On 6–10 October 2025, Copenhagen hosted the second international conference on the use of Earth observation data for monitoring, reporting and verifying of carbon removal (EO4MRV). The event was organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Experts from IOŚ-PIB/KOBiZE participated in the conference: dr Agata Hościło, Joanna Żabicka and Marcin Żaczek.
The event brought together experts representing various fields, who discussed the application of Earth observation for supporting Member States in updating their methods for monitoring land use and land use changes. The discussion also covered issues related to the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) being developed in the European Union. The conference provided a detailed overview of the latest initiatives and developments in climate policy at the European Union level.
The conference started with workshop dedicated to updating elements of the EU Member States’ accounting system for land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) commitments to increase CO2 absorption. The needs to revise reference levels was discussed. Experts drew attention to the threats that climate change poses to forests, emphasising that short-term climate commitments may not take into account the need to maintain the stability and integrity of forest ecosystems.
In the section devoted to LULUCF, participants from various EU countries presented practical examples of the use of spatial data, including satellite data, for reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals in the LULUCF sector. Representatives of IOŚ-PIB/KOBiZE, dr Agata Hościło and Marcin Żaczek, presented the concept of monitoring land use changes in Poland, based on the integration of multi-source spatial data, both national and European.
The final part of the conference focused on issues discussed during the Third Carbon Dioxide Emission Markets Forum. Emphasis was placed on climate-friendly activities that meet the QU.A.L.ITY criteria and their impact on the agricultural sector, as well as on the use of modern remote sensing techniques in monitoring activities aimed at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through emission reduction or increased carbon sequestration in soils. Experts from IOŚ-PIB/KOBiZE participated in three parallel discussion sessions devoted to: 1) agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils, 2) tree planting, and 3) peatland restoration.
Participation in this conference provided an opportunity to present research results and exchange knowledge and experience on the use of satellite data in forestry, monitoring land cover and land use changes, as well as analysing the condition of peatlands. In addition, participants had the opportunity to discuss the harmonisation and integration of multi-source spatial data in order to improve the inventory of the LULUCF sector and the implementation of measures related to the CRCF Regulation.
