FORSAID organises its first in-person demonstration and training event for forest stakeholders

Registrations may be submitted via this form and will close once all available participation slots have been filled.

In June 2026, the first on-site demonstration and training event of FORSAID for forestry experts and practitioners will take place in Italy. Titled “Automation in detection and monitoring of forest pests: Automatic traps and insect identification”, it will be organised in collaboration with the IPS and FO.RESTA.IT projects. Zeroing in on those two partners, the former aims to innovate the sustainable pest control of bark beetles and weevils in alpine forests, while the latter explores new techniques for combatting insects harmful to red and white spruce trees. The Visdende valley, specifically the Alberi Monumentali trail, will be the location of the event’s proceedings over the course of two days.

In terms of the foreseen agenda, the event is set to begin on 4 June with a four-hour programme (15:00-19:00), which is listed below:


  1. An introduction to the Visdende valley and the history of forest disturbances (wind and bark beetles)


  1. A general presentation of the FORSAID projects


  1. A demonstration of automated methodologies:

  • smart traps for bark beetles with automatic transmission of catch data

  • open source and low-cost Entomoscope for automatic identification of insect pests


  1. A demonstration of new trap models for wood-boring insects


  1. A discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of these tools and the potential for their routine implementation in surveillance strategies


Attendees can also expect the following showcases on day two (5 June; 09:00-13:00):


  1. General presentations of the IPS and FO.RESTA.IT projects


  1. A demonstration of new approaches for the management of bark beetles:

  • timber protection with natural products

  • push and pull with SPLAT® Verb for protecting monumental trees


The complete agenda may also be accessed via this flyer. Those interested in taking part are invited to fill out this dedicated form. Please bear in mind that travel and accommodation costs must be covered by the participants. The registrants will be contacted on an individual basis with further details on the event's logistics.