IBM and WWF-Germany have joined forces to develop a groundbreaking AI solution aimed at supporting the conservation of keystone species. This innovative collaboration combines IBM’s expertise in sustainability and technology with WWF’s extensive experience in wildlife conservation to create a new AI-powered visual inspection tool.
The primary focus of this new solution is to enhance elephant tracking by accurately identifying individual elephants from camera trap photos. Specifically designed to aid in the conservation efforts of African forest elephants, the technology aims to improve the monitoring and protection of these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.
African forest elephants have faced a drastic decline in population due to habitat loss and poaching, particularly in the Congo Basin. By leveraging AI technology to track and value natural capital, organizations can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and supporting nature restoration efforts.
IBM Consulting, in collaboration with WWF, has worked to explore innovative ways to align conservation initiatives with sustainability goals. Utilizing IBM’s software, IBM Maximo Visual Inspection (MVI), the solution will analyze images from camera traps to identify individual elephants with greater accuracy, focusing on features such as head and tusk-related image recognition.
Furthermore, the collaboration aims to leverage IBM Environmental Intelligence to detect biomass and vegetation levels in areas where elephants are present. This data will enable more precise predictions of the elephants’ movements, ultimately quantifying the ecosystem services they provide.
The concept of natural capital underscores the importance of valuing the earth’s natural assets and the ecosystem services they offer. By recognizing the contributions of keystone species like the African forest elephant, organizations can drive sustainability efforts and make informed decisions about conservation and resource management.
By harnessing the power of technology and collaboration, IBM and WWF are working towards a more sustainable future where wildlife conservation and climate action go hand in hand. This innovative solution represents a significant step forward in leveraging AI for conservation efforts and shaping a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
