Leveraging the Transformational Potential of Digital Technologies for Biodiversity Conservation and Governance

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. 

Further information about the session

Open for Abstract submission: Yes, oral and poster

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 
• Alexandre Antonelli, University of Gothenburg