As a project partner of the EU-funded Nature FIRST initiative, dotSPACE invites you to join the final conference, in Ouwehands Dierenpark on June 25-26 — a two-day event that brings together conservationists, policymakers, scientists, and technology providers to explore practical, data-driven approaches to protecting nature.
If your work intersects with remote sensing, AI-based environmental tools, biodiversity strategy, or policy planning, this event offers a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate.
What is Nature FIRST?
The Nature FIRST project’s overall objective was to develop Digital Twins as means for learning and creation of context to translate environmental observations (data) into facts and actionable information (intelligence) for site managers and policymakers. By combining ecological knowledge, environmental forensics, and both field-based and satellite-based observations, the project has developed tools that are now ready to support real-world biodiversity efforts. In the policy lab an environment is created to allow different industry sectors (e.g. forestry, agriculture, transport, energy, tourism) to use the data and tool suite to experiment with impact assessment of their decisions on nature and ecosystem services.
Over the past three years, these tools have been tested at four diverse sites in Spain, Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria, targeting habitat mapping, human-wildlife conflict, and long-term ecosystem monitoring.
SatInsight TechHub
Alongside our role in Nature FIRST, dotSPACE will explain the SatInsight TechHub project— a new initiative supporting the wider adoption of remote sensing and AI in commercial and public sectors.
Building on lessons from Nature FIRST, SatInsight aims to address key barriers such as high entry costs, fragmented services, and limited technical capacity while creating a more transparent and efficient ecosystem for EO-based applications.
What to Expect at the Conference
The event will feature:
- Interactive booths showcasing Nature FIRST tools and other conservation technologies
- Workshops and field demonstrations to experience tools in action
- Matchmaking sessions designed to spark new partnerships across sectors
- Talks on biodiversity priorities, data applications, and local engagement strategies
Organised in collaboration with Bears in Mind, the event takes place at Het Berenbos, a sanctuary for rescued bears — offering a symbolic setting to reflect on coexisting with wildlife.
Special Conditions Available
Recognising the relevance of this conference for a wide audience — including those in the space, data, and policy sectors — special discounts and free ticket options are available. If you’re interested in attending and want to learn more about these options, please contact Martijn Seijger at martijn.seijger@groundstation.space for details.
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re working in conservation, technology, or policy, this conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate.
Contact Martijn Seijger for ticket options at martijn.seijger@groundstation.space
Let’s work together to shape the future of biodiversity conservation, informed by science, supported by data, and guided by collaboration.
Nature FIRST is a Research and Innovation (RIA) from HORIZON-CL6-2021-BIODIV-01-02 Call (grant agreement number: 101060954) that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.