PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY AND PROTECTING WILDLIFE: INSIDE NATURE FIRST’S INTEGRATED APPROACH
On November 23rd, Nature FIRST had the opportunity to explore our cutting-edge monitoring tools; dive into a compelling case study of human-wildlife interaction in Bulgaria (specifically focused on bears); examine the crucial role of forensics in combating poaching; and receive feedback from key stakeholders. If you weren’t able to tune in for the demo, you can still gain valuable insights by watching the recording and downloading the slides. If you need a quick refresher, join us as we do an overview of what was discussed.
What is Nature FIRST?
The Nature FIRST programme aims to achieve near real-time biodiversity monitoring, to detect changes and trends in a very early stage, and to translate predictions into actionable and timely interventions - to halt biodiversity loss and develop preventive capabilities for nature conservation. The programme’s focus spans four field sites: Ancares Courel in Spain, Maramures, the Danube Delta, and the Stara Planina Mountain, each hosting unique key species. The challenges to be addressed in these field sites encompass significant biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching.
Recognizing the gravity of these issues, we prioritise key concerns voiced by our field partners and we address them with the help of comprehensive monitoring. This involves tracking the habitats of large carnivores, assessing the evolution of human-wildlife conflicts, and monitoring activities like poaching.
The programme's core objective is to elevate biodiversity monitoring by integrating three scientific disciplines (remote sensing, environmental forensics and ecology sciences), as well as introducing various innovations. Remarkably, we've developed the world's first fully operational ecological digital twin, setting a groundbreaking precedent. We aim to predict and proactively address evolving scenarios, which makes it possible for stakeholders like policymakers and site managers to make timely and data-informed decisions.
In a nutshell, the programme's domain revolves around landscapes, habitats, species, and people. The axes between landscapes and people emphasise community-driven nature conservation. Between species, landscapes, and habitats, the focus lies on biodiversity monitoring and habitat suitability mapping. The final axis revolves around human-wildlife coexistence, particularly concerning bears, and wildlife protection – which we will dive into in the next section.
Field Case Study: Bear Protection in Bulgaria
As explained by Nikola Ganchev, Wildlife Biologist at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, bears can be found in various mountainous regions in Bulgaria, with permanent populations marked in red on the map and occasional sightings in green regions. Recently, there has been an increase in these green patches, suggesting bears are expanding their territories. While this is positive for a protected species, it brings forth unique challenges.
The issue arises when attempting to estimate bear populations. Official government monitoring indicates a sharp decrease from 500 individuals in 2011 to approximately 300, sparking concerns and heightened protection measures. However, monitoring by the National Forestry Service contradicts this, suggesting stable or increasing populations. This lack of consensus complicates effective conservation strategies.
Simultaneously, human-bear conflicts are on the rise, evidenced by an exponential increase in damages in various regions. Local perceptions also indicate a belief in population growth, leading to increased conflicts. This discrepancy between official monitoring and local beliefs poses challenges in addressing the root causes of the issue.
In this complex landscape, the lack of effective communication and collaboration between institutions has given rise to poaching. Before 2011, hunting bears was legally permitted in Bulgaria. However, following legislative disputes with the European Union, the country had to designate bears as a protected species. Due to the abrupt nature of this decision, the relevant institutions and stakeholders were ill-prepared. Local communities perceived it as a challenge to their autonomy, especially since the change disrupted the previous practice of obtaining licences for legal bear hunting. This sudden change contributed to an estimated 60 to 100 annual cases of poaching (as estimated by unofficial records), revealing the intricate challenges in bear protection in Bulgaria.
The approach supported by Nature FIRST focuses on collecting essential data. It is crucial to understand population densities, conflict locations, and to identify hotspots. To do this, we utilise the Cluey application from Sensing Clues. This app allows us to record bear observations and other pertinent data, aiding in identifying population and conflict hotspots. All collected data, including historical and environmental information, feeds into the development of a bear digital twin. This digital twin aims to enhance our ability to predict bear movements based on environmental factors.
To combat poaching and illegal activities, we've employed camera traps at key entry points to national parks. Real-time monitoring has proven effective in identifying unauthorised access and curbing illegal activities. Over time, the data collected will contribute to various aspects of the project, enabling real-time mapping of occurrences in the area.
Mitigating conflicts is a crucial aspect of our work. This includes translocating bears causing repeated issues, collaborating with municipalities to educate locals on procedures, installing electric fences for affected individuals, and engaging stakeholders in discussions. Nature FIRST has facilitated dialogue among various institutions to find common ground and solutions for bear protection.
In conclusion, our multifaceted approach, coupled with the tools provided by Nature FIRST, enables us to address the complexities of bear protection in Bulgaria. We are optimistic that continued efforts, data-driven strategies, and collaborative initiatives will contribute to the sustainable coexistence of bears and communities.
Advancing Wildlife Forensics and Training for Biodiversity Conservation
As explained by Dr. Claire Gwinnett, professor in Forensic and Environmental Science at Staffordshire University, forensic science encompasses various disciplines and expertise used to gather and interpret evidence for legal purposes, spanning from investigation scenes to potential court prosecutions. It includes traditional fields like biology and chemistry, as well as unexpected areas such as accounting and document analysis.
Nature FIRST recognizes the need to extend forensic science beyond traditional crime scenes. In wildlife forensic investigations, evidence collection involves a range of materials, including impression evidence like fingerprints, DNA from biological sources, and marks left by tools or vehicles. Additionally, particles with soil and botanical information are essential for understanding the context of the crime.
The shift towards digital evidence and data-driven approaches is transforming forensic science. Nature FIRST leverages the idea that every contact leaves a trace, be it between people, locations, or, in this case, animals and humans. Data gathered from these traces play a pivotal role in answering critical questions for legal proceedings and implementing preventive measures.
Drawing on principles coined by Edmund Locard in the early 1900s, Nature FIRST seeks to harness forensic science for wildlife crime investigations. We aim to detect, quantify, and record traces effectively, with the help of a comprehensive understanding of how individuals leave and take away evidence from different scenes. It is also important to ensure that investigators have access to this valuable data. The challenge lies in making this complex information accessible and understandable to both experts and end-users, such as judges and juries.
Wildlife crime investigations face unique challenges, including limited resources, minimal training, and a lack of supporting data. Nature FIRST aims to overcome these challenges through four key aspects. Firstly, it provides intelligence by detecting crime hotspots, revealing trends, and understanding perpetrator behaviours. This aids in identifying suspects or individuals of interest. The second aspect involves proactive policing: utilising intelligence to prevent crimes through targeted patrols and strategic use of resources. Thirdly, retrospective evidence for prosecution is crucial, as the gathered data can support legal proceedings and investigations. Lastly, the ultimate goal is evidence-based policing, globally achieving positive change by using data for trials on various mitigation activities. Maintaining the integrity of data is a priority, considering documentation, storage, and access. This approach aims to increase public confidence in addressing global environmental issues, particularly biodiversity decline.
Nature FIRST: Value Propositions, Goals, and Future Aspirations
Let's delve into the value propositions, goals, and future visions of the Nature FIRST project.
The value propositions are intricately connected to the project's broader objectives, spanning species, landscapes, and human interactions. They align with the project's initial challenges, many of which have been successfully addressed.
Currently, our focus includes monitoring habitat changes, initiating change detection processes, developing species density maps, and advancing the Human-Wildlife Conflict Early Warning System—a pivotal aspect involving digital twin development. Additionally, education kits are in the works.
We also aim for a seamless information flow, utilising an open-source geo server for storing diverse information layers. This system facilitates risk and habitat mapping, accessible through our Cluey application. This app, when linked to the geo server, enhances situational awareness, vital for field officers, managers of protected areas, analysts, researchers, and policymakers alike.
Our robust methods, validated in Ancares-Courel, classify and map habitats effectively. Moving forward, we aim to monitor changes in habitats, species, and disturbances over the next year. An exciting project on our agenda is digital twins—predictive models enabling real-time tracking of species' movements, like crane migration or bear activities, factoring in their behaviour and habitat preferences.
Now, looking at the value propositions under consideration, habitat suitability mapping tops the list, aiding in corridor identification for smoother wildlife movement. Detecting changes in habitats, assessing wildlife fire impact, estimating population sizes, implementing CSI kits for evidence preservation, and alerting services are among the envisioned goals.
For instance, habitat suitability mapping generates specialised maps optimised for specific species, such as bears. With expert interpretation, these maps help identify corridors crucial for wildlife movement.
In essence, Nature FIRST strives not only to tackle immediate challenges but also to revolutionise wildlife conservation by integrating cutting-edge technology and robust methodologies.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Nature FIRST’s demonstrated solutions and technologies for biodiversity monitoring and preservation. You watch the recording and download the slides here. To stay up to date about our next public demo, sign up for our newsletter!
