unique land use GmbH

🛰️ Innovation, Strategy & Growth: Highlights from our #DSD Retreat 2025!   Our Digital Solutions Department (DSD) just wrapped up an inspiring and forward-thinking retreat at the Waldhaus in Freiburg, Germany. Over two days, our team focused on collaboration, innovation, and strategy to drive our vision for 2025 forward.   𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬. 📌 Achievements & Growth - With 50+ projects supported and 11 long-term initiatives, DSD continues to push boundaries in #GeospatialSolutions (GS) and Monitoring & Information Systems (#MIS)  📌 AI & Remote Sensing - Exploring how AI, LiDAR, and satellite analytics can enhance Nature-based Solutions (#NbS), strategies and forest monitoring efforts. 📌 Product Evolution & Development - Advancing AI-driven solutions for sustainability and refining product development strategies: stay tuned to hear more about our #FieldDataCollectionApp and Dashboard for #CarbonCertification projects, Eligibility Assessments, Benchmarking studies, Tree Species Suitability mapping, LiDAR Insights for LiDAR based forest and biomass assessments, MethaneSAR Explorer for methane studies using SAR data, and many more to come!  📌 Resilient Team Structure - Strengthening our development cycle, and optimizing Geospatial Data Systems. With a 14-member team and a strategic capacity/workload approach, we are focused on efficiency and scalability across departments.   A special highlight was a presentation by our former colleague: Dr. Gopika Suresh (PhD), from Marbling Imaging, provided valuable insights into their services and key market trends. Looking forward to further collaboration!   🔮 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝. In 2025, we are scaling up with 15+ new project acquisitions, 10+ long-term maintenance contracts, and a stronger focus on strategic AI applications.   Of course, the retreat wasn’t just about work! We also enjoyed great food, meaningful discussions, and valuable connections beyond our daily routines.   2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for DSD, and we can’t wait to bring our ideas to life! 🚀 Team: Johannes Mössinger, Dr Michelle Kalamandeen, Maximilian Sperlich, Nathaniel Allen, Angelo Mayer, Olivier Wenzek, Amol Kadgi, Dejan B., Jaime Garbanzo, Katja Weyhermueller, Basit Lawal, Leon Vitorovic.

🌿 Improving Forest Monitoring: Congratulations! 🎉 We are proud to share that Natasha Gapare, intern in our Digital Solutions Department, has been awarded with the Gerhard Speidel Preis for her exceptional master's thesis! 🏆 Her research, inspired by her work at Unique (Dr. Gopika Suresh, Jaime Garbanzo, Angelo Mayer, Katja Weyhermueller, Dejan B., Johannes Mössinger, Dr Michelle Kalamandeen), sheds light on a critical issue in satellite-based forest monitoring and its implications for conservation and sustainable land-use decisions.   🌍 The Challenge: Can We Fully Trust #GlobalForestWatch (GFW)? Global Forest Watch (GFW), a widely used forest monitoring dataset, is relied upon by over 2 million researchers and decision-makers. However, Natasha's study reveals significant #classificationErrors - with false positives (non-forests classified as forests) and false negatives (forests going undetected) - especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.   🔍 Why This Matters for Carbon Projects & Policy Making Quick eligibility assessments for carbon projects or conservation initiatives based on GFW data may be misleading. Misclassifications can result in: ⚠️ Overestimating available forest cover, leading to inaccurate carbon sequestration calculations. ⚠️ Missing deforestation in key areas, which undermines effective intervention efforts. ⚠️ Misguided policy decisions that fail to protect high-risk forest landscapes.   🔬 Key #Takeaways from Natasha's Research ✅ Developed a Google Earth Engine-based accuracy assessment script to test #datasetReliability. ✅ Analyzed GFW accuracy in Paraguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where deforestation rates are high. ✅ Compared GFW with ESA WorldCover, PALSAR, and Dynamic World, finding that higher resolution datasets (10m) do not always mean higher accuracy compared to GFW’s 30m resolution. ✅ Proposed further research at #smallerScales and in #newRegions (e.g., Asia) to refine #accuracyAssessments and improve dataset reliability.   🌱 Looking Ahead This research highlights the need for deeper validation of forest datasets before they are used for carbon credit assessments, conservation planning, or policy-making. As we work towards data-driven sustainability, ensuring accurate, scalable, and reliable assessments is key to protecting our forests and securing a climate-positive future.   👏 Congratulations, Natasha! Your work is shaping the future of digital forest monitoring and sustainable resource management, we are proud of you. 🚀   #ForestMonitoring #RemoteSensing #GerhardSpeidelPreis #Deforestation #CarbonMarkets #GoogleEarthEngine #Sustainability #DataDrivenDecisions #PlanVivo #LandUsePlanning #Conservation

unique land use GmbH Showcases Expertise in #Livestock MRV Systems at High-Level Training in Nairobi Last week, we were honored to participate in a capacity-building training organized by the The World Bank Bank in Nairobi, focused on advancing #climate #smart practices in the #livestock sector. During the event, titled “Designing and Implementing a Climate-Smart Livestock Operation: A #Capacity #Building Training for WB Teams and Project Implementation Units”, we had the opportunity to share insights into best practices for implementing livestock #MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) systems. Our associated expert Shimels Wassie presented unique's experience in developing #GHG #inventories and MRV systems for projects across Africa and Asia. The presentation sparked interesting discussions with Task Team Leaders (TTLs) and WB officers on strategies for integrating MRV systems into ongoing and future projects in countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, and Cambodia. It was encouraging to see our work in countries such as #Tajikistan, #Vietnam, #Kenya, and #Ethiopia referenced throughout the event. The positive feedback reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving sustainable livestock practices. We’re grateful for opportunities like these to exchange ideas, contribute to capacity building, and work towards more climate-smart agricultural solutions. Thank you to the World Bank and all participants for a productive and inspiring event! 🤝

🌐📡 Innovative Remote Sensing Framework for Forest Inventories and Monitoring 🌳 Our #DigitalSolutions and #Forestry Departments (Angelo Mayer, Dr Michelle Kalamandeen (PhD), Axel Weinreich, Patricia H., Vincent von Dosky) from Unique are pioneering a remote-sensing framework combining LiDAR and RGB(I)/MS sensors to revolutionize forest inventories and monitoring. Recently applied in Paraguay and Germany, this approach unlocks insights for #sustainableForestManagement and #biodiversityConservation. What’s Unique About This Approach? #LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) creates 3D maps of forest landscapes, providing high-resolution data on forest structure, tree height, and canopy density. This "wall-to-wall" coverage offers unmatched precision for forestry, carbon stock assessments, and biodiversity conservation. When combined with #spectralData from RGB(I) and multispectral sensors, we gain deeper insights into tree species and health. Spectral data captures information across light wavelengths, enabling species identification and health assessments. Together, these technologies offer a holistic analysis of forest ecosystems. How we are transforming forestry analysis: 🔹 Data normalization and classification: Raw LiDAR data is processed for accurate terrain and forest representations. 🔹 Canopy height and terrain models: Models reveal canopy height and land topography for assessing growth and health. 🔹 Treetop identification & segmentation: Individual tree analysis enables granular tracking of forest dynamics. 🔹 LiDAR-based tree metrics: Metrics such as tree height, crown size, volume, biomass, and carbon content are calculated. 🔹 Forest stand data: Aggregates tree data into metrics like canopy density, tree density, and carbon storage - key for climate resilience. In this combined approach, we’re also advancing #treeSpeciesClassification using machine learning and detailed reference data. This innovation helps map species distribution and forest composition, enabling more #effectiveBiodiversityConservation and #sustainableForestManagement practices. Why It Matters: This framework benefits diverse stakeholders: 🟢Businesses can meet sustainability goals and compliance. 🌳 Investors gain reliable data for carbon credits and forest investments. 📜 Governments strengthen climate reporting and policies. 🥗 Communities sustainably manage resources and protect biodiversity. At Unique, we’re harnessing LiDAR’s full potential to advance forestry management and environmental monitoring. Stay tuned for updates as we push the boundaries of innovation! 🌱 #LiDAR #SustainableForestry #RemoteSensing #EnvironmentalMonitoring #DataScience #BiodiversityConservation

Showcasing unique land use GmbH’s Contributions to Agroforestry During the BMEL Minister’s Visit to Zambia 🌳 From November 6-7, the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft), Cem Özdemir, visited Zambia with a delegation of approximately 70 members. This visit combined high-level political dialogue, hosted by Zambia's President and senior Ministers on the first day, with a showcase of BMEL-funded projects on the second. The project presentations took place at the Agricultural Knowledge and Training Center (AKTC), located north of Lusaka. unique land use GmbH’s contribution to agroforestry innovation and capacity building was highlighted during the event. Unique's senior consultant Gero Pawlowski (Chief Technical Advisor) and Gift Mulungushi (National Technical Advisor) presented the achievements and strategies of Unique’s Katete agroforestry project, immediately following Minister Özdemir’s opening remarks. Unique's work in Katete focuses on strengthening the Farmer Training Centre (FTC) by developing innovative #agroforestry technologies and delivering advisory services to enhance fruit and tree crop production.  We were honored that our Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft Minister, Cem Özdemir, had already recognized our project in his speech, including details and figures from our monitoring and project presentations. He emphasized the importance of #agroforestry both in #Zambia and in #Germany, noting that the promotion of agroforestry is a matter close to his heart. It was a successful moment for us to present our project progress to the highest political and administrative decision-makers at the BMEL. This is especially important in view of the next three-year project phase, in which agroforestry activities will be expanded from one district to six districts in four provinces.

💧𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗔 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗺 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗞𝗛 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻💧 FutureWater and unique land use GmbH, in collaboration with the People's Science Institute, conducted a "Springshed Management" training in Dehradun, #Uttarakhand from 4-6 November. This program equips the Forest Department, Govt. of Uttarakhand with practical tools and best practices for effective springshed management. The #training is part of a series supported by GIZ India. 👉20 frontline forestry officials attended the training💻, which includes: ➡️ Concepts of springs, springshed and hydro-geological mapping🌊 ➡️ Connecting forest ecosystem services to water resources🌲 ➡️ Springshed management protocols and best practices📜 ➡️ Field expedition in Sarona, #Dehradun🚶♂️ Through this initiative, we aim to enhance sustainable #watermanagement practices and safeguard these vital water sources for generations to come. For more information, please DM or contact me at s.khanal@futurewater.nl Meenakshi Saikia Jyoti Kashyap Sanjay Tomar Jochen Statz

ARD is looking for an #Intern from January on! 🌲 Are you passionate about international development and agriculture? Eager to work in a dynamic and innovative environment? This is the opportunity for you: Join our team for 3 months. 💼 What you should bring: - Currently enrolled at a university in Germany and seeking a mandatory internship (“Pflichtpraktikum”) - In the advanced stages of a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in environmental sciences, agriculture, geography, economics, or a related field - Strong analytical skills with a focus on quantitative problem-solving and a keen eye for detail - Proficient in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) - Fluent in English; German language skills are an advantage - Position located in Freiburg, Germany Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gvGGgbpC Don’t hesitate to apply or message us with any questions. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Come join our ARD-team! 🌱

🌿 Using Remote Sensing and AI to Protect Ethiopia’s Coffee Forests & Boost Climate Action 🌿 A recent study by Dr Michelle Kalamandeen (PhD), Katja Weyhermueller and Dr. Johannes Pirker from Unique, titled "Smart Forests: Leveraging AI-Remote Sensing to Combat Forest Degradation and Carbon Loss in Ethiopian Coffee Landscapes," showcases the crucial role that advanced technology plays in #protectingForests and promoting #sustainableCoffeeFarming. This work was presented at the International Coffee Conference 2024 in Mannheim, Germany on 17-18 October 2024. They used #satelliteImagery and AI models such as #NeuralNetworks to monitor forest health in coffee-growing areas from 2020 to 2023. By comparing both managed and unmanaged coffee plots, they found that better-managed plots had significant environmental benefits, including improved #forestHealth and increased #carbonStorage. 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: ☕ Managed coffee plots helped slow down forest degradation and showed stable or even #increasedBiomass over time (see img. 2 and 3) ➥ This is important because biomass is directly linked to carbon storage, meaning these areas are pulling more CO2 from the atmosphere, which helps fight climate change. ☕ Their AI-based predictions reclassified vegetation health, offering highly accurate maps of forest conditions, which allowed us to #detect degradation early and highlight #recoveryZones. ➥ This helps local farmers and environmental groups target efforts where they are needed most. ☕ By 2023, forests in these coffee-growing regions showed increased CO2 storage, reflecting a positive trend toward recovery following previous degradation. ➥ This is promising for climate efforts, as healthier forests not only sequester more carbon but also play a vital role in #mitigating carbon emissions. However, challenges remain. Some unmanaged coffee plots showed less improvement in reducing forest degradation compared to managed ones, suggesting that the impact of forest management practices can vary. This emphasizes the importance of #continuously monitoring forest health and implementing tailored, site-specific interventions to optimize outcomes. This research underscores the importance of AI and remote sensing in monitoring landscapes, and making data-driven decisions that benefit both the #environment and the #localCoffeeIndustry. By using these innovative tools, we can improve conservation efforts, support sustainable agriculture, and help tackle climate change all at once. 🎬 The PowerPoint presentation and video can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/dB8fFYTm #AI #Sustainability #Forests #ClimateAction #CoffeeFarming #RemoteSensing #CarbonSequestration #TechForGood #NeuralNetwork

#Hiring – Wir suchen eine:n neue:n Junior Analyst - land use sector (m/w/d)* in Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg. Bewerben Sie sich noch heute oder teilen Sie diese Stellenanzeige mit Ihrem Netzwerk.