Hello,
As Europe scrambles to secure timber supplies, proposed EUDR modifications could open the door to illegal Russian wood. Meanwhile, new satellite technology promises to revolutionize how we monitor forests.
Here's what's moving European forestry this week:
🔍 The Big Story
Proposed EUDR Changes Risk Boosting Illegal Russian Timber Trade
Environmental NGOs are sounding the alarm: proposed modifications to the EU Deforestation Regulation could inadvertently create loopholes for illegal Russian timber to enter European markets. While the EUDR aims to strengthen controls through mandatory border checks and timber geolocation, any weakening of these provisions threatens to undermine years of sanctions enforcement.
The timing is critical. Since 2022 sanctions disrupted Baltic timber flows, Europe has transformed from net importer to net exporter, with roundwood prices spiking across the region. This market disruption created opportunities for legitimate European producers—but relaxed EUDR enforcement could flood the market with illegal timber, crushing prices and rewarding bad actors.
What this means for you: Watch for sudden price drops that could signal illegal timber entering the market. Document your supply chain meticulously—legitimate operators will benefit as buyers seek verified legal timber. Most importantly, engage in the EUDR consultation process to prevent harmful modifications. Source: Proposed changes to EU deforestation law will boost illegal Russia timber trade - Euronews
đź“Š Quick Hits
1. 🛰️ ESA's Biomass Satellite Maps Forest Carbon from Space
The European Space Agency launched its revolutionary Biomass satellite, providing unprecedented capabilities to measure forest carbon content from orbit. This P-band radar can penetrate forest canopies to create detailed 3D maps of forest biomass worldwide.
The takeaway: Free, verified carbon data from space could eliminate expensive ground surveys for carbon projects—and make greenwashing impossible to hide. Source: New satellite reveals forest carbon from space - World Economic Forum
2. đź“Ť Earth Observation Now "Vital" for EUDR Compliance
The EU Commission confirmed that earth observation data will be essential for EUDR compliance verification. Companies must integrate satellite monitoring to prove their commodities are deforestation-free, moving beyond paper-based certification.
The takeaway: If you're not already using satellite monitoring, start now—it's shifting from "nice to have" to legally required by December 2025. Source: EUDR: Earth observation data vital for compliance - Food Navigator
3. 🤖 AI Cuts Forest Monitoring Costs with 15cm Resolution
New AI systems analyzing 15cm satellite imagery are slashing forest inventory costs while improving accuracy. The technology enables individual tree identification and health assessment across vast areas, addressing budget constraints while meeting increasing EU regulatory demands.
The takeaway: Small forest owners can now access enterprise-level monitoring at fraction of traditional costs—democratizing precision forestry. Source: How AI Uses 15 cm Satellite Images to Cut Costs in Forest Management - Space Watch Africa
4. 🏛️ Parliament Votes to Object EUDR Risk Classification
The European Parliament adopted an objection to EUDR's risk classification criteria, with WWF calling it an "irresponsible move" that could delay implementation. The objection challenges how countries are categorized as low, standard, or high risk for deforestation.
The takeaway: More EUDR uncertainty ahead—but the December 2025 deadline stands, so keep preparing regardless of political maneuvering. Source: EU Parliament votes to adopt objection to Deforestation Regulation - Business & Human Rights
đź’ˇ One Thing to Try This Week
Test free satellite monitoring of your forest. With earth observation becoming mandatory for EUDR and new AI tools making it affordable, this week is perfect to experiment. Try Global Forest Watch (globalforestwatch.org) for basic monitoring or contact companies like CollectiveCrunch (collectivecrunch.com) for AI-powered analysis. Getting comfortable with these tools now puts you ahead of the December compliance rush.
Until Tuesday!
Wish you all the best: Peter
P.S. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in forestry right now?
Hit reply and let me know — I read every message personally.
P. P. S. Know a forest professional who’s drowning in EUDR complexity or missing out on timber market shifts? Forward this issue or invite them to join!
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