Digital Technologies Expand Forest Monitoring Coverage in Russia
Forest conditions are now monitored from space.
In 2026, Russia expanded the area covered by continuous remote forest monitoring, the Federal Forestry Agency (Rosleskhoz) reported. Digital systems now track 99 million hectares across 15 regions using satellite data. The technology is applied in areas with the largest forest resources and the most active logging.
According to Anastasia Vinokurova, deputy head of Rosleskhoz, continuous monitoring relies on the constant analysis of satellite imagery, enabling authorities to respond quickly to violations and anticipate risks. Over the past decade, the area covered by continuous remote monitoring has expanded several times and now covers 33 percent of the country’s forested land.
Remote Monitoring Expands Further
According to official agency documents, satellite data are processed using Russian software. New images are compared with previous ones to detect changes. If violations are identified – such as illegal logging or cutting beyond designated areas – specialists create a report and send it to enforcement authorities.
In regions not covered by continuous monitoring, forests are also tracked remotely using smart cameras and drones. These technologies are now deployed in 42 regions and cover an area of 300 million hectares.
