(Left to right): Andrzej Kamocki, Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek, Alicja Antochow, Piotr Banaszuk, Anna Kononiuk, Joanna Godlewska, Ewa Glińska Joanna Ejdys
The Bialystok University of Technology (BUT) is represented by two research teams.
First team at Bialystok University of Technology (BUT) specializes in the fields of wetland ecology, ecological restoration, and the active protection of wetland ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on peatlands. Their work integrates cutting-edge technologies and ecological expertise to support the sustainable management and conservation of wetlands. The group has extensive experience in applying advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques to monitor and analyze spatial and temporal dynamics of wetland ecosystems. We utilize a wide range of remote sensing data sources—including optical imagery, radar (SAR), and LiDAR—to detect changes in the condition, hydrology, and extent of peatlands and other freshwater wetlands. These tools are essential for identifying degradation, rewetting effects, and land-use impacts at both site-specific and regional scales. Within the Europa-Territorio project, the BUT team is responsible for the harmonisation of wetland and peatland inventory data by integrating multiple international datasets on freshwater wetland coverage. This work enables a more accurate delineation of GHG emission hotspots across the EU, providing a critical scientific foundation for climate policy, land-use planning, and nature-based climate mitigation strategies.
Second team specializes in social science and the application of participatory methods (e.g., foresight, STEEPVL scenario methods) in management and planning for future land-use development. BUT will contribute with WP3, and the case study under WP5 and will adopt the Scenario Exploration System (SES) in the land-use change issue. As part of WP3, the team will identify the factors determining land use decisions in the context of climate change. The Białowieża Forest case study serves as an excellent reference point for raising awareness among various stakeholder groups.