This DLD Nature panel discussion explores how cutting-edge technologies can help to protect and restore biodiversity, engage people emotionally and achieve fair sharing of resources. Each panelist presented their unique approach to leveraging technology for conservation.
Kat Bruce, founder of Nature Metrics, presents the concept of using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to measure and monitor biodiversity. The revolutionary technology can detect species across the tree of life by analyzing traces of DNA from water, soil, and air samples, Bruce explains.
Alex Dehgan shares Conservation X Labs‘ mission to prevent the sixth mass extinction by democratizing frontier technologies. The NGO’s Their approach involves using machine vision and edge AI to automate camera trap data analysis, identifying species, behaviors and potential threats like poachers or diseases. This technology improves conservation efficiency, enabling cost savings and better protection of wildlife and wildlands.
Mirko Kovac presents his work on biologically inspired robotics at Imperial College London and EMPA. He showcases examples of drones made for extreme environments and biodegradable transient robots that can be precisely placed in ecosystems for sensing and monitoring.
Michael Schmidt, CEO of Biometrio, discusses his company’s approach to quantifying ecosystem health through acoustic monitoring, satellite data, and spatial planning. The goal is to develop alternative land-use evaluation systems and biodiversity credits.
The discussion is moderated by Dr. Frauke Fischer (University of Würzburg).
