Metsä Group, an international forest industry group and frontrunner in the sustainable bioeconomy, and CollectiveCrunch, a leading AI company specializing in forestry solutions, have teamed up to release an innovative solution that equips forest owners with detailed and timely information about potential threats in forests.

“Bark beetles and storm damages pose significant threats to forest health, resulting in substantial economic and ecological consequences,” said Jarkko Lipponen, co-founder and CEO of CollectiveCrunch. “Detecting the early signs of bark beetles, and monitoring changes such as storm damage in near real-time, is vital for forest owners to take swift and appropriate actions to mitigate their impact.”

In response to this critical need, the joint effort that was initiated in December 2022 has culminated in the development of an advanced AI-based solution that enables an early detection of bark beetle outbreaks and near real-time monitoring of storm damages in forest ecosystems.
AI-based solution detects early signs of bark beetles and stress in specific forest areas

By analyzing a combination of various data sets, the AI-powered solution detects subtle patterns and anomalies associated with bark beetle infestations. It allows forest owners to access near real-time information and precise location-based insights to effectively combat the risks posed by bark beetles and storm damage.

“The solution developed through the collaboration between Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch goes beyond detecting bark beetle outbreaks and storm damages. It also has the capability to identify forest areas under stress, providing forest owners with valuable information about ecosystem health and risks,” Lipponen said. “The solution can detect dead trees, enabling a deeper understanding of the biodiversity values within forests. By comprehensively assessing the condition of forests, this technology empowers forest owners to make informed decisions regarding sustainable forest management practices, while promoting the preservation of vital biodiversity and ecological balance.”

Actionable information for efficient decision-making
“By combining data with CollectiveCrunch’s AI capabilities, we are empowering forest owners with the tools they need to protect their valuable resources,” said digitalisation director Olli Leino at Metsä Group. “Forest owners can now proactively identify areas vulnerable to bark beetle outbreaks, including influences from storm damages. With early detection, prompt action can be taken, preserving the health and productivity of forests while ensuring sustainable management practices. The ability to detect and address these threats efficiently brings significant value to forest owners, safeguarding their investments and contributing to the long-term resilience of forest ecosystems.”

Metsä Group is currently finalizing integrations and piloting the product. Customers will be able to access the product through Metsä Group’s application starting in August.

“The collaboration between Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch highlights the power of industry-leading expertise and technological advancements in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the forestry sector,” Lipponen concludes. “We are delighted to provide forest owners with a solution that enables them to carry through their commitment to responsible and efficient forest management.”

Source: Metsä Group