Biodiversity Alert via Satellite
Developed by Swedish lawn care equipment manufacturer Husqvarna, the Biodiversity Alert function utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to pinpoint areas within urban landscapes that merit protection or development to bolster urban biodiversity. The function leverages satellite imagery to identify locales teeming with a diverse array of plant species, serving as indicators of thriving ecosystems. These regions are then designated as prospective biodiversity hotspots.[1]
The Biodiversity Alert function aims to empower city planners, policymakers, and landscape architects in making informed decisions regarding resource allocation for urban green spaces. By pinpointing areas with exceptional biodiversity potential, the function ensures that these zones are safeguarded and developed in a manner that benefits wildlife.
Benefits of the Biodiversity Alert function
- Identification of native plant species abundance: Aids in locating areas harboring a high concentration of native plant species, which are crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and supporting biodiversity
- Delineation of pollinator and wildlife havens: Assists in identifying zones that serve as critical habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as other wildlife reliant on vegetation for sustenance and shelter
- Assessment of development projects’ impact on biodiversity: Enables the quantification of the potential impact of proposed urban developments on biodiversity, facilitating informed decisions that minimize ecological harm
- Prioritization of conservation and restoration efforts: Empowers stakeholders to allocate resources strategically, prioritizing conservation and restoration initiatives in areas with the highest biodiversity potential
Examples of Biodiversity Alert implementation
- Paris, France: In 2022, Husqvarna unveiled its Biodiversity Alert function at the Living City conference in Paris, where city officials expressed keen interest in adopting the technology. The city of Paris envisions utilizing the function to identify and protect areas of high biodiversity within its ambitious plan to increase the proportion of green space in the urban landscape.
- Husqvarna’s BioLife Initiative: Husqvarna has launched the BioLife Initiative, a global program aimed at encouraging individuals with gardens to adopt sustainable practices that promote biodiversity. As part of this initiative, Husqvarna encourages homeowners to use the Biodiversity Alert function to identify areas in their yards where they can cultivate native plant species and reduce mowing frequency to enhance biodiversity-friendly habitats.[2]
Quantitative Impact of Biodiversity Alert
Biodiversity brings significant economic and ecological benefits, crucial for sustaining human life and the global economy. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative highlights the immense economic value of biodiversity, estimating that sustainable business opportunities from natural resources could reach $2 to $6 trillion by 2050. This economic impact is partly due to the role of biodiversity in food production, with about 75% of global food crops depending on animal and insect pollination. The decline in pollinator populations, such as bees, could endanger over $235 billion of agricultural products annually, emphasizing the critical importance of biodiversity in global food security.[3][4]
The Biodiversity Alert function stands as a testament to the power of AI in promoting sustainable urban planning practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation. By leveraging satellite imagery and AI algorithms, Husqvarna empowers municipalities, organizations, and individuals to make informed decisions that enhance the ecological resilience and livability of our cities.
Sources:
[1] https://landscapeandamenity.com/sections/urban-environment/articles/2023-12-01/husqvarna-is-unlocking-a-greener-future-for-cities-with-new-biodiversity-alert-
[2] https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/learn-and-discover/biodiversity/
[3] https://www.conservation.org/blog/why-is-biodiversity-important/
[4] https://earth.org/benefits-of-biodiversity/
