForTech BeetleForTech Kermap Kermap University of Žilina University of Žilina State Space Agency of Ukraine State Space Agency of Ukraine Riscognition Riscognition Fondazione Links Fondazione Links Joanneum Research Joanneum Research University of Copenhagen University of Copenhagen

Articles

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When the Forest Runs Out of Water
Update

September 4, 2026

When the Forest Runs Out of Water

his year’s prolonged drought is putting Europe’s forests under growing pressure. In our latest FUTUREFOR newsletter, we look at these impacts and explore how Earth Observation can support forest-disturbance monitoring, sustainable biomass estimation and more resilient decision-making.

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From Wildfire Detection to Prevention – the FUTUREFOR Project
Update

August 12, 2026

From Wildfire Detection to Prevention – the FUTUREFOR Project

How FUTUREFOR is advancing from detecting wildfires to preventing them — using Copernicus Earth Observation data, AI, and satellite monitoring to protect Europe's forests.

Read on LinkedIn