More than half of the contiguous remaining forests on the mainland in Southeast Asia are found in Myanmar. These forests are home to many species of animals and plants and are a source of food and protection from flooding (among other things) for the local population. Unfortunately, the rate at which these forests are being illegally cleared is increasing.
Discarded mobile phones recognise when chainsaws are being illegally used in rainforests, an unusual surveillance system that was developed by engineer Topher White, founder of the start up Rainforest Connection.
The conservationists and rangers of Sumatra's diverse rainforests have gained an AI ally in their fight against illegal logging.
A newly published paper outlines new models for employing satellites to better spot and investigate deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
The winners of this year's Goldman Environmental Prize, otherwise known as the Green Nobel, were as eclectic and fascinating as ever: from an undercover reporter from Cambodia that put his life at risk to expose illegal logging, to a grandmother from Peru who is battling a huge American mining corporation.
With forests covering vast expanses of land, individuals and organisations engaged in illegal logging and deforestation are easily able to evade detection. We take a look at a couple of projects in the Amazon that use satellite and drone technology to detect and punish illegal logging.
Initially developed for military purposes, satellites are these days being used more and more frequently in the fields of enviromental protection and humanitarian aid, opening up completely new possibilities in the fight against illegal logging, epidemics, environmental pollution and facilitating in monitoring and protecting endangered species. But what do satellites actually do and how is their data used? Can they really be helpful as environmental and development aids?
Start-up Dryad's sensor system sounds the alarm in the event of a forest fire, stopping them before they become difficult to control.
Joseph Maina is a freelance journalist based in the Kenyan town of Naivasha. He holds a BA in journalism from the University of Nairobi.
