AInspec

AI-Assisted Monitoring and Management of Invasive Plant Species in Cross-Border Region (AInspec)

Priority Axis 1: Cooperating for smarter programme area
Operation start date: 15 January 2026
Operation completion date: 14 January 2028
Budget: EUR 473.192,00
Number of partners: 4

Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The main project objective is to develop and implement an advanced technology-driven approach to Invasive plant species (IPS) detection and treatment, enabling conservation authorities to respond more effectively to the threat. By leveraging AI, remote sensing and drone-based spraying technology, the project will:
– Enhance early detection of IPS, preventing further spread
– Improve the precision and efficiency of IPS treatment, reducing environmental impact
– Strengthen the capacity of nature management organizations to monitor and control IPS
– Foster cross-border collaboration to develop and share innovative solutions.
The expected impact includes faster and more effective IPS management, reduced ecological damage, and a sustainable framework for conservation authorities to apply advanced technological solutions in protected areas in the cross-border region.

Beneficiaries:

The Faculty of Technical Sciences University of Novi Sad (RS) as Lead Partner in this project will coordinate the implementation of all project activities, devote a significant part of its activities to improve drone imagery analysis using AI (Artificial Intelligence) methods and ML (Machine Learning) algorithms for invasive plant species detection, identification and mapping, as well as establish a foundational database essential for AI-supported model training, define the strategy, carry out the initial steps and thus pave the way for developing a model to predict invasive species distributions. The FTN team will also collect soil samples in the field and conduct quality analysis to monitor the impact of relevant parameters on the state of invasive plant species. In addition, it will contribute to analyzing drone imagery and field survey results to draw appropriate conclusions about the model’s accuracy in detecting invasive plant species.

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The Public Enterprise “Vojvodinašume” Petrovaradin (RS) will be responsible for implementing certain activities in Obedska bara Special Nature Reserve, for undertake underline drone photography and the application of chemical agents by drone. Also will provide all the necessary information for the analytics for other project partners and information of the locations covered by IAS. The Vsume staff will be trained for use of multispectral drones as well as the drones for application of chemical agents and will also implement operative activities in the field.

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The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology Osijek (HR) will give its knowledge, expertise and support in area that deals with following activities:
– Analyzing existing technical solutions in area of AI implementation in image analysis in order for successful detection object of interests in images and giving recommendations and propose solutions for project implementation
– Developing, testing and implementing AI based solution for imagery analysis with enhanced spectrum support
– Developing, testing and implementing custom made solution for enhanced spectrum sensing device in form of airborne (drone) rideshare payload
– Assembling and integrating solution in whole, as well as give user/customer support and overall project functional maintenance.

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The Public institution for the management of protected areas of nature of Vukovar-Srijem County (HR) is actively participating in the implementation of research activities in the area of the Natura 2000 ecological network in the Vukovar-Srijem County directly along the Sava River. In the observed grassland and forest habitats, the project team will use a drone with a multispectral camera to determine the presence of invasive species and their impact on biodiversity. Also, IMPAN will conduct information dissemination to the general public and local authorities in the research area.

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Events & News:

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