Reforestation in the Digital Age: Harnessing Technology to Restore Our Planet

Reforestation plays an integral role in restoring our planet's health. It not only contributes to carbon capture, a critical factor in mitigating climate change, but also enhances biodiversity, thereby fostering resilient ecosystems. Moreover, it improves air and water quality, promoting overall environmental health. However, ensuring the success of reforestation efforts hinges on the crucial need to carefully and precisely monitor impact. Monitoring plays a pivotal role in assessing the effectiveness of reforestation projects, providing valuable insights into various aspects of their ecological and environmental outcomes.

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Recognizing this need for transparency, precision, and accountability, veritree, an environmental tech platform, and TELUS, the telecommunications giant, are piloting an innovative project in Alberta that leverages the concept of a "digital twin" to measure the true impact and outcome from local reforestation efforts.

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A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object or system. In the context of reforestation, it involves creating a digital representation of the reforested area, enabling simulation and prediction of various outcomes. This technology allows us to model the environment, creating a near real-time, interactive map of the reforested area, in other words, creating a ‘Smart Forest’. With this, we can make informed predictions, assess risks, and anticipate future ecosystem changes.

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Climate change significantly impacts restoration projects, with extended drought periods and high wildfire risk being major concerns. Our smart forest aims to have near real-time ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground, allowing us to make better-informed decisions about where and what type of trees to plant to adapt to the changing climate.

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To feed data into the digital twin, the project employs a suite of advanced tools. These include:

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Tree Vision - In-field cameras are designed to monitor areas for biodiversity. They can create time-lapse footage of seasonal changes, tree growth, and passing wildlife. These cameras can detect movement, can be controlled remotely, and offer a long-term view of forest activities.

Bioacoustic monitors - These devices record the sounds of wildlife during specific periods in the mornings and evenings. They use microphones on both sides to capture sound and records onto SD cards. These monitors provide insights into the types and number of species present, tracking biodiversity and wildlife movements to provide indications of the health of the ecosystem.

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Dendrometers – Also known as ‘Heartbeat Biomass Sensors’, dendrometers detect changes in biomass, providing a measure of overall forest health. These devices are used to monitor tree health, soil quality, and light conditions. They are particularly useful for tracking risks associated with young sapling growth, such as droughts and lack of light.

LoRa Environmental sensors - These sensors measure moisture, electrical conductivity, and temperature in the soil, all of which are critical factors in tree health and growth. They send the collected data every hour to a data hub located over two kilometers away.

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The R.O.O.T (Real-time Observations of Our Trees) system is the central tech hub containing different gateways. These gateways are all powered by tele-connectivity, able to reach up to ten kilometers out to different planting sites. The ROOT system connects to 20-30 different sensors deployed throughout the field, all of which are consistently collecting data and uploading it in real time to both the ROOT system and to veritree’s dashboard.

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The integration of these technologies within the digital twin provides a comprehensive view of the reforestation site, enabling more informed decision-making and predictive capabilities. The use of digital twins could revolutionize reforestation efforts worldwide, allowing us to accurately track progress, predict outcomes, and adapt strategies to local conditions. This could significantly increase the success rate of reforestation projects, accelerating our progress towards global climate goals.

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As we continue to innovate in our fight against climate change, we encourage you to stay informed about these exciting projects and innovative monitoring techniques. Together, we can turn over a new leaf for our planet. Head to www.veritree.com to learn more.