Tracking nature just got easier

Tracking nature just got easier

Now anyone can use satellite images to manage nature responsibly

• Tens of thousands of nature projects across the tropics now have free and easy access to satellite data

• The satellite data supports nature monitoring efforts in hard-to-reach and under-resourced areas

• Nature stewards can reliably demonstrate that investments are having a positive impact

Thanks to Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) program, the incredible mosaic imagery from Planet’s high-resolution (<5m per pixel) satellites has been made accessible to everyone for free via Restor — the world’s largest open network of nature projects.

The monitoring of nature restoration projects has always been a challenge due to remote locations, the size of the area being restored, or a lack of technical expertise. As a result, it can be hard to verify if projects are fulfilling their commitments, and a lack of trust can hamper restoration efforts.

With the addition of NICFI Satellite Data Program imagery to Restor, monitoring can be done more easily and frequently across 64 tropical countries. Project leaders can demonstrate and share their success, and funders can be assured that their investments are having a positive impact on the environment.

“Restor puts the imagery from the NICFI Satellite Data Program into the hands of those who restore and protect tropical forests and other critical ecosystems,” says Clara Rowe, CEO, Restor. “Data democratization has a crucial role in empowering and inspiring the restoration movement.”

NICFI awarded the contract for the Satellite Data Program to KSAT, with partners Planet and Airbus in 2020.

The NICFI Satellite Data Program aims to reduce and reverse the loss of tropical forests, combat climate change, and conserve biodiversity. Restor supports people and projects that are reversing nature loss and land degradation, and the Planet-NICFI enables them to monitor, verify, and share their progress. The satellite images provide a snapshot of changes as frequently as every five months.

“Thanks to Restor, Planet, and NICFI, nature restorers can spend less time monitoring and reporting, and more time growing their projects,” says Luisa Texeira, Planet.

For enquires and interviews, please contact: Stephanie Feeney, Head of Partnerships

stephanie@restor.eco

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