Deadline Date: February 15, 2026
The European Forest Institute is accepting grant applications to support robust forest monitoring and informed decision-making by improving the estimation, mapping, and forecasting of key forest indicators.
The work is structured around three core topics that address different dimensions of forest assessment.
The first topic focuses on domain-based estimation of forest state and multifunctionality indicators. MoniFun’s approach follows a structured process that begins with the acquisition of field data from forest inventories using standardized codelists and file specifications. This data is then pre-processed to adjust domain sizes before being integrated into the nFIESTA database. Estimates are configured and calculated using the nFIESTA graphical interface, enabling consistent and reliable domain-based assessments.
The second topic addresses methods for combining field data with remote sensing data to map forest multifunctionality indicators. This approach starts with the collection of standardized forest inventory data, followed by the download and extraction of remote sensing data at exact field plot locations. A distributed modelling approach based on federated learning is then applied to model multifunctionality indicators while allowing data to remain decentralized.
The third topic concentrates on forecasting forest multifunctionality indicators. Under this topic, MoniFun is developing and applying several models, including the European Forestry Dynamics Model, an age class simulator, and EFISCEN-Space, to project future changes in forest conditions and functions.
Through this call, applications are invited to validate and test MoniFun’s methods, scripts, and models using applicants’ own data, expertise, and methodological approaches. Proposals must focus exclusively on countries in Central-East or South-East Europe, as defined by Forest Europe, and must address only one of the three topics. The aim is to strengthen the applicability, robustness, and relevance of MoniFun tools across different national and regional contexts.
Successful applicants may request funding of up to 60,000 euros, with a maximum of three grants to be awarded. Projects are expected to start no later than July 2026 and may run for a maximum duration of 12 months. Applications may be submitted by a single legal entity or a consortium of legal entities, provided all participants are established in eligible countries and are eligible for funding under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme.
Certain entities are excluded from eligibility, including beneficiaries or associated partners of the MoniFun project itself, entities subject to European Union restrictive measures, and organizations established in specific restricted jurisdictions. This call offers a valuable opportunity for eligible organizations to contribute to advancing forest monitoring methodologies and to support sustainable forest management across Central-East and South-East Europe.
For more information, visit EFI.
