Last week, Norway and FAO launched the third phase of SEPAL, FAO’s global platform for satellite‑based forest and land monitoring. SEPAL Phase 3 represents a significant step forward in Norway’s long‑term commitment to open and trustworthy satellite‑based tropical forest data. With more than 25,000 active users across 205 countries, SEPAL has become one of the world’s most widely used data tools for tropical forest monitoring.
SEPAL strengthens countries’ ability to independently access, process and analyze satellite data, a prerequisite for credible national forest monitoring systems and for meeting climate reporting obligations. The new phase also responds to a rapidly evolving geospatial landscape, where new sensors, higher-resolution datasets and emerging AI methods make it easier and faster to understand what is happening in the forests.
“As artificial intelligence accelerates, open and transparent data tools are becoming even more essential for forest countries. SEPAL strengthens governments’ capacity to lead their own monitoring, and to make informed decisions for their forests for the benefit of their citizens, and for all of us”, said Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway.
SEPAL Phase 3 will contribute to:
- Enhanced national forest monitoring systems, embedded in government workflows.
- Advanced geospatial innovation, including diversified data sources, improved reference data collection, and expanded AI tools.
- Accelerated digital capacity building, enabling countries to produce defensible, IPCC‑consistent monitoring products
- Continued access to high‑resolution satellite imagery, including the NICFI Satellite Data Programme archive
Norway is supporting SEPAL Phase 3 with 90 million NOK.
SEPAL Phase 3 is a major step forward for countries that need reliable, transparent and interoperable forest data. By combining open satellite data, AI innovation for tropical forest monitoring and strong country ownership, it is a goal for SEPAL to help national institutions produce monitoring products that are both credible in international reporting, and meaningful for the communities who depend on forests.