Satellite-guided drone reforestation: A high-tech solution to climate and biodiversity crises
- Amir Nurmagomedov
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
As the global community accelerates efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), innovative technologies are reshaping environmental restoration. One such advancement is satellite-guided drone reforestation, which integrates geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to restore degraded ecosystems efficiently and at scale.
The technology: Precision reforestation from above
Drone reforestation involves a three-phase process:
1. Mapping and analysis: High-resolution satellite imagery, such as from Copernicus and Planet Labs, is used to identify priority zones and determine suitable native species.
2. Automated planting design: AI algorithms create optimal planting patterns, considering terrain and ecological factors.
3. Deployment and monitoring: Drones disperse biodegradable seed pods containing germinated seeds, nutrients, and water-retention compounds. Post-deployment, satellite data monitors germination and growth rates.
This method allows for rapid, cost-effective reforestation, especially in areas that are difficult to access or have been affected by wildfires.
Leading innovators: Flash Forest and Dendra Systems
Two companies at the forefront of this technology are Flash Forest and Dendra Systems.
Flash Forest: A Canadian startup aiming to plant 1 billion trees by 2028. Utilizing drones equipped with pneumatic launchers, they have planted over 2.9 million trees across 52 projects, focusing on wildfire-affected zones in Canada, the US, Australia, and Brazil. In 2025, they signed an agreement with the Chilean government to reforest areas in Valparaíso and Maule.
Dendra Systems: Originating from the UK, Dendra employs AI-driven drones capable of planting up to 700 kg of seeds per day, covering up to 40 hectares. Their projects span Myanmar, Australia, South Africa, and the Middle East. In April 2025, they partnered with the World Bank to implement aerial reforestation in the Sahel region, supporting the RESILAND initiative.
Global deforestation and reforestation trends
In 2024, global forest loss reached unprecedented levels, with 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forests lost—an 80% increase from the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by catastrophic wildfires in the Amazon, exacerbated by severe droughts. Brazil alone accounted for 2.8 million hectares of this loss. Conversely, Southeast Asia showed positive trends, with countries like Indonesia and Malaysia reducing forest loss through effective policies.
Despite these challenges, reforestation efforts are making headway. Between 2000 and 2020, the world experienced a tree cover gain of approximately 130.9 million hectares, though this was offset by greater losses during the same period.
Nonprofits and individual contributions to reforestation
Several nonprofit organizations and individuals are playing pivotal roles in global reforestation:
· One Tree Planted: A Vermont-based nonprofit that simplifies tree planting for individuals and businesses, contributing to global reforestation efforts.
· Trees for the Future: Recognized as a UN World Restoration Flagship, this organization has planted millions of trees across nine African countries, restoring over 41,000 hectares and aiming to plant a billion trees by 2030.
· Jadav Payeng: An Indian environmentalist who single-handedly transformed a barren sandbar into a 1,400-hectare forest, known as the "Molai Forest," showcasing the impact of individual dedication.
Global collaboration and future prospects
The success of drone reforestation hinges on international cooperation. Initiatives like the Great Green Wall in Africa and the upcoming COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil, underscore the importance of global partnerships in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Both Flash Forest and Dendra Systems are slated to participate in COP30, highlighting the role of technology in sustainable development.
Satellite-guided drone reforestation represents a significant advancement in our ability to combat deforestation and restore ecosystems. By combining cutting-edge technology with ecological expertise, this approach offers a scalable solution aligned with global sustainability goals. Continued investment and collaboration are essential to realize its full potential.
For further information on global reforestation efforts and technological innovations:
