The Forest Invasive Species Network for Europe and Central Asia (REUFIS) (Ferenc Lakatos), in collaboration with the FAO Forestry Department (Shiroma Satyapala and Norbert Winkler-Rathonyi), held its annual meeting dedicated to digital solutions for improving forest condition monitoring. The organizers involved experts from about 20 countries and organizations.

A trip to Sopron, Hungary from June 26-28, 2023 was organized for the Ukrainian delegation to participate in discussions about invasive species harmful to forestry and the development and use of innovative digital solutions in forest protection.

The Ukrainian delegation included representatives from the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine (Serhiy Korzun) and the State Specialized Forest Protection Enterprise "Kharkivlisozakhyst" (Denys Baturkin). The meeting took place at the University of Sopron (Hungarian: Soproni Egyetem, SoE), founded in 1735 in the city of Sopron on the border with Austria. The "Mining School" (German: Bergbauschule), founded in 1735 by decree of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in Banská Štiavnica (modern Slovakia), was the precursor. In the early stages, the forestry located near the educational institution was its property.

Combating forest invasive species is hampered by lack of information and its dissemination. Creating an information exchange network and working groups on forest invasive species helps raise awareness, develop databases, facilitate information exchange and increase the capacity of institutions and organizations in the respective region.

The creation of an appropriate platform by the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia began in September 2016 through organizing meetings "Forest Invasive Species in Europe and Central Asia" to address the common problem of forest invasive species. The main goal of these meetings was to create a functional network for dynamic management of forest pests in the region and provide baseline data for informed decision-making.

The mission of REUFIS is to emphasize the importance of using existing tools and structures, as well as sharing knowledge and information about forest invasive species and disseminating them. REUFIS facilitates information and experience exchange, coordinates activities on forest invasive species, raises awareness about eradicating forest invasive species, monitors them, encourages publication of materials and exchange of research results, early detection and monitoring strategies, and maintains communication at all levels within individual countries and between member countries.

The meeting began with a speech by Ferenc Lakatos, who gave an introductory word and talked about the latest monitoring systems used in Hungary that could be applied in Ukraine.

Shiroma Satyapala raised the issue of invasive species of harmful organisms (Schistocerca gregaria and Spodoptera frugiperda) and the importance of preventing their widespread distribution, as well as talking about systems for measuring forest growth rates and general land analysis.

To detect pathological processes in forests, the "Smart Forest" program was developed, presented by Kornel Czimber and Geza Kiraly. This development allows for complete assessment of the condition of individual trees and stands as a whole. The vegetation index (NDVI), crown condition and characteristics (color depending on chlorophyll amount), trunk (damage, infection, etc.) are measured. Temperature, humidity, precipitation amount can be measured, and wildlife observations can be conducted. This happens through the use of sensors, drones and satellites. Tree condition determination is done using a special beam that completely scans the tree. This development can help quickly detect pathological processes in the forest, predict and prevent them in the future.

During the meeting there were presentations by Sigrid Netherer about the spread of Ips typographus in Austrian forests, monitoring methods and control methods being developed and implemented by them in cooperation with experts from Sweden. The influence of temperature on the spread of Ips typographus was proven. At 8.3°C the pest's life activity begins, reaching its peak at 30.4°C, and cessation begins at 38.9°C.

Bjørn Økland reported on the spread of stem pests in spruce forests of northern Eurasia. Information was provided about temperature models, confirming that windthrows and snowbreaks influence bark beetle spread. The use of sensors measuring soil moisture to phloem moisture was also demonstrated.

Rimvydas Vasaitis reported on invasive species of harmful insects Agrilus planipennis and fungal diseases Corinectria spp. Laboratory research was demonstrated to determine the harmfulness of the specified disease. It was proven that this disease leads to the death of European spruce and other coniferous plants in a shorter time.

On the last day of the meeting, participants visited a forestry enterprise whose prerogative is conducting research, located near Sopron. Foresters demonstrated natural regeneration of deciduous and coniferous species in mountainous areas and the basic principles of this work. After the forest, participants visited the laboratory of the University of Sopron to study local forest ecosystems, invasive species and implementation of biocontrol for invasive species and honey fungus spread.

The FAO's work program in forestry aims to ensure transformations that will benefit forests and people for whom forests are a source of livelihood, as well as promote implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achievement of its goals. Within this approach, FAO optimally combines economic, social and environmental goals that allow using Earth's forest resources for the benefit of current generations while preserving these resources for future generations.