Nordic-Baltic forests face severe climate change risks (droughts, storms), weakening trees and increasing vulnerability to spruce bark beetles, a problem amplified by traditional high-yield forestry. REFORMED addresses this by developing adaptive forest management informed by advanced monitoring. Our core objective is understanding the interplay of environmental pressures, silviculture, and bark beetle dynamics across tree to landscape levels. Additionally, REFORMED will explore how cutting-edge remote sensing can effectively model and monitor these phenomena.
A key focus is innovative remote sensing: drones, satellites, and sensors (multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR, radar) with machine learning. Central is SAR, detecting subtle changes in forest structure and water content for improved windthrow mapping, drought monitoring, and root analysis crucial for stability. Optical satellite data integration will enhance system robustness.
Recognizing the need for early pest detection, REFORMED will investigate drone-based remote sensing for detailed tree assessments, exploring hyperspectral imaging for early stress detection and autonomous drones for canopy inspection. Complementary technologies like thermal and SWIR imaging, plus microwave radar, will contribute to a comprehensive early warning system for forest disturbances.
Through rigorous investigation in Nordic-Baltic test sites (e.g., Svartberget, Sweden), we will refine wind and drought risk models and create sophisticated bark beetle outbreak forecasts considering climate and environmental factors across scales. These will become user-friendly GIS tools for vulnerability assessment.
REFORMED's ultimate goal is to identify and promote climate-smart forest management enhancing Nordic-Baltic forest resilience to combined climate change and damaging agent impacts, while ensuring sustainable wood production. We will simulate long-term outcomes of different management approaches.
Crucially, REFORMED will actively engage diverse forestry stakeholders through collaborative workshops and site visits to integrate scientific findings with practical experience, developing informed recommendations for future forest management and fostering the adoption of adaptive strategies for long-term forest health and productivity in an uncertain climate.
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