Through a Researcher’s Eyes: How AI Is Transforming Forest Conservation
Have you ever wondered how climate change is shaping the future of our forests—and what we can do about it? For centuries, forests have provided us with raw materials, shelter, and vital habitats for countless species. But today, both tree mortality and biodiversity loss are accelerating, and traditional monitoring methods are no longer sufficient to meet these challenges.
In this presentation, we’ll explore the intersection of remote sensing and artificial intelligence: how satellite imagery, drone flights, and advanced algorithms together offer an unprecedentedly detailed and wide-reaching view of forest health and biodiversity. I will share concrete examples of how we can:
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Reveal hidden threats – detect early signs of tree mortality and insect outbreaks
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Map biodiversity – assess species composition and track their distribution
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Predict future change – model the impacts of climate change and support sustainable forest management
I have over 15 years of experience in forest ecology and remote sensing. I currently work as an Associate Professor at the University of Eastern Finland, where I lead the Global Ecosystem Health Observatory (GEHO) and am a co-founder of KOKO Forest Ltd. Through this project, I’m excited to share my passion with you: how combining human expertise with the power of machines can usher in a new era of forest research.