There is a problem with a section of the Daintree Rainforest in Australia. Telecommunications company NTT Group based in Japan is teaming up with an Australian non-profit called ClimateForce to find a solution. They believe that the solution is what they call a smart rainforest.
Daintree Rainforest
At 135 years old, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world. It is home to hundreds of species and plants, including some that are exclusively in the Daintree located in Tropical North Queensland. It also sits right next to the Great Barrier Reef. While a popular tourist destination, there is a section of the rainforest in need of regeneration. Decades ago, the land close to the Great Barrier Reef was cleared for agriculture. The results of this included an infestation of invasive plant species. ClimateForce and the NTT Group are working with each other to find a solution through artificial intelligence. With AI, they believe they can come up with a “smart rainforest” to battle the invasive plants.
Smart Rainforest
Through AI, the two organizations believe that smart technology can help regenerate the section of the rainforest in Australia. To make it possible, they’re using NTT’s Smart Management Platform technology to create the world’s first smart rainforest. Through the use of AI, it will gather and analyze data to examine certain organic reforestation techniques. A part of ClimateForce’s overall goal is to develop replicable models that “regenerate ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and foster resilient local economies in other locations.” ClimateForce’s CEO and Co-Founder Barney Swan said, “ClimateForce is a proving ground for technologies that protect biodiversity and help mitigate climate change.”
The Partnership
NTT’s efforts align with ClimateForce’s mission to create a more sustainable environment. CEO of NTT DATA Services Bob Pryor said, “We’re excited to extend this relationship and help ClimateForce with its mission in the tropics, which perfectly aligns with our own vision for realizing a sustainable future.” ClimateForce is based in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Queensland, Australia. Not only do they support local efforts but they do it on the national scale as well. During a South Pole expedition in 2023, Barney’s father met with NTT. The Undaunted: South Pole 2023 expedition advocated for sustainable practices and long-term protection for Antarctica.
A part of ClimateForce’s initiative is connecting businesses to carbon-neutral practices that are productive and profitable.
