Global Forest Monitoring Receives Major Boost from Norway
A significant new investment from Norway is set to enhance forest monitoring capabilities worldwide, empowering nations to strengthen climate action, improve transparency in reporting, and unlock crucial finance for forest protection and restoration efforts.
The Norwegian International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) is contributing 90 million Norwegian kroner, approximately $9.5 million, to support the third phase of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) System for Earth Observation Data Access, Processing and Analysis for Land Monitoring (SEPAL). This funding will extend through December 2030.
Norway’s commitment to SEPAL aligns with the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests (AIM4Forests) program. Together, these initiatives will expand technical assistance for forest monitoring on a global scale.
Empowering Nations with Data-Driven Decisions
Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, highlighted the increasing importance of open and transparent data tools as artificial intelligence advances. “SEPAL strengthens governments’ capacity to lead their own monitoring, and to make informed decisions for their forests for the benefit of their citizens, and for all of us,” Eriksen stated.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the critical need for reliable and accessible forest data. “Countries need reliable, accessible and transparent forest data to manage their forests sustainably, meet climate reporting requirements and access science-based finance,” QU Dongyu said. “This new funding will strengthen national forest monitoring systems and accelerate the use of innovative technologies, turning data into better decisions for the climate change and for sustainable development.”
The announcement was made during an event focused on forest monitoring for communities, conservation, and climate, held as part of London Climate Action Week.
SEPAL: A Decade of Innovation in Forest Monitoring
First launched in 2016, SEPAL is a key component of FAO’s Open Foris initiative, offering a suite of open-source digital tools. These tools are utilized by governments, technical institutions, and practitioners globally to monitor forests and land use, support national reporting obligations, and inform sustainable land management practices.
The SEPAL platform provides immediate access to Earth observation data and sophisticated processing tools, enabling countries to identify changes, track deforestation, and support restoration initiatives.
Focus on Next-Generation Solutions and Capacity Building
SEPAL Phase 3 is set to deliver next-generation geospatial solutions. The program aims to equip countries with the necessary skills, tools, and systems to independently monitor their forests, while also ensuring they can meet evolving climate reporting requirements.
As of June 2026, SEPAL has reported a substantial user base, with over 30,000 active users across 205 countries and territories.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Forest Management
The third phase of SEPAL will operate in close collaboration with the AIM4Forests program, a prominent partnership between FAO and the United Kingdom. AIM4Forests supports countries in enhancing forest monitoring through technological innovation, capacity development, and inclusive approaches.
This collaborative effort aims to facilitate the transition from simply generating forest data to effectively utilizing it for policy formulation, climate transparency, and increased engagement with financial institutions.
Furthermore, both initiatives champion inclusive methodologies for forest monitoring, advocating for the active participation of Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders whose invaluable knowledge and involvement are essential for achieving sustainable forest management.
