zprávy

Forests offer countless benefits – from purifying water to cleaning the air and capturing carbon to fight climate change. They also provide food, life-saving medicines and raw materials for building homes. And who hasn’t enjoyed going for a hike in the woods?  

To celebrate the many benefits of healthy forests, the United Nations has designated today, 21 March, as the International Day of Forests. But more than celebrating, today is also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our forests. 

“Conserving and sustainably using forests is one of the best ways of protecting our planet and our own well-being,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources – and EU Space and our Agency can help.”

From promoting reforestation to preventing deforestation, degradation and fires, the EU Space Programme is an essential tool for sustainable forest management. Here’s six ways that Copernicus, EGNOS and Galileo are all working to ensure that everyone can benefit from healthy forests. 

1. Keeping an eye on carbon sinks

Trees are important carbon sinks, meaning they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. According to the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE), as of 2020, Europe’s forests were storing 92.1 gigatonnes of carbon. Unfortunately, when forests disappear or become degraded, all this stored carbon gets emitted back into the atmosphere. 

This highlights the critical need to monitor the carbon stocks of forested regions – monitoring that can be done via Earth Observation. For example, using the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, climate scientists can map and monitor forest biomass and estimate its potential to serve as a carbon sink. 

2. Planting 3 billion trees

A key component of the EU Forest Strategy, which aims to improve the quantity and quality of Europe’s forests while also strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience, is to plant 3 billion new trees by 2030. According to the 2022 EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, Earth Observation will play a big part in achieving this goal. 

With the climate and weather data provided by Copernicus, authorities can better understand how different tree species will adapt to droughts, heatwaves and other climate-induced extreme weather events. EO can also provide decision makers with the data on soil composition they need to ensure these new trees are planted in the right conditions. 

3. Stopping deforestation 

The UN estimates that every year the world loses nearly 4.7 million hectares of forested area. Much of this loss is due to deforestation, the process of converting forested land into other uses. 

When it comes to detecting, mapping and monitoring this deforestation, nothing beats Earth Observation. For example, EO-based tools for forest monitoring are using Copernicus data, along with the optical and radar instruments onboard Sentinel satellites, to provide global information with a high acquisition frequency to forestry stakeholders completely free of charge.  

4. Preventing illegal logging

Copernicus can even help prevent illegal logging – a major cause of deforestation. By flagging potential development and road construction happening within forests, EO data helps authorities look for illegal activity and predict where such activity is most likely to occur. 

Authorities also use GNSS to track timbre movements, which can help increase the transparency and traceability of the timber supply chain, reducing the likelihood that illegal exportation goes unnoticed. 

5. Sustainable forests management 

Much of Europe’s forests are under the management of the forest industry and are used to source raw material to produce paper and wood products. If these forests aren’t sustainably managed, we could run out of raw material – which is why the forestry industry is keen on using EU Space. 

Forest managers and owners use remote sensing technologies to gather data over the large, often remote swaths of land that managed forests cover. They then use this data to track relevant inventory and, based on this, optimise harvesting and planting plans. 

The forestry industry also relies on GNSS for such precision operations as the guidance of machinery and the variable rate application of fertilisers and irrigation – all of which allow the timber industry to implement best practices in sustainable forest management. 

Thanks to its more robust signals, Galileo performs better under dense tree canopies, enabling machine guidance in forest environments. Moreover, Galileo is used to guide drones, which are increasingly being utilised in forest management operations.

6. Fighting forests fires

With climate change causing extreme draughts, heatwaves and winds, forest fires are becoming an all-too frequent occurrence. Luckily, fire departments and decision makers can rely on Earth Observation to help mitigate the risk of fires before they happen and to battle them when they do. That’s because EO has the advantage of being able to provide wide geographic coverage and the ability to ‘see’ through clouds and smoke and rapidly capture images. 

Firefighting teams are also replacing their ground-based systems and use of rotorcraft with drones equipped with a range of sensors for capturing data. Such systems are particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas, where EO-equipped drones guided by the precise positioning offered by GNSS can provide wildfire fighters with another layer of information – and protection. 

7. Cassini Hackathon and EUSPA´s contribution

EUSPA is leading the Cassini hackathons and also there, forestry is a big topic! Earth observation to protect forests from bark beetle infestation was the idea of YOLANDA. Blaz & Matic were old friends, they met Primoz and Lucija at the Cassini Hackathon #4. They were all already familiar with the problem of bark beetle infestation, but only during the hackathon, they crafted a realistic plan for a software product that allows forest insurers/owners to have actionable insights from satellite imagery. The ultimate outcome is the preservation of our natural resources and an increase in CO2 sequestration.

Endless potential 

As we celebrate International Forests Day, it’s important to remember that, while our forests are in trouble, there is still plenty we can do to help. 

“From carbon monitoring to sustainable logging, Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS are indispensable tools for protecting – even restoring – our forests,” concludes da Costa. “When these tools are paired with emerging technologies like drones, robots and artificial intelligence, the potential for preserving healthy forests for future generations is endless. The protection of our forests is critical not only for the environment but also for the success of the EU Green Deal and our collective efforts to combat climate change.”

To learn more about this potential, be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.eu. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Forests offer countless benefits – from purifying water to cleaning the air and capturing carbon to fight climate change. They also provide food, life-saving medicines and raw materials for building homes. And who hasn’t enjoyed going for a hike in the woods?  

To celebrate the many benefits of healthy forests, the United Nations has designated today, 21 March, as the International Day of Forests. But more than celebrating, today is also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our forests. 

“Conserving and sustainably using forests is one of the best ways of protecting our planet and our own well-being,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources – and EU Space and our Agency can help.”

From promoting reforestation to preventing deforestation, degradation and fires, the EU Space Programme is an essential tool for sustainable forest management. Here’s six ways that Copernicus, EGNOS and Galileo are all working to ensure that everyone can benefit from healthy forests. 

1. Keeping an eye on carbon sinks

Trees are important carbon sinks, meaning they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. According to the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE), as of 2020, Europe’s forests were storing 92.1 gigatonnes of carbon. Unfortunately, when forests disappear or become degraded, all this stored carbon gets emitted back into the atmosphere. 

This highlights the critical need to monitor the carbon stocks of forested regions – monitoring that can be done via Earth Observation. For example, using the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, climate scientists can map and monitor forest biomass and estimate its potential to serve as a carbon sink. 

2. Planting 3 billion trees

A key component of the EU Forest Strategy, which aims to improve the quantity and quality of Europe’s forests while also strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience, is to plant 3 billion new trees by 2030. According to the 2022 EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, Earth Observation will play a big part in achieving this goal. 

With the climate and weather data provided by Copernicus, authorities can better understand how different tree species will adapt to droughts, heatwaves and other climate-induced extreme weather events. EO can also provide decision makers with the data on soil composition they need to ensure these new trees are planted in the right conditions. 

3. Stopping deforestation 

The UN estimates that every year the world loses nearly 4.7 million hectares of forested area. Much of this loss is due to deforestation, the process of converting forested land into other uses. 

When it comes to detecting, mapping and monitoring this deforestation, nothing beats Earth Observation. For example, EO-based tools for forest monitoring are using Copernicus data, along with the optical and radar instruments onboard Sentinel satellites, to provide global information with a high acquisition frequency to forestry stakeholders completely free of charge.  

4. Preventing illegal logging

Copernicus can even help prevent illegal logging – a major cause of deforestation. By flagging potential development and road construction happening within forests, EO data helps authorities look for illegal activity and predict where such activity is most likely to occur. 

Authorities also use GNSS to track timbre movements, which can help increase the transparency and traceability of the timber supply chain, reducing the likelihood that illegal exportation goes unnoticed. 

5. Sustainable forests management 

Much of Europe’s forests are under the management of the forest industry and are used to source raw material to produce paper and wood products. If these forests aren’t sustainably managed, we could run out of raw material – which is why the forestry industry is keen on using EU Space. 

Forest managers and owners use remote sensing technologies to gather data over the large, often remote swaths of land that managed forests cover. They then use this data to track relevant inventory and, based on this, optimise harvesting and planting plans. 

The forestry industry also relies on GNSS for such precision operations as the guidance of machinery and the variable rate application of fertilisers and irrigation – all of which allow the timber industry to implement best practices in sustainable forest management. 

Thanks to its more robust signals, Galileo performs better under dense tree canopies, enabling machine guidance in forest environments. Moreover, Galileo is used to guide drones, which are increasingly being utilised in forest management operations.

6. Fighting forests fires

With climate change causing extreme draughts, heatwaves and winds, forest fires are becoming an all-too frequent occurrence. Luckily, fire departments and decision makers can rely on Earth Observation to help mitigate the risk of fires before they happen and to battle them when they do. That’s because EO has the advantage of being able to provide wide geographic coverage and the ability to ‘see’ through clouds and smoke and rapidly capture images. 

Firefighting teams are also replacing their ground-based systems and use of rotorcraft with drones equipped with a range of sensors for capturing data. Such systems are particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas, where EO-equipped drones guided by the precise positioning offered by GNSS can provide wildfire fighters with another layer of information – and protection. 

7. Cassini Hackathon and EUSPA´s contribution

EUSPA is leading the Cassini hackathons and also there, forestry is a big topic! Earth observation to protect forests from bark beetle infestation was the idea of YOLANDA. Blaz & Matic were old friends, they met Primoz and Lucija at the Cassini Hackathon #4. They were all already familiar with the problem of bark beetle infestation, but only during the hackathon, they crafted a realistic plan for a software product that allows forest insurers/owners to have actionable insights from satellite imagery. The ultimate outcome is the preservation of our natural resources and an increase in CO2 sequestration.

4^th CASSINI Hackathon winners YOLANDA (Slovenia)

Endless potential 

As we celebrate International Forests Day, it’s important to remember that, while our forests are in trouble, there is still plenty we can do to help. 

“From carbon monitoring to sustainable logging, Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS are indispensable tools for protecting – even restoring – our forests,” concludes da Costa. “When these tools are paired with emerging technologies like drones, robots and artificial intelligence, the potential for preserving healthy forests for future generations is endless. The protection of our forests is critical not only for the environment but also for the success of the EU Green Deal and our collective efforts to combat climate change.”

To learn more about this potential, be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.eu. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

From 6 to 10 March 2023, the EU conducted the Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) 2023 exercise at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Headquarters in Brussels.

The STRA exercise is a yearly exercise to test and enhance the EU´s response to threats to the systems and services deployed under the various components of the EU Space Programme. It builds on a scenario, which reflects the complexity of the current geopolitical landscape and emerging hybrid threats, ranging from cyber-attacks on space and ground segments to spoofing or jamming satellite signals, as well as disinformation campaigns.

During the STRA 2023 exercise, the EU´s space threat response mechanism was triggered by a cyber-security incident affecting Galileo. The incident was activated in EEAS HQ and involved key political, diplomatic and operational actors including Member States, the EEAS, the EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA /Galileo Security Monitoring Centre), the Commission and the Council of the European Union. Italy and Spain as Galileo host nations activated their chain of command, involving appropriate national capabilities to address the incident and providing support to digital forensics and critical infrastructure protection measures. 

During this exercise, the Agency demonstrated that its mission in implementing the operational security of Galileo as a component of the European Union Space Programme is fulfilled. 

“EUSPA continues to take steps to ensure the security of the EU Space Programme and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data and services it provides,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

Central to this role is the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC). 

Around-the-clock monitoring 

The GSMC monitors and, when necessary, acts regarding security threats, security alerts and the operational status of Galileo’s various components. It operates its mission from the two facilities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, and in San Martín de la Vega, Spain.  

“We provide around-the-clock monitoring of the Galileo system’s security,” explains GSMC Head Philippe Rosius. “The purpose of this monitoring is to detect accidental or deliberate security events that could cause a disruption to the programme’s services.”

In the event of a threat to the security of the system and/or its services that could affect the security of the EU, the European Council will issue specific instructions to EUSPA, which the GSMC is responsible for implementing.

Beyond its monitoring duties, the GSMC is also responsible for managing access to the Public Regulated Service (PRS) and for ensuring that sensitive information relating to its use is properly managed and protected. 

“While the GSMC is an integral part of the Galileo infrastructure, it has the competence to be extended to other components of the Union Space Programme,” adds Rosius. 

Security expertise to support EU priorities 

EUSPA’s security expertise also makes it well-positioned to support the objectives of the recently adopted European Union Space Strategy for Security and Defence. 

Proposed by EU High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager and European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton, the Strategy proposes actions to strengthen the resilience and protection of space systems and services in the EU EUSPA will have a key role to play for the implementation of this strategy.  Firstly, the strategy proposes the creation of a Sharing and Analysis Centre (EU Space ISAC) to raise awareness and facilitate the exchange of best practices among commercial and relevant public entities on resilience measures for space capabilities. 

Building on its experience with Galileo, EUSPA can ensure consistent security monitoring of all EU space programmes. In close cooperation with the Commission, the Computer Security Incident Response Team of all the EU institutions (CERT-EU) and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), EUSPA will play a key role as space security monitoring and operations centre in the EU. On request, we will be ready to also assist operators of essential space systems and services across the EU27.

With user needs being always the basis of the EU Space Programme, the Commission is seeking to embed military and security user requirements in the design of relevant new EU space systems and the upgrade of existing systems. Being a user-oriented agency, EUSPA will support the identification of security-related needs, and the accreditation and exploitation of dual-use systems and services. 

“Thanks to its robust security apparatus, EUSPA is an essential partner in keeping all of Europe’s space assets and the important data and services they provide safe and secure,” concludes da Costa.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Graduating from university is exciting. But it can also be nerve-racking, especially if you still haven’t figured out what you like or what to do next. Do you see yourself as an administrative officer with a more back-office role? Or, do you aspire to become a c-suite executive? Do you prefer financial auditing or public procurement? Media relations or events management? Engineering or project management? Sounds familiar? 

"When I first graduated from university with a degree in media and journalism, I was unsure if I wanted to work as a communications professional or do something more artistic. Thanks to my traineeship at EUSPA I worked on my first graphic design project, which allowed me to connect to explore the latter. I am now finishing a master’s degree in Strategic Design and Entrepreneurship at Copenhagen Business School, while as a Student Assistant in Architecture" says former EUSPA trainee Pedro Granacha from Lisbon, Portugal

Since its inception, EUSPA has been offering both undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to get a hands-on experience on the Union’s most ambitious industrial project. More than 150 young professionals have kickstarted their careers thanks to their traineeship. It gave them the final push to be recruited quickly with some experience in various areas, including consulting, engineering, legal & procurement matters, IT, public relations, EU affairs, and more. 

We call them traineeships for a reason!

The EUSPA traineeship scheme is a development programme aimed at providing young graduates with the soft and hard skills necessary for a successful career both in the private and public sectors. EUSPA trainees have the opportunity to work on projects related to their field of study and gain a better understanding of the EU’s policies and decision-making processes as well as the EU Space Programme.

"While trainees must have a degree (bachelor’s or master’s) related to the post they have applied for, they are not expected to master any task from the beginning. We’re here to train them, share our knowledge and help them bring out hidden talents" says the Head of Administration at EUSPA, Patrick Hamilton.

As a trainee at EUSPA, you will start with basic induction training to familiarise yourself with the mission of the Agency and its procedures before diving into deep and carrying out work-related tasks. All trainees are assigned a project officer not only as a supervisor but also as a mentor. Supervisors meet with trainees weekly to assign projects, debrief and share concerns. This allows project officers to see weaknesses and strengths and give and receive constructive feedback. 

Additionally, trainees can benefit from seminars, and on-site events, participate in workshops, and even participate to language lunches.

Helping you discover what you like the most!

"As cliché as it may sound, employees who love what they do, almost always excel in it, and this is what we incentivise our trainees to do" continues Hamilton.

Task rotation is an important element of the EUSPA traineeship scheme because it allows graduates to view different aspects of their field, discover their strengths and cultivate new abilities. A trainee in the Market Downstream and Innovation Department will be helping start-ups become more innovative through space, while also monitoring market trends to identify new opportunities. The same applies to a trainee in finance, who will assist in the financial implementation of EU grants but also support in accounting, monitoring KPIs and more. 

With the EU Space Programme having a direct application across various industry sectors, trainees will have to get out of their comfort zone and expand their knowledge fields such as maritime, agriculture, aviation and climate change, just to name a few.

"When I was a trainee in communications, I was tasked with media monitoring, and press relations for campaigns that needed press releases. Together with social media copywriting, I had to be constantly in touch with topics I was not familiar with, such as precision farming or the uses of Earth Observation. At first it was tough, and it required extensive desk research to see the full picture. Thanks to the input from my colleagues and the unlimited resources the agency offers, communicating about complex scientific topics became my favourite task" says Cristina Garcia.

Be part of a bigger EU family

What about having fun? Being a EUSPA trainee doesn’t necessarily mean getting your work done and going to sleep. When you set foot to EUSPA, you will be joined by fellow graduates from across the EU and engage in tons of activities like hiking in the scenic Bohemian Switzerland, partying or blending with the locals.

"It is really an amazing opportunity to put in practice what I learnt in a fascinating multicultural environment, participating to the EU involvement in space activities", confirmed Lorenzo Miccinesi, previous trainee in the Legal Department.

With the goal of boosting competitiveness and supporting skill development, the EU has named 2023 the ‘European Year of Skills’ – an initiative EUSPA is clearly supporting through its fully fledged traineeship scheme.

Still not convinced? Hear from our past trainees

Tips on how to ace your interview.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Graduating from university is exciting. But it can also be nerve-racking, especially if you still haven’t figured out what you like or what to do next. Do you see yourself as an administrative officer with a more back-office role? Or, do you aspire to become a c-suite executive? Do you prefer financial auditing or public procurement? Media relations or events management? Engineering or project management? Sounds familiar? 

"When I first graduated from university with a degree in media and journalism, I was unsure if I wanted to work as a communications professional or do something more artistic. Thanks to my traineeship at EUSPA I worked on my first graphic design project, which allowed me to connect to explore the latter. I am now finishing a master’s degree in Strategic Design and Entrepreneurship at Copenhagen Business School, while as a Student Assistant in Architecture" says former EUSPA trainee Pedro Granacha from Lisbon, Portugal

Since its inception, EUSPA has been offering both undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to get a hands-on experience on the Union’s most ambitious industrial project. More than 150 young professionals have kickstarted their careers thanks to their traineeship. It gave them the final push to be recruited quickly with some experience in various areas, including consulting, engineering, legal & procurement matters, IT, public relations, EU affairs, and more. 

We call them traineeships for a reason!

The EUSPA traineeship scheme is a development programme aimed at providing young graduates with the soft and hard skills necessary for a successful career both in the private and public sectors. EUSPA trainees have the opportunity to work on projects related to their field of study and gain a better understanding of the EU’s policies and decision-making processes as well as the EU Space Programme.

"While trainees must have a degree (bachelor’s or master’s) related to the post they have applied for, they are not expected to master any task from the beginning. We’re here to train them, share our knowledge and help them bring out hidden talents" says the Head of Administration at EUSPA, Patrick Hamilton.

As a trainee at EUSPA, you will start with basic induction training to familiarise yourself with the mission of the Agency and its procedures before diving into deep and carrying out work-related tasks. All trainees are assigned a project officer not only as a supervisor but also as a mentor. Supervisors meet with trainees weekly to assign projects, debrief and share concerns. This allows project officers to see weaknesses and strengths and give and receive constructive feedback. 

Additionally, trainees can benefit from seminars, and on-site events, participate in workshops, and even participate to language lunches.

Helping you discover what you like the most!

"As cliché as it may sound, employees who love what they do, almost always excel in it, and this is what we incentivise our trainees to do" continues Hamilton.

Task rotation is an important element of the EUSPA traineeship scheme because it allows graduates to view different aspects of their field, discover their strengths and cultivate new abilities. A trainee in the Market Downstream and Innovation Department will be helping start-ups become more innovative through space, while also monitoring market trends to identify new opportunities. The same applies to a trainee in finance, who will assist in the financial implementation of EU grants but also support in accounting, monitoring KPIs and more. 

With the EU Space Programme having a direct application across various industry sectors, trainees will have to get out of their comfort zone and expand their knowledge fields such as maritime, agriculture, aviation and climate change, just to name a few.

"When I was a trainee in communications, I was tasked with monitoring the media and press relations for campaigns that needed Press releases. Together with social media copywriting, I had to be constantly in touch with topics I was not familiar with such as precision farming or the uses of Earth Observation. At first, it was tough, and it required extensive desk research to see the full picture. Thanks to input from my colleagues and the unlimited sources the agency offers, communicating about complex scientific topics became my favourite task" says Cristina Garcia.

Be part of a bigger EU family

What about having fun? Being a EUSPA trainee doesn’t necessarily mean getting your work done and going to sleep. When you set foot to EUSPA, you will be joined by fellow graduates from across the EU and engage in tons of activities like hiking in the scenic Bohemian Switzerland, partying or blending with the locals.

"It is really an amazing opportunity to put in practice what I learnt in a fascinating multicultural environment, participating to the EU involvement in space activities", confirmed Lorenzo Miccinesi, previous trainee in the Legal Department.

With the goal of boosting competitiveness and supporting skill development, the EU has named 2023 the ‘European Year of Skills’ – an initiative EUSPA is clearly supporting through its fully fledged traineeship scheme.

Still not convinced? Hear from our past trainees

Tips on how to ace your interview.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).