As climate change continues to intensify, bringing more frequent droughts, pest outbreaks, and ecosystem stress, the need for data-driven forest management has never been more urgent. In response, the OptFor-EU and FORWARDS projects are coming together for a joint webinar to explore how cutting-edge forest monitoring tools can directly support smarter, climate-resilient decision-making.

During the session, OptFor-EU will present its newly developed Decision Support System (DSS), a powerful tool designed to help forest managers evaluate science-based strategies for optimising ecosystem services and strengthening forest resilience. Participants will also gain insights from a real-world case study, showcasing how the DSS operates in practice and addresses complex management challenges on the ground.

Complementing this perspective, FORWARDS will introduce the ForestWard Observatory, an innovative platform that provides a “pan-European pulse” on forest vulnerability, by integrating ground-based observations with remote sensing data. The webinar will highlight how data from FORWARDS’ extensive network of pilot sites and monitoring initiatives supports evidence-based approaches to Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF).

What to expect:

• A live demonstration of the OptFor-EU Decision Support System
• A real-world case study illustrating practical DSS applications
• Insights into how the ForestWard Observatory monitors forest disturbances across Europe
• An opportunity to engage with experts shaping the future of digital forestry

Register here to secure your spot

Featured image by Aine Parlade