Horizon Europe SingleTree Project: Optimizing multifunctional forest value chains with single-tree information and the application of digital technologies

European forests, fundamental to the bioeconomy and the provision of ecosystem services, face increasing challenges due to climate threats, which affect their multifunctional functions, from carbon sequestration to biodiversity and recreation. SingleTree seeks to transform forest management, aligning with the EU's Bioeconomy Strategy, Rural Vision, Biodiversity Strategy, and the European Green Deal. SingleTree leverages cutting-edge data capture and artificial intelligence technologies to monitor the attributes, health, and biodiversity of individual trees, ensuring a holistic approach to multifunctional forest management.

By developing solutions for forest health monitoring and wood quality control, the project aims to improve sustainable forest management, taking into account the diverse European and regional forest varieties. Data acquisition will be optimized throughout the value chain, from forestry operations to wood processing, assisting in decision-making processes ranging from harvesting times to treatment options. Using a co-creation approach with Living Lab value chains, the project rapidly develops solutions that address real-world challenges.

It focuses on increasing forest resilience, preventing biodiversity loss due to climate change, and maximizing the use of different wood qualities. SingleTree prioritizes the full utilization of forest biomass, emphasizing the carbon sequestration of premium wood. Additionally, SingleTree will assess the environmental and social impacts of its innovations, focusing on biodiversity enhancement, resource efficiency, and stakeholder implications.

The project encourages regional and local authorities, particularly SMEs, to adopt innovative business models that emphasize sustainability, circularity, and the phased use of biomass. This strategy improves material utilization and highlights trade-offs, synergies, and community engagement, ensuring beneficial outcomes for the environment, society, and the economy in regional and rural areas.