The Institute for Environmental Solutions invites remote sensing, ecosystem modelling and peatland experts, as well as public authorities and industry, to a LIFE PeatCarbon peatland remote sensing and modelling workshop in Cēsis and online.
Peatlands are the largest terrestrial carbon store, but once drained they become one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gas (GHG). Understanding how much a specific peatland emits, and how much its restoration achieves, requires data on vegetation, water table and surface change over large areas – which is exactly where remote sensing comes in.
On 14 October the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES), together with the LIFE PeatCarbon project partners, is hosting a one-day international workshop “Remote sensing and ecosystem modelling for estimating GHG emissions from peatlands”. The workshop takes place at the Space Exploration Centre in Cēsis, with the option to join online.
Why attend
The workshop brings together experts from Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and the UK who work with different remote sensing and modelling approaches – from hyperspectral flights and UAV data to satellite InSAR and ecosystem models. Over the day the full chain from image to emission map will be covered:
- deriving peatland vegetation (GEST) maps from hyperspectral imagery and transferring the approach to satellite scale;
- turning vegetation surveys and chamber measurements into annual GHG balances and reference data;
- using ecosystem models to move from site data to regional scenarios and national GHG inventories;
- detecting peatland surface motion and condition at national scale with satellite InSAR;
- choosing emission factors for assessing restoration outcomes.
Who it is for
- remote sensing and GIS specialists;
- ecosystem and carbon modelling researchers;
- peatland, nature conservation and climate experts;
- national and municipal authorities working on GHG inventories and climate policy;
- forestry, peat industry and land management professionals;
- students and PhD candidates in environmental science, geography and GIS.
- others interested in topic.
Practical information
- Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 10:00–17:00
- Venue: Space Exploration Centre, Cēsis, Latvia (map)
- Format: in person or online via MS Teams
- Language: English;
- Fee: free of charge; coffee breaks and lunch included for in-person participants, provided by restaurant KEST
- Registration: by 5 October or until seats are filled
About the project
LIFE PeatCarbon (LIFE21-CCM-LV-PeatCarbon) is an international project in which partners from Latvia, Finland, Germany and Denmark restore drained peatlands and develop new methods for assessing their GHG emissions, including remote sensing tools and ecosystem models to support national GHG inventories. The project is coordinated by the University of Latvia; the Institute for Environmental Solutions is responsible for remote sensing data acquisition, processing and tool development. More info on the project website.
Co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE Programme. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
