Solving biodiversity challenges with AI-powered platform

The challenge: Addressing invasive species in India

Invasive species pose a significant threat to ecosystems worldwide. Lantana camara, a particularly aggressive invader, has overrun 39% of India’s forests, endangering biodiversity and putting 40% of tiger habitat at risk. Tamil Nadu stands out as one of the most affected states.

[Source: A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology – October 2023 and in the Global Ecology and Conservation – September 2020.]

“Invasive species are responsible for 60% of plant and animal extinctions globally, posing a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystems“.

– Avinash S

The World Economic Forum report highlights that the world loses at least $423 billion annually to invasive species, with India alone losing trillions of rupees over the past 60 years. To tackle this critical issue, we urgently need innovative solutions. AI-powered platforms, for instance, can revolutionize invasive species management by providing precise detection and efficient removal, ultimately restoring biodiversity and protecting ecosystems.

– Maithri Heriya

The challenge for this year’s Tech4Positive Futures was clear: how can we leverage technology to manage and mitigate the impact of invasive species effectively?

A cutting-edge solution

The winning team from India presented an innovative solution, an advanced AI-powered platform designed to transform invasive species management. This innovative solution consists of two key components:

1. A Platform: Utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), this platform analyzes hyperspectral drone imagery to detect invasive species based on unique spectral signatures, enabling precise differentiation from native vegetation and ensuring targeted, accurate identification.
2. A Bot: Minimizing manual intervention, this automated industrial robot identifies and removes invasive species with precision, even in challenging terrains.

“We believe that removal of invasive plants leveraging bots are 80% more efficient than conventional techniques and it is 30% cost effective.”

– Ashwanthram Murugeshan

Impacting communities and ecosystems

The implications of this proposed solution extend beyond technology; they resonate deeply within local communities that rely on healthy ecosystems for their livelihoods. By addressing the spread of invasive species, this project aims to restore natural habitats, promote biodiversity, and support sustainable practices among local populations.

Our collaboration with established NGOs in Tamil Nadu ensures that we not only implement effective solutions but also foster long-term success through community engagement.

A commitment to sustainability

“Tech4Positive Futures is more than just a competition; it embodies our collective aspiration to create a sustainable future through innovation. By encouraging our teams to confront global challenges head-on, we reaffirm our commitment to driving positive change for our planet.”

– Vivek Dsilva