Luontoa and KOKO Forest have received a significant funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a new way of measuring biodiversity using satellite data, aerial imagery and artificial intelligence. The project aims to create a scalable method for monitoring nature values across large landscapes.
The project Seeing Biodiversity from Space, funded through ESA Phi-Lab Finland, combines remote sensing technology with ecological expertise to improve how biodiversity can be measured and monitored.
Biodiversity loss is widely recognised as a systemic risk, but reliable data for measuring and managing it is still limited. Existing biodiversity data is often fragmented and difficult to compare across regions. The project addresses this challenge by combining aerial imagery, very-high-resolution satellite data, laser scanning and field observations using advanced AI and machine learning models.
The result will enable more accurate and scalable biodiversity monitoring than current remote sensing approaches allow.
“By combining high-resolution imagery, lidar data, field observations and advanced machine learning, we can detect biodiversity at a level of detail and scale that has not been possible before,” says Samuli Junttila from KOKO Forest.
The partnership combines complementary expertise: KOKO Forest specialises in remote sensing data processing and machine learning, while Luontoa contributes expertise in biodiversity metrics, regulation and biodiversity market applications.
“We are seeing a clear shift from commitments to measurable outcomes in biodiversity,” says Inka Musta from Luontoa. “This project focuses on building the data foundation that enables that transition. We are also very pleased to have leading partners involved, including major cities in Finland, large forest owners, investors and the global forest certification system FSC, who will pilot the solution across different use cases.”
Reliable biodiversity data is becoming increasingly important for land-use planning, conservation, corporate biodiversity reporting and emerging nature markets. The new approach aims to provide consistent biodiversity metrics that can support decision-making across these contexts.
“Improving our ability to observe biodiversity from space is an important step in addressing biodiversity loss,” says Miika Kostamo from ESA Phi-Lab. “Projects like this demonstrate how Earth observation can support better environmental decision-making.”
Although developed in Finland, the methodology is designed to be globally scalable.
Luontoa is a Finnish consultancy specialising in biodiversity, nature-based solutions and emerging biodiversity markets. The company supports organisations in measuring, managing and financing biodiversity by combining ecological expertise, policy knowledge and practical solutions for nature-positive action.
KOKO Forest develops advanced forest ecosystem and tree analytics by integrating satellite and other remote sensing data, deep learning models, and ecological modelling. We integrate multi-source datasets to develop scalable, scientifically grounded methods that deliver near real-time information on forest ecosystem conditions. Our solutions support biodiversity and sustainable forest management by providing consistent, data-driven support for decision-making.
More information:
Lauri Tamminen: lauri.tamminen@luontoaconsulting.fi, +358 40 707 28 94
Samuli Junttila, samuli.junttila@kokoforest.com, +358 40 715 3477