Erasmus+ Project LANECO2: Enhancing the digital skills of landscapers for the sustainable management of urban trees
Tallinn, Estonia – Amid the growing need for climate-resilient and sustainable urban environments, a new international vocational education project has been launched in Estonia, focusing on ensuring the viability of urban trees through technological innovation. The Erasmus+ small-scale project, “Landscapers’ new competencies for urban greening 2” (LANECO2), led by OÜ Yebisu Eesti, brings together landscaping professional organizations from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland to develop the digital skills of specialists in the field.
The project, which runs from February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the number 2024-2-EE01-KA210-VET-000293320, aims to address the challenges of the green transition and climate warming in urban landscaping. While the previous project of the same name (LANECO) focused on the creation of a nature-based rainwater solution in Valka, LANECO2 focuses on urban trees – an indispensable part of a livable and sustainable urban space.
New technologies for urban greenery
The project focuses on the use of digital tools, especially sensors, to monitor the growing conditions of urban trees. Data collected by sensors on tree health, moisture levels, and other important indicators allow landscapers to make science-based decisions both when planting trees and in their further care. This is an important step forward from traditional maintenance methods, providing accurate and real-time information that helps ensure the longevity and well-being of urban greenery.
Within the project, it is planned to create a special training program entitled “The use of digital tools in the care of urban trees”. It is aimed at both practicing landscapers and vocational training institutions to integrate modern technologies into education in the field. In addition to theoretical learning, practical training is also planned, focusing on planting large urban trees using digital aids.
International cooperation and involvement of experts
LANECO2 is a good example of international cooperation that brings together the knowledge and experience of different countries. In addition to the leader OÜ Yebisu Eesti, the project partners are the Estonian Association of Landscapers, the Latvian Association of Landscape Architects, and the Finnish Association of Landscape Industries. Such a circle of partners ensures a broad-based approach and the sharing of best practices.
To ensure quality and expertise, an expert from the Belgian landscape construction company Krinkels NV is also involved in the project, who will advise on the development of the training program. This gives the project an international dimension and ensures that the solutions created are world-class.
Wider impact of the project
The preservation and expansion of urban greenery is of critical importance for creating cities that are resilient to climate change, offer residents a pleasant living environment, and support biodiversity. The LANECO2 project contributes directly to these goals by providing landscapers with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The training program and practical experience resulting from the project will help to raise the professional level of the entire field and ensure that our cities’ green areas are created and maintained according to the most modern and sustainable principles. This is an investment not only in today but also in the quality of life of future generations.
