AI-Powered Biodiversity Monitoring: Revolutionizing Conservation Efforts in Europe
Researchers are combining citizen contributions with cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to enhance biodiversity monitoring and protect Europe’s threatened species and habitats. AI-powered biodiversity monitoring
The Journey of Invasive Species and Biodiversity Monitoring
In 1998, a brown marmorated stink bug made its way to Zurich, Switzerland, hitching a ride on imported roof bricks from China. Over two decades later, this invasive species, scientifically known as Halyomorpha halys, has spread across Europe, posing a significant threat to fruit and vegetable crops in countries like Italy, France, and Spain. AI-powered biodiversity monitoring
Thanks to innovative efforts in biodiversity monitoring, researchers, supported by citizen scientists, have mapped the bug’s expansion. Citizen scientists, ordinary individuals volunteering in scientific research, play a pivotal role in tracking such species.
Dr. Vincent Kalkman, from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands, leverages the power of citizen contributions through platforms like Observation.org. This global biodiversity hub enables users to upload images of animals and plants, helping researchers monitor species distribution efficiently.
Integrating AI in Biodiversity Monitoring
Dr. Kalkman’s work is part of the MAMBO project, a four-year EU-led initiative launched in 2022. This project aims to provide advanced tools, knowledge, and infrastructure for biodiversity monitoring using sound, vision, and AI technologies.
“If you want to know where a species occurs, hiring people to search everywhere would be nearly impossible and prohibitively expensive,” Kalkman explained. AI-powered biodiversity monitoring bridges this gap by building species identification models that analyze submitted images quickly and accurately.
In 2023, MAMBO introduced an AI model supporting platforms like Observation.org. This innovation has significantly increased the platform’s image submission rate. “We’re seeing a dramatic rise in the number of images people submit,” Kalkman said, highlighting the critical role of AI in handling this growing data volume.
Enhancing Species and Habitat Monitoring
MAMBO’s overarching goal is twofold: improving species monitoring, particularly for invertebrates like bees and beetles, and evaluating the conservation status of habitats.
Dr. Toke Høye, a professor at Aarhus University in Denmark and the project coordinator, emphasized the importance of habitat monitoring.
“We want to study how well-conserved habitats around Europe really are,” Høye noted. Currently, only 15% of the EU’s protected habitats are in good conservation status, while the majority are classified as poor or bad.
To address this, MAMBO is developing innovative tools such as:
- Sound-based AI recognition systems
- High-resolution habitat maps
- Site-specific habitat condition metrics
These tools aim to enhance ecological monitoring and align with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. This strategy focuses on preserving nature and reversing ecosystem degradation. AI-powered biodiversity monitoring
Demonstration Sites and Technological Applications
In 2024, MAMBO teams established systems at demonstration sites across Europe, showcasing the potential of AI-powered biodiversity monitoring.
- In the Netherlands, camera traps count insects of specific species.
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AI-powered biodiversity monitoring using drones to track European ecosystems and habitats. - In France, drones and satellite data create 3D maps of natural reserves, tracking habitat changes over time.
“Our goal is to produce yearly maps showing whether habitats are shrinking or expanding,” Høye explained. These insights can guide policymakers and regulators in implementing biodiversity strategies effectively.
Balancing Innovation with Environmental Impact
While advanced technologies like AI are indispensable in conservation science, they come with environmental costs. Data centers powering AI systems consume substantial energy and water while generating waste.
Høye acknowledged these challenges: “In the second half of the project, we’ll assess the environmental footprint of the tools we’re using,” he said. This evaluation will consider hardware, energy consumption, and AI model sustainability.
Despite these concerns, the potential benefits of AI-powered biodiversity monitoring are immense. Dr. Kalkman highlighted its dual role: collecting more data and fostering public engagement with nature. AI-powered biodiversity monitoring
“More data means more people are engaging with nature, which is really positive,” he said.
Conclusion: Transforming Conservation Through AI
The integration of AI and citizen contributions is revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring across Europe. Projects like MAMBO are not only advancing our understanding of species and habitats but also empowering individuals to play an active role in conservation.
By balancing technological innovation with sustainability, initiatives like these pave the way for a future where biodiversity thrives alongside human progress.