The Smart Forest Conundrum: Contextualizing Pitfalls of Sensors and AI in Conservation Science for Tropical Forests

Dipto Sarkar,Colin A Chapman

doi:10.1177/19400829211014740

Dipto Sarkar, Colin A Chapman

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/19400829211014740

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Abstract

The term ‘smart forest’ is not yet common, but the proliferation of sensors, algorithms, and technocentric thinking in conservation, as in most other aspects of our lives, suggests we are at the brink of this evolution. While there has been some critical discussion about the value of using smart technology in conservation, a holistic discussion about the broader technological, social, and economic interactions involved with using big data, sensors, artificial intelligence, and global corporations is largely missing. Here, we explore the pitfalls that are useful to consider as forests are gradually converted to technological sites of data production for optimized biodiversity conservation and are consequently incorporated in the digital economy. We consider who are the enablers of the technologically enhanced forests and how the gradual operationalization of smart forests will impact the traditional stakeholders of conservation. We also look at the implications of carpeting forests with sensors and the type of questions that will be encouraged. To contextualize our arguments, we provide examples from our work in Kibale National Park, Uganda which hosts the one of the longest continuously running research field station in Africa.

Highlights

Data is the foundational form of capital in the digital economy, underpinning the technological transformation of everyday objects and environments to make them ‘smart’ (Kitchin, 2014)
We focus on the pitfalls of the increased use of sensors and algorithms for conservation of tropical forests which are characterized by dense vegetation and are often bordered by human settlements
To situate smart tropical forests in the larger digital economy we look at three questions; What are the impacts of placing smart technology in forests in terms of conservation science research? Who are likely to be the drivers of this techno-movement? And, what are the implications for the traditional stakeholders of conservation which include local communities, researchers, and governments? We provide examples from our field site in Kibale National Park, Uganda to contextualize the arguments

Summary

Introduction

Data is the foundational form of capital in the digital economy, underpinning the technological transformation of everyday objects and environments to make them ‘smart’ (Kitchin, 2014). To situate smart tropical forests in the larger digital economy we look at three questions; What are the impacts of placing smart technology in forests in terms of conservation science research?

Results

Conclusion