PRESS RELEASE
Date, 23rd June 2023, Italy
DigiMedFor, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform the technological landscape of the Mediterranean forest-wood supply chain and bolster its competitiveness. The overarching goal is to empower stakeholders to effectively manage forests and supply multiple ecosystem services, including the vital traceability of wood from forests to end-users.
Aligned with the EU forest strategy and the EU digital strategy, DigiMedFor will leverage advanced and innovative digital solutions to revolutionize the monitoring and management of forest resources along the supply chain, spanning from origin to the wood industry. By optimizing the sustainability of wood production and improving traceability and delivery of ecosystem services, DigiMedFor promises a paradigm shift in the industry.
At the core of DigiMedFor's approach lies the seamless integration of geo-spatial, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin technologies, combined with information and communication technology (ICT). This synergetic combination will pave the way for enhanced forest management and unlock unprecedented opportunities for the entire sector.
"DigiMedFor marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a sustainable and digitally empowered Mediterranean forest-wood supply chain," said Luigi Saulino, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, DigiMedFor’s Project Primary Coordinator, at the DigiMedFor Kickoff meeting in Italy 19-20 June 2023.
"By embracing cutting-edge modern digital solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we aim to overcome challenges, improve traceability, and ensure the long-term vitality of our precious forests."
Background - The Mediterranean (MED) region, boasting over 25 million hectares of forests and approximately 50 million hectares of other wooded lands, faces significant challenges due to climatic and socio-economic changes. The repercussions for forests could be grave, leading to the loss of crucial ecosystem services and triggering a host of economic, social, and environmental issues.
In the European Mediterranean (EUMED) countries, the forest-wood supply chain's low competitiveness is further exacerbated by the limited access of forest managers and companies to current and cutting-edge digital technologies. Outdated systems and a failure to address pressing industry difficulties loom as obstacles for the coming decades. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, a multi-actor approach to digitalization is crucial, starting with a thorough understanding of stakeholders' needs and defining collaborative actions.
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Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
