Sponsors
FSC Integrates Geospatial and Satellite Tools to Monitor Forest Health
FSC certification will incorporate Google Earth Engine (GEE), one of the most powerful platforms for geospatial data analysis and satellite monitoring, into its efforts to safeguard forest ecosystems worldwide. Through this innovative use of satellite technology, FSC is transforming how forests are monitored, managed, and protected, playing a crucial role in compliance with regulations and advancing Responsible Forest Management globally.
Thanks to GEE's ability to process vast volumes of satellite data, FSC can more accurately and swiftly analyze changes occurring in forests worldwide. Using high-resolution satellite imagery and powerful analytical algorithms, it is possible to detect subtle or large-scale alterations in forest cover, helping measure how much a forest has been modified by human activity.
One of the key concepts in this work is naturalness, which assesses how intact or altered a forest ecosystem is. This concept is measured by considering variables such as tree density and height, as well as human footprints like roads. The use of GEE allows FSC to monitor this evolution in real time, providing a vital tool for evaluating ecosystem health and making data-driven management decisions.
Beyond monitoring forest health, FSC has used GEE and the Dynamic World database to identify areas with restoration potential. This work goes beyond reforestation: it seeks to restore entire ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecological integrity. By combining historical and current data, FSC can design more precise and effective restoration plans.
FSC oversees over 150 million hectares of certified forests worldwide.
The European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) serves as a guide for what the Americas may soon implement. This regulation requires companies to prove their products do not contribute to deforestation, and the use of GEE enables FSC to collaborate with authorities and businesses to meet this standard more effectively and transparently.
The adoption of Google Earth Engine marks a milestone for FSC, but it is only the beginning. In the coming months, further refinements to these technological tools are planned to address the needs of the forestry sector, particularly in regions with high deforestation and climate vulnerability.
With over 150 million hectares of certified forests globally, FSC continues to strengthen its leadership in conservation, restoration, and sustainable management. Technology, applied with purpose and collaboration, will be key to ensuring the world's forests continue fulfilling their vital functions for the planet and future generations.
