The project RETECHFOR (Technological and Territorial Network for Forest Monitoring and Environmental Disaster Reduction) proposes a profound transformation of the forestry sector through the incorporation of advanced technologies—aeronautics, satellites, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and big data—creating a forest data space that promotes sustainable, digital, and resilient forest management.
Promoted by Castile and León and Canary Islands, this project is part of the national program RETECH and the Spanish Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, with the aim of strengthening the forest bioeconomy, improve fire prevention, generate green jobs , and revitalize rural areas.
RetechFOR was created with the aim of integrating solutions geared toward continuous forest monitoring, prevention and extinguishing of forest fires, and the consolidation of the forest bioeconomy as a pillar of rural development.
This project not only proposes technological solutions, but also creates an ecosystem of innovation by connecting administrations, research centers, ICT companies, and local communities.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
RetechFOR stems from an urgent need: to improve the prevention and management of environmental disasters, especially forest fires, whose frequency and severity have increased in recent decades as a result of climate change. To this end, the project proposes a technological revolution in the way forest areas are monitored and managed, integrating technologies such as:
- Aeronautical platforms (manned and unmanned), satellite and pseudo-satellite (HAPS) platforms, with state-of-the-art onboard sensors,
- Advanced processes of Data Analytics, AI, Edge Computing, and digital twins,
- A comprehensive Forest Data Space system for real-time decision-making.
These tools will enable the generation of strategic knowledge for continuous forest management, optimize coordination between public and private actors, and develop effective plans for restoration, traceability, and sustainable use of forest resources.
Within the communication plan of the RetechFOR project, in the Dissemination and Transfer of Results Activities, the promotion of RETECH vocations and culture is proposed as an activity, in accordance with recommendation 6 of the Spanish Strategy for R&D&I in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which proposes including AI in the education system as a lever for technological change in the country, with students as the target group of interest, particularly those who will be entering the labor market in 10 years or more.
With this in mind, the RetechFOR Project team would like to propose holding an educational day in each province, one for 4th-year secondary school and/or high school students and another for university students | 1 per campus of the public universities that offer a degree in Forestry (Palencia, Soria, and León), as outlined below.
To this end,the Department of Education to inform us whether it is possible to carry out the proposed training and/or the requirements for doing so, and if possible, to disseminate this information among its centers and let us know if any are interested.
RETECHFOR EDUCATIONAL DAY
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR FORESTS
In-person session
Aimed at: 4th year ESO and high school students
Estimated duration: 3 hours
Location: Educational center / Associated space
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE
- Bringing students closer to the world of innovation in the forestry sector.
- Show how technology can prevent fires and protect the environment.
- Encourage interest in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Promote environmental awareness and the value of forest ecosystems.
REGISTERED PROVINCES
- Burgos
- Lion
- Palencia
- Salamanca
- Segovia
- Valladolid
- Zamora
