GeoDrone reduces loss in biodiversity

by Merkator nl | Sept 27, 2020

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This month we successfully implemented our first Geo-Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution called GeoDrone. Merkator and Vliegend.nl started an initiative to combine innovative drone and Geo-AI technologies to recognize birds and nests, instantly georeferencing the objects to facilitate in reducing habitat disturbing activities during the breeding season.

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A stunning one million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction due to human activity, was recently reported by UN Committee IPBES. Biodiversity is affected by human population growth, their lifestyles and use of land, causing a lot of damage to the habitats for species. Substantial threats like climate change, intensive agriculture, pollution, overgrazing and invasive alien species are huge problems to solve in the 21st century.

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For the past twenty years, the loss in biodiversity is visible in an alarming decline of birds in the Netherlands. Birds are playing a vital role in balancing the ecosystem; they fertilize, pollinate flowers and disperse seeds. Statistics show a reduction of grassland-breeding birds like the Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank. These meadow birds are not yet on imminent risk, but studies by environmental research institutes warn that extinction is just a final step in a long degradation process that needs to be halted.