Leveraging the Transformational Potential of Digital Technologies for Biodiversity Conservation and Governance
Session 11
Introduction to the session
Digital technologies are transforming biodiversity conservation and governance. Tools like satellites, drones, camera traps, and acoustic sensors can capture data globally, enhancing species discovery and ecosystem monitoring, particularly when paired with genetic sequencing and AI. These technologies also provide standardized, verifiable environmental data, enabling governmental and private actors to set and report on measurable targets. Additionally, they hold promise for more equitable, transparent, and direct benefit-sharing with local communities, including indigenous peoples, who often serve as environmental stewards.
However, these potentials are accompanied by challenges and risks, including issues related to data ownership, the environmental and climatic costs of the digital revolution itself, and the further marginalization of traditional ecological knowledge. Considering these unprecedented opportunities but also risks, for this panel we invite scholars and practitioners to share and discuss different perspectives and experiences on how digital tools could be harnessed responsibly and inclusively to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
Session programme
13:30: Introduction and keynote
Introduction by panel organizers
Keynote by Dr. Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office, UNDP
13:45: Paper presentations
- Biodiversity Digitisation for Science and Conservation
Alexandre Antonelli, University of Gothenburg, and Royal Botanic Garden - Taxonomy in action: a look at different technological approaches Leonardo Veronesi, European Citizen Science Association
- Automation and artificial intelligence in biodiversity: Case studies from foraminiferal research
Allison Y. Hsiang, Stockholm University - Harnessing digital technologies for marine biodiversity conservation: Forecasting non-indigenous species with genetic data and habitat suitability models
Justine Pagnier, University of Gothenburg - Using artificial intelligence to optimize ecological restoration for climate and biodiversity
Daniele Silvestro, University of Gothenburg - Artificial intelligence approaches for mapping the nexus of biodiversity, climate change and human society
Sonja Aits, Lund University - Digital Promises and Perils: Perspectives and Experiences from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Juliana Porsani, Linköping University
14:40: Discussion
Comments and questions to presenters
Further information about the session
Keywords: Digitalization of nature; responsible digitalization; datafication; data sovereignty; the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Language: English
Time and venue: 13:30-15:00, Wallenbergsalen.
Organisers:
- Björn-Ola Linnér, Linköping University
- Victoria Wibeck, Linköping University
- Juliana Porsani, Linköping University
Strategy for transformative change in focus for the session
IPBES highlights 5 complementary key strategies for transformative change: From conserving vital places to shifting values. Together these create pathways to just and sustainable futures. Learn more: IPBES Transformative Change Assessment: Chapter 5. Realizing a sustainable world for nature and people: transformative strategies, actions and roles for all
As indicated in the illustration below, session 11 focuses mainly on strategy 4: Transform governance systems to be integrative, inclusive, accountable and adaptive.
