The health of forests, all over Greece, is mapped through a program that implements the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) in the context of the National Micreed Program. Scientists collect data, utilizing satellite data, and produce maps that show the state of forests, biodiversity, fuel and their condition after fires.
The research project is implemented by the Laboratory of Forest Management and Remote Small AUTH (in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens and Geosystems Hellas, Nerco and MPlegal), utilizing both modern satellite systems and field data available in forest services. The project focuses on developing standard methodologies, which will help protect ecosystems from the devastating consequences of forest fires.
“It is a program, with a budget of about one million euros, launched in August 2024 and concludes in July 2026 and has 5 themes, which is the mapping of forest vegetation and types of fuel, monitoring of forests, biodiversity and risks,” News, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Dimitris Stavrakoudis.
‘We proceed to the timeless recording of the species of forest vegetation throughout the country, This is expected to make a significant contribution to the protection of forest ecosystems, the maintenance of habitats and the protection of the natural landscape, “he adds.
In addition, fuel is mapped, with the aim of fire planning and managing ecosystems in the context of climate crisis. In the monitoring of forest health they are used satellite data to detect areas Infected with diseases and for biodiversity, and the forest plant species are targeted. At the same time, there are threats in areas of increased ecological interest, such as Natura and national parks to protect themselves from anthropogenic and natural dangers.
“Maps have been created over the last 10 years for the whole country, showing the image of forests and types of fuel. What we observe is that there are major changes in the forests from fires, and especially in areas such as Evia or South Attica, where they have been degraded and now with very low vegetation, “says Stavrakoudis.
According to him, forests are not reduced as they are regenerated, but only if they are left and do not do again. However, it takes 15 to 20 years to produce a forest.
‘It’s important and mapping Types of vegetation we do as we grouping areas in sorting areas With fuel, which is suitable for fire spread models. Essentially, this level is used to manage the forest area to see which areas have the most flammable fuels and to apply appropriate management measures, ”the professor notes of AUTH. According to Professor of Forestry, the ministry will have the responsibility to use the platform after the end of the project.
It is noted that this is a research program implemented in the framework of the National Ministry of Digital Governance (through the Greek Space Center), with the subscription of the European Space Agency (ESA) and funded by the recovery and durability fund.
Details of the SAT4forest project will be presented as part of the TIF, on the Kiosk 17, Stand 2, on September 11 and 12.
Photos and Maps: K. Stavrakoudis