Edge AI + LoRaWAN Infrastructure

NOARKTECH’s WildGuard AI uses on-device Edge AI models and LoRaWAN communication to process data locally and transmit alerts even in low-connectivity regions. This low-power, scalable network allows instant wildfire detection, animal tracking, and real-time environmental monitoring.

  • Flexible integration of open-source LoRaWAN technology and compact AI models
  • Low latency communication ensures rapid response in emergencies
  • Collaboration with embedded system experts for optimized hardware-software synergy
  • Local capacity building ensures long-term reliability and system maintenance
  • Intelligent alert routing and data filtering are essential to avoid signal noise
  • Redundant communication strategies strengthen system resilience
WildGuard AI Sensor Ecosystem (Bio-Acoustic + Chemical + Climate Sensing)

NOARKTECH’s WildGuard AI integrates bio-acoustic microphones, air quality sensors (CO, VOC), and hyperlocal climate monitors to detect wildlife movement, forest fires, and ecological disturbances. This system enables real-time environmental intelligence for conservation, climate resilience, and human-wildlife conflict prevention.

  • Deployment of rugged, energy-efficient sensors suited for field conditions
  • Scientific validation in collaboration with academic and environmental institutions
  • Pilot deployments across Western Ghats and Northeast India
  • Sensor effectiveness improves with community-informed placement strategies
  • Continuous environmental calibration enhances precision over time
  • Environmental durability must be prioritized during design and testing phases
Promoting artisanal fishing with good practices and banning industrial fishing

Industrial fishing causes serious impacts such as the destruction
of the marine food chain -especially when catching key species
such as shrimp- and the use of fishing gear that affects dolphins,
turtles, sharks and even whales, which suffer injuries or stress
due to noise and blows. The purpose of the ban on industrial
fishing has been to reduce these impacts. In addition, responsible
artisanal fishing is promoted, avoiding altering the ecological
balance and using more sustainable methods, such as the use of
curved hooks that protect vulnerable species by preventing them
from being easily hooked. Their fishing is based on selective
techniques such as hand-lining or spinning, which conserves
species and ensures a viable fishery in the long term.

The existence of specific regulations to regulate the ZEPA and to
establish prohibitions, together with the obligation that these
regulations be respected and accepted by the different
stakeholders.

For the proper implementation of the ZEPA, it is necessary to
work with the actors in charge of surveillance and control
processes so that the established prohibitions are actually
respected.

Capacity Building and Regional Training Programs

Building local and regional expertise in DNA barcoding and metabarcoding is vital for sustainable biodiversity conservation. Supported by BBI-CBD funding, our training programs target conservation practitioners from Lebanon, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Jordan, including those without prior molecular biology experience. These hands-on workshops cover sample collection, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and interpretation, empowering participants to independently apply molecular tools in their contexts. Capacity building democratizes access to innovative technologies, fosters regional collaboration, and ensures continuity beyond the project lifecycle.

Funding from BBI-CBD and institutional backing by Saint Joseph University enabled program development. Experienced trainers and tailored curricula accommodate diverse backgrounds. Regional participant selection promotes cross-country knowledge exchange. Ongoing support and follow-up strengthen learning outcomes.

We learned that successful capacity building requires flexible training models that accommodate participants’ varied expertise. Hands-on practice combined with theoretical knowledge improves retention. Establishing a regional network fosters peer learning and collaboration. Follow-up support and refresher sessions are important for sustained impact. Training must be paired with accessible resources and tools to enable real-world application. Engaging trainees as future trainers multiplies benefits and contributes to national and regional self-sufficiency in biodiversity monitoring.

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization

Meaningful engagement with Lebanese Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, local NGOs, practitioners, and communities ensured that scientific insights informed policy and restoration practices. By communicating findings clearly and collaboratively, we helped integrate molecular data into the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Awareness campaigns targeted schools, universities, farmers, and land managers, raising understanding of the ecological roles animals play in forest regeneration. This knowledge mobilization builds local ownership, promotes evidence-based decision-making, and bridges science with societal needs for long-term ecosystem resilience.

Strong relationships with government agencies and NGOs fostered trust. Clear, accessible communication materials and workshops facilitated understanding. Involvement of local communities ensured relevance. Institutional support allowed integration into national plans. Funding enabled outreach and awareness activities.

Effective stakeholder engagement requires ongoing dialogue and tailored communication strategies to diverse audiences. We found that combining scientific rigor with accessible language bridges the science-policy-practice gap. Early inclusion of ministries and NGOs increases uptake of results. Awareness campaigns are essential to foster behavioral change and highlight the often-overlooked role of animals in ecosystem restoration. Sustained collaboration ensures findings influence policy and land management decisions. We also learned that participatory approaches empower communities, ensuring solutions are socially accepted and sustainable

Strategic International and Academic Partnerships

Partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution, iBOL, and Saint Joseph University have been central to our project’s success. The Smithsonian provided advanced expertise in metabarcoding methodology and quality assurance, enabling rigorous application of DNA analysis. iBOL supports the expansion of barcoding efforts, particularly for insects, linking our regional data to global biodiversity initiatives. Saint Joseph University leads research implementation and capacity building, ensuring regional ownership and continuity. These collaborations combine global knowledge with local ecological and institutional context, enabling innovation and scalability.

Long-term collaborative relationships, shared scientific goals, and mutual trust were key. International funding and technical assistance fostered knowledge exchange. The presence of a dedicated local research team facilitated communication and implementation. Shared commitment to open data and capacity building strengthened partnerships.

Strong partnerships require continuous communication, respect for local contexts, and clear roles. International collaboration accelerates technology transfer but must be coupled with local capacity building to ensure sustainability. We learned the importance of balancing global scientific standards with regional ecological realities. Formal agreements and joint planning helped align expectations. Integrating diverse expertise—from molecular biology to ecology and policy—enhanced project impact. Finally, these partnerships opened avenues for future research and expanded conservation networks.

Localized Reference Library Development

The creation of a comprehensive, open-access DNA reference library of native plant and animal species was foundational to our solution. Recognizing that global databases lacked coverage for many Eastern Mediterranean species, we built the first Lebanese library encompassing plants, mammals, and now expanding to insects, birds, and fungi. This reference database improves the accuracy of DNA sequence matching and enables precise identification of species present in environmental samples. It also fills a critical regional data gap and facilitates ecological studies, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning. By publishing the library openly, we promote transparency, collaboration, and the potential for adaptation in similar biodiversity hotspots.

Strong institutional support from Saint Joseph University, collaboration with local taxonomists, and access to specimens were vital. Funding from initial grants allowed sequencing efforts. Commitment to open data principles ensured broad accessibility. Support from iBOL facilitated integration into global databases, enhancing utility and visibility.

Building a reliable reference library requires significant coordination between molecular scientists and taxonomists. Accurate species identification depends heavily on quality-verified voucher specimens and metadata. The process is time-consuming but indispensable for meaningful metabarcoding results. Sharing the library openly generated interest and collaboration but also highlighted the need for continuous updates and expansion to cover more taxa. Engaging local experts fostered ownership and increased the scientific credibility of the data, ensuring the library’s sustainability as a national resource.

Advanced DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding Techniques:

DNA barcoding and metabarcoding are cutting-edge molecular techniques that allow precise identification of species from small biological samples such as animal scats. Barcoding targets a single species by sequencing a standard gene region, while metabarcoding amplifies multiple DNA markers simultaneously, enabling comprehensive analysis of complex mixtures. These methods provide detailed insights into animal diets, predator-prey relationships, and seed dispersal patterns without invasive sampling. In our solution, these techniques were adapted to the Lebanese ecological context, enabling high-throughput biodiversity assessment and revealing key interactions between fauna and flora. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional ecological surveys and opens new possibilities for monitoring biodiversity changes, especially in regions with scarce baseline data.

Access to high-throughput sequencing technology, expertise in molecular biology, and the availability of regional reference libraries enabled successful implementation. The collaboration with international experts, such as the Smithsonian Institution, ensured methodological rigor. The development of protocols tailored to local conditions and sample types was crucial for reliable results. Funding from FERI and MEPI provided the necessary resources to establish and scale the molecular workflows.

We learned that customizing DNA metabarcoding protocols to local ecological conditions is essential to maximize data accuracy. Establishing comprehensive reference libraries beforehand is critical for correct species identification. Early engagement with molecular experts and international partners accelerated technology transfer and improved quality control. We also discovered that noninvasive sampling methods, such as scat collection, can yield rich data but require strict protocols to avoid contamination. Finally, integrating these molecular tools with traditional ecological knowledge strengthens interpretation and practical application for restoration.

Foundation - Consultation with stakeholders, identify and prioritize suitable device, platform and network to be applied at MPNR for efficient wetland monitoring

Goal: To lay the foundation for integrating I&T solutions into traditional wetland management

Objectives: 

 - To introduce three proposed IoT applications to wetland stakeholders and I&T sectors 

 - To consult wetland stakeholders and I&T sectors for their views and comments 

 - To review potential IoT applications beneficial to the management of MPNR 

 - To identify and integrating relevant IoT solutions for gei wai operation and wetland research into MPNR  

 

 

 

 

Studies were conducted to identify and prioritize suitable device, platform and network to be applied at MPNR for efficient wetland monitoring by:  

Consultation with wetland stakeholders:

  • Consultation with Mai Po Management Committee (MPMC), which comprises of representatives from Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, academics, independent wetlands experts and ornithologists.  Obtained advice on the proposed IoT application. 
  • Consultation with local village communities. Their input helped align the project with community values and needs.
  • Consultation with innovation and technology sectors. Technical advice obtained on the selection of proposed IoT applications, transmission network system and deployment requirements from Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Innovation and Technology Commission, member company of Incu-Tech Programme, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park.  

Review of potential IoT applications in wetland conservation:

  • A Technical Review Summary of Potential IoT Application was created (as attached)

Views and suggestions from MPMC are summarized as follows: 

  • Given that I&T solutions could be expensive, compromise between data sampling frequency and cost has to be made
  • Selection of locations for sensors deployment provides detailed information for habitat management
  • Quality control of data is crucial 
  • The real-time, automated IoT monitoring system enhances efficiency of data collection. The data can correlate with other scientific researches
  • Deployment of sensors might visually affect the natural landscape of wetlands

Views and suggestions from I&T sector are summarized as follows:

  • The proposed three applications are feasible 
  • Scope of service has to be clearly defined. This might include a execution plan, application implementation service, technology consultation service, vendor management service, on-site installation, platform establishment, data analytic service, maintenance service 
  • The platform should be able to capture data, establish data pipeline and integration and perform data analysis 
  • Functional requirement for the platform such as user access, building information model (BIM), alert, data streaming and dashboard analytics should be clearly stated
  • Technical requirements for the platform such as computer specification for operating the platform, BIM format and capacity, data security should be clearly stated 

 

Deployment - Partnership with local Government Department - Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) for the utilization of Government-Wide IoT Network (GWIN)

Partnership with EMSD allows us to utilize GWIN network as a transmission layer for all sensors installed for this project at Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR) with no network recurring cost required.

The technology offers several benefits that make it well-suited for wireless data transmission in IoT applications. Its long-range capabilities allow data to be transmitted over a distance, making it ideal for vast rural areas like MPNR. Furthermore, LoRa’s efficient power consumption extends the battery life of battery-powered devices. LoRa data transmission also ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the data through secure protocols.

In this project, four GWIN LoRa gateways were installed by EMSD within Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR). The sensors installed at MPNR are connected to gateways via the low-power and private LoRa network and eventually connected back to the GWIN backend via the 4G network. Besides these four gateways specially installed for this project, other GWIN gateways near MPNR can further secure data transmission reliability. 

In return, these four gateways can also help receiving signal from the sensors installed by various government departments in the surrounding area. 

Traditional sensors would each require a 4G connection to connect to central servers. In the GWIN network, sensors are connected to gateways via the low power and private LoRa (Long Range) network. The network with low power consumption reduces the cost and complexity of installing the sensors and improves the security of the system and data without the need of using a third-party network.

 

 

Pursuing strong partnership with EMSD allows us to more efficiently tackle challenges we are facing at MPNR (limited access to internet and city power) through their well-established network and support.