Work Packages

Led by the University of Padova (Italy), WP1 will:

1. Establish a strategic coordination framework for the project to ensure the relevance of all activities
2. Set up processes for scientific supervision
3. Institute a paradigm for financial and administrative management of the consortium
4. Ensure the presence of an IP protection mechanism for the project’s results and technologies

Led by the INRAE (France), WP2 will:

1. Employ satellite remote sensing technology and datasets for large-scale detection of forest stressors
2. Utilise aerial remote sensing technology for regional-level assessment of tree damage
3. Monitor young tree populations for potential pest infestations via machine vision systems

Led by the Forest Research Center, University of Lisbon (Portugal), WP3 will:

1. Adapt and optimise automated insect trap devices to provide reliable and detailed data on the proliferation of pests
2. Develop robotized sorting and image analysis to sort insect specimens from generic traps and assign specimens to target regulated species
3. Carry out experimental tests for the detection and metabarcoding of target organisms via environmental DNA samples of microbiomes

Led by the Slovenian Forestry Institute (Slovenia), WP4 will:

1. Explore ways of harnessing and enhancing the data and digital tools at the disposal of “citizen scientists” involved with pest control
2. Co-create new tailor-made citizen science projects via dedicated workshops and other events with relevant societal actors

Led by INRAE (France), WP5 will:

1. Consult stakeholders in order to identify barriers and opportunities behind the mass roll-out of new digital technologies for pest detection
2. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of appropriate digital solutions for the surveillance of regulated forest pests
3. Produce a multicriteria analysis of operational solutions for the monitoring of forest pests and their potential mass deployment

Led by Pensoft Publishers (Bulgaria), WP6 will:

1. Provide a distinct identity of the project and its services via branding, visualisations, a project website and an elaborated dissemination and communication strategy
2. Ensure that FORSAID activities engage relevant stakeholders effectively to connect the project’s outputs to science, policy, corporate and civil actors that can help ensure FORSAID results’ long-term application and legacy
3. Pursue synergies in the context of other relevant forest management projects, networks and initiatives