Global | PANORAMA

West and South Europe

North Europe

East Europe

World Rowing: Healthy Waters, strong strokes for nature

World

Rowing

Reinforcing the World Rowing – WWF International partnership to evolve from awareness-raising to action

Connecting WWF local offices and National Rowing Federations and clubs worldwide to collaborate on impactful actions & projects

Athlete ambassadors as key players to the success of the Healthy Waters Alliance’s objectives

Protecting Ecosystems Through Fire Prevention Technology

This building block outlines PyroSense's commitment to safeguarding natural ecosystems and biodiversity from wildfires through advanced technology. PyroSense aims to prevent environmental damage that traditional firefighting struggles to address.

Key mechanisms include:

Proactive Fire Prevention: Utilizing IoT sensors and AI analysis, PyroSense detects environmental anomalies early, allowing for intervention before fires escalate, thus minimizing ecological damage and protecting habitats.
Reducing Firefighting Impact: Early detection and precise targeting lessen the need for resource-intensive firefighting, resulting in lower water use and reduced ground disturbance.
Biodiversity Protection: Real-time alerts and predictive simulations enable timely actions to protect wildlife and critical ecological areas, contributing to biodiversity preservation.Air Quality Improvement: By preventing large-scale wildfires, PyroSense helps lower emissions of smoke and greenhouse gases.
Ecosystem Resilience: Minimizing fire frequency and severity supports natural regeneration and maintains ecosystem resilience against degradation.
Data-Driven Conservation: Collected environmental data, combined with GIS mapping, aids in land management, habitat restoration, and conservation planning.

The technology is aligned with nature conservation objectives to enhance ecological health and protect biodiversity.
Collaborating with ecologists is essential to address ecosystem vulnerabilities and ensure effective technological interventions.
Ongoing investment in development and maintenance is crucial for the technology’s lasting impact on natural environments.
Building trust and cooperation with local communities is vital for successful conservation efforts.

The direct application of advanced technology for nature conservation, specifically wildfire prevention, yields tangible and significant environmental benefits. Proactive detection and rapid response capabilities demonstrably reduce the scale and severity of wildfires, thereby preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources. The data collected by such systems also provides invaluable insights for long-term conservation planning and ecological restoration efforts.

Now quantifying the exact ecological impact of prevented fires can be challenging, making it difficult to fully articulate the return on investment for conservation efforts. Gaining widespread acceptance and funding from traditional conservation organizations, who may be more accustomed to conventional methods, required demonstrating clear, measurable environmental outcomes.

Establish clear, measurable environmental indicators (e.g. emissions reduced) to demonstrate the impact.
Partner with experts like ecologists, and biologists, from the outset. Their expertise is vital for understanding ecosystem needs.
Document and publicize successful fire prevention event

Global

Core Technologies & Supporting Infrastructure

This building block represents the tangible, physical, and digital components that enable the solution. Its purpose is to provide the necessary tools, systems, and underlying support structures for data collection, processing, analysis, as well as for executing automated and human-led responses.

How it works in PyroSense:

Sensor Network Deployment involves strategically placing IoT environmental sensors with long-lasting power (up to 10 years) and reliable communication methods (MQTT, LoRa, Sigfox, NBIoT) for data transmission from remote locations.
Drone Systems and 5G: This involves drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and Vision AI, relying on 5G networks to enable real-time video streaming.
Centralized Data Platform and Cloud Infrastructure for extensive data analysis and computational power for data fusion, and AI models.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances system intelligence through algorithms for anomaly detection in sensor data, and in image/video analysis for smoke and flame detection.
Web Application and User Interface (UI) for human interaction, to access real-time information, view maps, receive alerts, etc.
Wearable Technology for Firefighters: This includes biometric sensors, and software for data analysis to enhance responder safety through risk assessment and alerts.

IT infrastructure handled increasing data volumes and user loads while being resilient to disruptions.
Ongoing development and integration of advanced AI and ML models are crucial for system accuracy and predictive capabilities.
Interoperability of Components: All hardware and software communicate seamlessly to form an integrated system.
Regular Maintenance and Upgrades: Consistent maintenance and upgrades of hardware and software are necessary for optimal performance and to adapt to new challenges.

The robustness and scalability of the underlying technical infrastructure are non-negotiable. Investing in high-quality, resilient hardware and a flexible, cloud-based software architecture is essential for handling large data volumes, supporting real-time operations, and ensuring system uptime.

AT the same time initial deployments faced issues with hardware durability in harsh environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, dust, moisture). Ensuring seamless integration and interoperability between components from different vendors proved more complex than anticipated. Managing power supply for remote sensors and drones was also a continuous challenge, despite long battery life claims.

Select hardware designed to withstand the specific environmental conditions of the deployment area.
Design the system with a modular architecture and open APIs to facilitate integration of diverse components and future upgrades.
Implement robust power solutions for remote devices, including solar charging and long-life batteries.
A dedicated team with expertise is crucial for successful deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Global

Stakeholder Communication & Wildfire Awareness

This system translates PyroSense's advanced data into actionable intelligence, ensuring that the right people— from first responders to community members— are informed and prepared at the right time. Its primary goal is to share critical information about fire risks, incidents, and response efforts promptly and accurately. Effective communication is crucial in emergency management, as it facilitates coordination, reduces panic, and supports informed decision-making.

How it works in PyroSense:

Real-time Incident Communication: When an alarm is triggered by PyroSense, the web platform displays precise fire coordinates and the geolocation of all deployed resources on a comprehensive GIS map, facilitating better planning and coordination.
Emergency services receive detailed operational data, while communities are given simplified alerts and areas to avoid.
PyroSense integrates with automated alert systems like SMS and email, ensuring critical information reaches stakeholders even when they aren't monitoring the web app, maximizing reach and redundancy.

This initiative uses PyroSense data to drive public fire prevention campaigns, engage communities in understanding fire risks, and foster preparedness plans, while also enhancing educational materials on wildfire mitigation.

Reliable Communication Infrastructure: A robust communication network is vital for timely alerts in emergencies.
User-Friendly Interfaces: The web application and tools should be intuitive and provide clear information for different user groups.
Defined Communication Protocols: Clear protocols for communication are necessary to avoid confusion and ensure efficient information flow during incidents.
Stakeholder Engagement and Training: Regular training and engagement with all stakeholders are essential for effective response and awareness

Effective communication is not just about sending alerts; it's about delivering the right information, to the right people, at the right time, in an understandable format. Tailoring messages to different stakeholder groups (e.g., detailed operational data for firefighters, simplified alerts for the public) is crucial for effective response and preventing panic. Building trust through consistent and reliable communication is also paramount.

Initially, there was a tendency to send too much technical data to all stakeholders, leading to information overload and confusion. Ensuring reliable communication channels in remote areas or during power outages was also a challenge. Gaining community trust and encouraging proactive engagement (e.g., reporting suspicious activities) required sustained effort beyond just providing a web app.

Develop distinct communication strategies and message formats for different stakeholder groups.
Information should be clear, concise, and directly actionable.
Build Redundant Communication Channels (web app, SMS, email, public address systems) to ensure messages get through, especially during emergencies.

Global

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.

Documentation and dissemination of results

Review phase

Entirety

Global

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.

Hybrid training & conservation advocacy

This building block provides hands-on training for researchers and conservationists in Benin and South Africa (offline) and globally (online via Zoom) on using Declas. The sessions cover:

Software use: Uploading data, interpreting AI-generated results, and integrating findings into conservation strategies.
Conservation advocacy: Raising awareness on vulture decline and AI’s role in scalable monitoring.

Trainees will learn to deploy Declas in field surveys, reducing reliance on manual counts while improving data accuracy. The hybrid approach ensures broad accessibility, empowering local teams with cost-effective technology.