A Digital Twin Architecture for Forest Restoration: Integrating AI, IoT, and Blockchain for Smart Ecosystem Management

Abstract

Meeting global forest restoration targets by 2030 requires a transition from labor-intensive and opaque practices to scalable, intelligent, and verifiable systems. This paper introduces a cyber–physical digital twin architecture for forest restoration, structured across four layers: (i) a Physical Layer with drones and IoT-enabled sensors for in situ environmental monitoring; (ii) a Data Layer for secure and structured transmission of spatiotemporal data; (iii) an Intelligence Layer applying AI-driven modeling, simulation, and predictive analytics to forecast biomass, biodiversity, and risk; and (iv) an Application Layer providing stakeholder dashboards, milestone-based smart contracts, and automated climate finance flows. Evidence from Dronecoria, Flash Forest, and AirSeed Technologies shows that digital twins can reduce per-tree planting costs from USD 2.00–3.75 to USD 0.11–1.08, while enhancing accuracy, scalability, and community participation. The paper further outlines policy directions for integrating digital MRV systems into the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) and Article 5 of the Paris Agreement. By embedding simulation, automation, and participatory finance into a unified ecosystem, digital twins offer a resilient, interoperable, and climate-aligned pathway for next-generation forest restoration.