Biodiversity under threat - can AI save nature?

The answer to the question posed in her presentation and her book with the same title, "Can AI save nature?", was given right at the start by biodiversity expert and founder of the Auf! agency, Dr. Frauke Fischer. AI cannot save nature, only humans can do that. And they must, because without the sensitive interactivity of animals, soil, water, air and plants, no industry would function. Tourism is particularly dependent on intact ecosystems to be able to offer its customers nature experiences and recreation.

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From water, which comes mainly from forests, to insects that pollinate flowers, to fertile soils that store CO2, nature provides a reliable service, ensuring the basis for human existence free of charge. However, biodiversity loss is irrevocably jeopardising it, Dr. Frauke Fischer said. In view of the declining populations of many species, she calls for a rethink in all industries. Countermeasures needed to outpace destruction in terms of speed and scale, she added.

Research relies on AI to analyse data. According to Frauke Fischer, the technology is good at recognising patterns, whether in the destruction of the rainforest or animal movements. She cited whale shark observations as an example. The largest fish currently living is threatened with extinction and repeatedly collides with ships. By using AI to analyse images posted by divers on social media, researchers were able to gauge stocks more accurately and predict their movements – offering important information for sailors as well.

Seismograph for climate events

As animals react sensitively to changes in their environment, they can provide clues to poaching, deforestation, volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. Researchers use AI to analyse their movements. The same applies to acoustic signals, which provide information about the state of coral reefs. Frauke Fischer advises tourism professionals to offer travellers biodiversity information for their region and to channel visitor flows. Through PERÚ PURO, she is able to demonstrate that biodiversity and business are perfectly compatible. The company, a chocolate brand, combines cocoa cultivation and rainforest reforestation.