At Space4Good, we are always on the lookout for projects where we can leverage our expertise in remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to make a real impact. The Inno4CFIs project (Nature-Based Business Models and Emerging Innovations to Enhance Carbon Farming Initiatives) is definitely one of those. Funded by the European Commission through the i3 Instrument, this project aims to deliver scalable impacts on carbon farming, reforestation, and agroforestry systems.
Inno4CFIs: Consortium and Technologies
The consortium is composed of over 20 entities, each contributing uniquely to the initiative. These include advancements in desalination technology, drones, blockchain, and fungal phytoremediation, among others. These technologies will be tested and deployed in four Living Labs located in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Belgium.
Our capabilities in leveraging satellite-based data and artificial intelligence (AI) for environmental monitoring make us a natural fit for this project. RS and GIS technologies offer unparalleled insights into key areas like plantation health, land cover analysis, and biomass distribution. Their scalability across diverse ecosystems and replicability across regions make them powerful tools for impactful, large-scale applications. Through these technologies, we can provide consistent, high-resolution data that supports decision-making and sustainable management of natural resources.
Our technology contributions to Inno4CFIs use Remote Sensing Data Fusion integrating multispectral, LiDAR, and SAR data to provide a comprehensive view of plantation health, helping us track biomass, identify tree species, and monitor ecosystem conditions. Coupled with Machine Learning Models for Biomass Estimation, we use satellite imagery and historical data to predict biomass with high accuracy, supporting effective carbon accounting. Suitability Mapping Using GIS pinpoints regions ideal for conservation based on factors like soil, rainfall, and biodiversity. Additionally, our Change Detection Algorithms analyse time-series satellite images to identify forest cover changes, enabling rapid responses to threats such as illegal logging or natural disturbances.
Together, these tools enhance our impact in supporting EU-wide carbon farming and sustainable land management goals.
Figure 1. Newly planted trees in Follonica by Treedom.
The project kickstart
The project began over a year ago with an initial kick-off meeting in Frascati, Rome. After a year of virtual meetings to ensure continuous updates and alignment, we recently held our 2nd General Assembly in Follonica, Italy. The choice of this location was intentional, as it is home to one of the project’s four Living Hubs. In this hub, various technologies have already been deployed, such as the desalination system (see Figure 2), which plays a crucial role in sustainable water management. Additionally, the initial phases of tree planting have commenced, marking a significant step forward in implementing our nature-based solutions (Figure 1). Meeting on-site allowed us to see these advancements firsthand, enabling a shared understanding of the project’s tangible impact and aligning our vision for the upcoming phases across all partner organisations.
Figure 2. Desalination system installed in Follonica by Planet.
Workshop & 2nd General Assembly
A key element of the project is the dissemination of knowledge and the provision of innovative solutions to a wide range of stakeholders, from foresters and farmers to policymakers. In line with this mission, we organised a dedicated workshop ahead of the 2nd General Assembly, inviting representatives from the municipality, local farmers, and citizens. This workshop offered an opportunity for attendees to learn about the technologies being implemented, and to understand how these innovations can benefit their communities and the environment. Specifically, we introduced the audience to the topics of RS and GIS and their applications within the agroforestry sector, presenting both the possibilities and the inherent limitations of our approach.
Following the workshop, the 2nd General Assembly started (Figure 3). Here, we presented the achievements from our first year, reviewing milestones reached and discussing strategies to scale our impact. The agenda covered a variety of topics, from technological deployments in the Living Hubs to the operational challenges of expanding these solutions. The assembly provided an invaluable platform for in-depth discussions, ensuring that each partner’s unique expertise contributed to refining our approach for the upcoming phases.
Figure 3. 2nd General Assembly in Follonica, September 2024.
Beyond sustainable agroforestry systems
Aside from the formal agenda, we also took time to strengthen our collaboration through social dinners. These gatherings, far from being merely recreational, played a crucial role in building trust among team members—essential for effective, long-term partnerships.
While the Inno4CFIs project has achieved substantial progress, there are still several key outcomes we are working towards, such as scaling up, validating and testing our approach and integrating with other systems (e.g. IoT). Inno4CFIs continues to push the boundaries of how sustainable agroforestry systems are monitored and managed across Europe. As we move forward, we are excited about the potential for this project to set new standards in information services and sustainability.
Keep following the advancement of the project and know more: https://inno4cfis.eu
Would you like more information or are you interested in collaborating with Space4Good? Visit our website or contact us via hello@space4good.com.
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