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Co-developed by Earthworm Foundation and Airbus, Starling is a geospatial solution designed to monitor and assess deforestation risks. It combines advanced satellite imagery, AI, and supply chain expertise with field verification and community engagement, giving companies the clarity they need to detect deforestation, trace it to their sourcing, and respond effectively.
Since its launch in 2016, Starling has supported leading global brands in building deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) supply chains and No-Deforestation strategy, moving beyond monitoring to real change on the ground. It operates across tropical and temperate regions, helping companies strengthen supply chains, meet regulatory requirements, and contribute to forest-positive outcomes.
Starling services cover many regions worldwide, with over 25 countries in five continents, including North America, Central and South America, Africa, Europe, and South-East Asia.
Across forests and farmlands, people need clear, trusted visibility of what’s happening on the ground. Starling transforms satellite data into actionable insights, enabling action to be taken before deforestation occurs.
▪ See clearly. Powered by Airbus’ satellite constellation, Starling detects forest change with precision up to 30 cm resolution.
▪ Act confidently. Earthworm Foundation’s field expertise translates complex data into intuitive dashboards and alerts.
▪ Drive impact. From palm oil landscapes in Southeast Asia to cocoa farms in West Africa, Starling helps businesses, governments, and communities protect forests and livelihoods.
In 2022 alone, over 70,000 ha of potential deforestation were detected and addressed near supply chain sites, proof that transparent monitoring turns risk into restoration.
▪ EUDR Compliance
Helping companies prepare for the EU Deforestation Regulation through geolocation, risk assessment, and verified monitoring.
▪ Deforestation and Conversion-Free (DCF)
Using Starling’s data to verify land-use change and turn commitments into measurable impact.
▪ Regeneration and Forest Positive
Supporting reforestation and natural regrowth while guiding companies beyond ‘no deforestation’ toward regenerative, forest-enhancing practices.
▪ Environmental Impact
Modelling carbon storage, emissions reductions, and biodiversity health to integrate nature protection into sourcing strategies.
High-resolution Airbus imagery paired with Earthworm’s supply chain and field verification expertise.
Interactive platforms, near-real-time alerts, risk tools, DCF scoring, and supplier engagement support.
Supporting companies in meeting NDPE and DCF commitments, preparing for EUDR compliance, and assessing carbon and biodiversity impacts.
Numbers alone don’t change the trajectory of forests, but Starling’s data helps businesses turn insight into impact.
Our team works with large companies, combining Starling’s satellite insights with on-the-ground expertise.
By mapping risk areas, engaging suppliers, and prioritising conservation actions, we help businesses take meaningful steps towards truly deforestation-free supply chains.
Once heavily degraded by cocoa expansion, the Cavally Forest Reserve is now showing signs of recovery. Using Starling’s satellite monitoring as an early warning system, partners acted quickly to halt illegal clearing and support regeneration efforts on the ground.
Impact so far
▪ Deforestation rate reduced from 6% in 2018 to 0.4% in 2024
▪ 7,000+ ha of natural regeneration measured
▪ 2,500 ha reforested with 16 local species
▪ 475+ people involved in forest patrols and restoration
A collaborative approach
What began in 2020 with Nestlé and SODEFOR has since grown into a wider coalition, now led by OIPR, with SECO/SWISSCO, Nestlé, Touton, Barry Callebaut, Cocoasource, and ASAF. Together, they’re combining forest protection and restoration with efforts to strengthen the resilience of local producers and communities. Starling remains the catalyst linking satellite monitoring to real-world action, helping turn data into a living, recovering landscape.
Ferrero and Nestlé used Starling to verify their global palm oil supply chains.
Starling’s Forest Footprint analysis in North Sumatra mapped a potential sourcing area of 6 million ha, identified high-risk peatlands, and guided Colgate-Palmolive in prioritising where to act within its palm oil supply chain.
Learn how companies use Starling to navigate complexity and build deforestation-free supply chains.
Starling is built on long-term collaboration with companies and institutions committed to transforming their supply chains.
Beyond these partnerships, Starling is used by over 40 brands and producers worldwide such as Colgate, Hershey, AAK, Barry Callebaut, Grupo Bimbo, Danone, etc.
Spotlight Partnerships
Viviana Baquero Palacios
Sustainability Leader, Alianza Team
Our partnership with Earthworm Foundation and Starling has supported us in our commitments to biodiversity and zero deforestation in our palm supply chain. Through a rigorous monitoring, verification, and reporting process, we have been able to proactively identify and address potential risks, implementing solutions that not only mitigate our environmental impact but also have a positive impact on nature.
Join the growing community of organisations using Starling to support deforestation-free sourcing.
Contact:
Nadja Batista n.batista@earthworm.org
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