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CBE JU-funded SingleTree project logo

SingleTree

Optimizing multifunctional forest-based value chains with single tree information and application of digital technologies

Project details

Type of project
Research & Innovation Action
Project focus
Digital tool
Feedstock origin
Forestry waste
Feedstock type
Lignin & wood residues
Project period
1 September 2024 - 31 August 2028
Status
In progress
CBE JU Contribution
€ 4 997 527,5
Call identifier
HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023

Summary

European forests are facing unprecedented threats caused by the climate change. The promotion of sustainable forest management practices is vital to support Europe’s bioeconomy, counteract biodiversity loss, and boost the resilience of European forests.

SingleTree aims to develop an optimised value chain for improved climate change adaptation, forest resilience, multifunctionality, and cascading use of woody biomass in precision forestry. The project will develop disruptive forest monitoring strategies based on artificial intelligence and remote sensing, adaptive single-tree level management solutions, intelligent machines for implementing single-tree operations, and improved traceability and ability to predict wood quality early in the value chain as a foundation for optimised biomass supply.

To develop an optimised value chain, SingleTree aims to:

  • Develop an AI and remote sensing-enabled single-tree focused forest monitoring approach that yields detailed information about tree health status, wood quality, and biodiversity.
  • Develop novel adaptive single-tree (and micro-stand) level management solutions and tools for increasing forest resilience and multifunctionality by using detailed single-tree solutions.
  • Develop intelligent machines that allow the efficient use and implementation of single-tree management, while also collecting additional information that continuously gives both management and inventory feedback.
  • Improve the information on wood properties as a basis for optimising the value and cascading use of all biomass qualities.
  • Create connected value chains demonstrated in living labs that function as innovative ecosystems in real-life environments, using iterative feedback processes throughout the value chain to ensure a lifecycle approach and create a sustainable impact.

  • Improvement of the overall environmental impact of the forest management practice due to a greater understanding and appreciation of natural forest biodiversity, knowledge of climate change impacts, and improved non-invasive quality control.
  • A better alignment between supply and demand of biomass for a specific bio-based industry.
  • Increase of the engagement and innovation capacity of regional and local actors, including the bio-based industry, and in particular SMEs, as well as societal impact in rural areas.
  • Speed up of the deployment and maximisation of the opportunities in new rural industrial ecosystems.
  • Strengthening of the application of the hierarchy of material use, trade-offs, synergies, business models, and participatory approaches with positive environmental, social, and economic impacts on regional and rural development.

Consortium map

Project coordination

  • NIBIO - NORSK INSTITUTT FOR BIOOKONOMI Aas, Norway

Consortium

  • FUNDACION CENTRO DE SERVICIOS Y PROMOCION FORESTAL Y DE SU INDUSTRIA DE CASTILLA Y LEON Soria, Spain
  • CREATIVE OPTIMIZATION SWEDEN AB Halmstad, Sweden
  • UNIVERSIDAD DE VALLADOLID VALLADOLID, Spain
  • MAANMITTAUSLAITOS Helsinki, Finland
  • SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITET Uppsala, Sweden
  • KOKO FOREST OY HELSINKI, Finland
  • KELLUU OY JOENSUU, Finland
  • SCA SKOG AB Sundsvall, Sweden
  • ITA-SUOMEN YLIOPISTO KUOPIO, Finland
  • NORGES TEKNISK-NATURVITENSKAPELIGE UNIVERSITET NTNU Trondheim, Norway
Partners
  • Amt für Wald und Naturgefahren des Kantons Bern, Abteilung Staatsforstbetrieb Münsingen, Switzerland
  • EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Zuerich, Switzerland
  • EIDGENOSSISCHE FORSCHUNGSANSTALT WSL Birmensdorf, Switzerland