The Use of New Technologies in Forestry to Combat Climate Change: Drone (UAV) Sowing of Cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) Seeds

Global climate change is altering the natural distribution of tree species, resulting in the emergence of new regions that are suitable for afforestation. Also, these newly established areas are characterized by challenging topography. In this context, high-elevation, hard to access mountains are targeted for afforestation, requiring new technological solution over manual labour. In this study, the use of drone-based seed sowing and seed ball deployment for afforestation was evaluated by comparing them with traditional hand sowing of carpelled Cedar. Although the study area presented extreme conditions, seed sowing was uniform across the site. Germination generally occurred at lower elevation and in the southern regions of the study area. Measurements taken on June 4, 2025 (at the beginning of vegetation) showed that there were 7626 sapling and a germination success rate of 23.73%. Measurements taken on November 18, 2025 (at the end of the vegetation period) showed that the number of saplings was 3542 and the germination rate was 12.81%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the drone-based carpelled cedar seed sowing method can be successfully used.