【COP30 Side-Event】Earth Observations for forest monitoring in the Amazon: ongoing efforts and upcoming opportunities
Day：2025.12.19
event ｜
Person in charge
| Name | Organization | Position |
| Sayako Kishimoto | JICA | Technical Advisor, Global Environment Department |
Overview
Date：2025/11/14
Host：ICA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA),Universities Space Research Association (USRA), American Geophysical Union (AGU), Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC)
Location Pavilion Name)：Blue Zone Side Event Room 3
Moderators and panelists
| Name | Organization | Position |
| Dr. Elsayed R. Talaat | USRA | President and CEO |
| Mr. Teruyuki Ito | Global Environment Department, JICA | Director |
| Mr. Rodrigo Antonio de Agostinho Mendonça | Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources(IBAMA) |
President |
| Ms. Silvia Cristina Rodríguez Valladares | Climate Change and Desertification | Director General |
| Mr. Takamasa Ogasawara | Archeda, Inc. | Business Development Senior Manager |
| Dr. David Bell | USRA Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science |
Director |
| Dr. Jean-Pierre Ometto | American Geophysical Union/Brazilian National Institute for Space Research(INPE) |
International Secretary/Senior Researcher |
| Mr. Stuart Brocklehurst DL | Green Futures at the University of Exeter |
Deputy Vice Chancellor and Director |
| Ms. Yukimi Shimura | MUFG Bank, Ltd. | Managing Director |
Primary objectives and outcomes
This side event aims to discuss the role of Earth Observation (EO), showcase examples that inform policy-making and action in the Amazon rainforest, and explore opportunities to co-create sustainable and actionable solutions through AI.
Content of the discussions
At the opening, JICA explained the environmental challenges humanity faces and the importance of the Amazon as a source of oxygen and carbon storage. It highlighted the value and potential of Earth Observation (EO), introduced past and upcoming cooperation projects in Brazil, and emphasized that collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address global environmental issues.
Session 1 featured reports from participants on forest policies and examples of environmental assessment applications. Ms. Silvia from Peru’s Climate Change Bureau stated that her country holds about one-third of the world’s peatlands and that land-use change accounts for 43% of emissions. She explained that satellite technology and digitalization are strengthening large-scale monitoring. Mr. Rodrigo from Brazil’s IBAMA reported that cooperation with JICA has enabled the detection of deforestation using satellite imagery and that future plans include monitoring forest restoration. Mr. Ogasawara from Archeda, Inc. introduced the AI platform “Insight,” which uses satellite data to promote large-scale monitoring and nature conservation projects. Mr. David from USRA explained efforts to integrate data from multiple satellites and use AI to analyze floods, fires, and land cover classification, stressing the need for international collaboration to support cities.
Session 2 focused on the use of satellite data and AI in addressing climate change. The moderator, Mr. Oda from USRA, noted that while satellite observation is important, it is not the only tool, and integrating multiple observation methods is necessary. Mr. Stuart from the University of Exeter highlighted advances in ocean observation and stressed that reducing emissions is the only way to protect marine resources. EO data indicates that most ocean acidification stems from human emissions and that marine heatwaves pose significant risks, including Antarctic greening. He also highlighted the importance of integrating ground-based and satellite observations in the Amazon and stressed collaboration with financial institutions and policymakers. Ms. Shimura from MUFG Bank stated that combining satellites and AI offers effective solutions and described efforts to build ecosystems through investment and partnerships, while noting challenges in integrating satellite data into business and the lack of understanding among executives. Mr. Jean from INPE stressed the importance of integrating ground, airborne, and satellite data, introduced Amazon monitoring and international collaboration, and highlighted the need for transparency and open data systems. Mr. David from USRA emphasized making satellite data more accessible to end users, categorized users into three groups, and introduced the concept of a unified AI foundation model for integrated decision-support systems, citing NASA’s PACE satellite for water quality monitoring.
In the Q&A session, participants discussed applications for biodiversity and water quality. Examples included water quality monitoring with the PACE satellite, ecosystem analysis through combined satellite and drone observations, and the potential role of AI in advancing biodiversity monitoring.
Pic1. Opening remarks by MR. Ito
Pic2. President of IBAMA presenting project outcomes
Pic3. Group photo of side event speakers
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