Africa needs to harness the power of AI in its battle against biodiversity degradation

Africa seems to be facing environmental headwinds that are more ravaging and devastating than anywhere else in the world. One symptom of this environmental devastation is biodiversity and ecosystem loss.

In 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that more than 6,400 animals and 3,100 plants in Africa could face extinction. This is a staggering figure and points once again to the disproportionate impact of climate change in Africa.

Nelson Mandela once said, quite appropriately, that “we cannot afford to wait for others to stand up for our environment – as nobody stands to lose more than we do. It is our duty to be proactive in the battle to protect Africa’s natural environment.”

In pursuit of this ideal, it is important to understand, first, some of the drivers of this phenomenon. Causes of biodiversity and ecosystem loss mainly emanate from human-induced challenges. They can include exploitation of the land for hunting, agriculture or even urban development, shifts in the use of land, the introduction of invasive alien species and the impact of climate change and pollution.

The concern is that while Africa faces these risks far more disproportionately than the rest of the world, it also has fewer resources, funding and time to tackle these challenges.

The Global Environment Fund, for example, estimates that between $20-billion and $25-billion is needed annually. Some solutions that have been touted include ensuring the implementation of conventions and policy frameworks, tapping into local knowledge and conservation practices, identifying sources of funding that address these challenges, and ensuring that accurate data that comes from Africa informs policymaking decisions.

It is also noteworthy that Africa has the second-lowest number, 108 or 8.83%, of World Heritage Sites globally. Notably, it is ranked number two on the list of World Heritage Sites in danger by region.

African World Heritage sites are rich in biodiversity, but they face increasing threats, including those outlined above. This begs the question: In tackling biodiversity and ecosystem loss, what can be done to protect World Heritage properties, especially on the African continent, and can artificial intelligence (AI) play a role?

Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcing laws are crucial first steps. This includes better monitoring and policing to curb illegal activities. We have seen how effective this can be with the example of rhino poaching throughout the continent.

Another critical component is the involvement of local communities. Conservation strategies must integrate sustainable livelihoods to reduce local reliance on exploiting natural resources within protected areas.

The imagery of Wangari Maathai, who started the Green Belt Movement in the 1970s as a means to plant trees around Kenya and alleviate poverty and reduce conflict, comes to mind. She understood there to be an inextricable link between environmental degradation, poverty and conflict.

Ecotourism, for instance, refers to a sustainable form of travel that focuses on experiencing and conserving natural environments while benefiting local communities. Importantly, AI also has a role to play.

AI has the potential to revolutionise conservation efforts in Africa through, for example, remote sensing from satellites and drones which allow for efficient monitoring of vast areas. These tools can detect illegal activities and even monitor wildlife populations in real time.

Predictive analytics enabled by AI enable a proactive approach as conservationists can foresee threats like poaching or forest fires. Moreover, AI systems can analyse large amounts of data from various sources to ensure better policy decisions, as mentioned above.

AI is already playing a significant role in combating the illegal wildlife trade. Already, these systems enhance real-time monitoring, reduce illegal trade and promote global collaboration.

For instance, algorithms can monitor online platforms to detect and prevent the sale of endangered species. AI can also help identify smuggling routes and poaching hotspots, thus making enforcement efforts more targeted and effective.

Specifically, AI helps protect heritage sites from threats such as climate change and illegal activities, allowing authorities to take proactive measures to preserve these sites based on real-time data.

In terms of accessibility, AI-powered virtual and augmented reality technologies enable immersive experiences, allowing people from around the world to explore heritage sites and artefacts through virtual tours without physically entering these sites. This broadens access but also serves as a way to protect these sites.

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AI thus not only enhances the preservation and restoration of heritage sites but also democratises access to them and strengthens their protection from environmental and human-induced threats.

Regardless of what facet of conservation we are looking at, there are some overarching truisms: Africa is under threat, more than any other part of the world, and we have to act decisively now.

AI has demonstrated its ability to provide sustainable development solutions, yet these systems cannot exist in silos. We have to work in tandem to ensure we protect our world.

Africa and its biodiversity and ecosystems are desperately crying out for this. DM