Tutelare il capitale naturale con il Remote Sensing

Scientific knowledge has confirmed that if we preserve nature, we keep ourselves; in fact, ecosystems and biodiversity form the basis of our health, well-being, and development (1). For these principles, the 8th EU Environmental Action Program 2021-2030 thematic objectives to be achieved indicates protecting, preserving, and restoring biodiversity and strengthening natural capital (2). Although most of the ecosystem services offered by natural capital are irreplaceable for human well-being and socio-economic development, they are not considered in political decisions, as they are not considered marketable. However, their loss entails high costs in terms of damage to the environment and loss of life. In 2015, with the Paris Agreement, the role of forest ecosystems in climate regulation and the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) was recognized, thus providing a support and regulation ecosystem service. Monitoring their health is paramount to ensure that plants continue to perform their regulatory function. This awareness has favored the development of scientific and technological solutions that allow monitoring of the functioning of forest ecosystems and identify the existence of critical states that can lead to the deterioration of vegetation, with the consequent loss of the natural heritage and the related ecosystem service that it guarantees.