A new method that combines satellite data with artificial intelligence is helping scientists, environmental groups, and government agencies better understand the causes of forest loss in the Congo Basin. This approach was introduced during a webinar on September 8, 2026, by Global Nature Watch, a platform that uses satellite technology to monitor natural ecosystems. The system uses AI to determine the likely cause of forest disturbances identified by satellite imagery. Possible causes include agriculture, both small and large-scale, logging, mining, road construction, fires, and natural events like floods or storms. Dr. Bart Ler, a researcher at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), a Dutch institution focused on agricultural, food, and environmental research, explains that while alerts from satellite data can quickly detect changes in forest cover, they do not indicate what caused the changes. To address this, the research team developed an AI model that analyzes satellite images to identify and categorize the main direct causes of forest disturbances. The AI model has been specifically adapted for use in the Congo Basin, a region that contains the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. By analyzing patterns in satellite imagery, the model can distinguish between different types of disturbances, such as a new farm, a logging site, or a natural event like a flood. This level of detail allows for more accurate assessments of the impact of human activities on the environment. This technology marks a shift from basic mapping of forest loss to a more comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes. It helps environmental organizations and policymakers make more informed decisions about how to protect and manage the region's forests. The research was originally published on Mongabay, an environmental news website that covers conservation and sustainability issues.