EcoDL Keynote

Title: Virtual ecologist supports biodiversity monitoring, education, and conservation

Speaker: Prof. Masahiro Ryo

Biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and education are key to sustainability. Yet, these actions are typically logistically expensive, and the number of ecological experts is not enough. In my talk, I introduce the ongoing development of a "virtual ecologist" that can boost these actions. Central to this initiative is the co-development of scalable, widely-accepted, low-cost, and user-friendly AI tools in a transdisciplinary collaboration including scientists, environmental NGOs, biodiversity start-up, citizen scientists, and industrial companies. The tool aims “all-in-one” for biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and education, by facilitating efficient data collection and analysis, bridging the societal needs and academic research interests, and making biodiversity assessments more accessible and effective. We employ an agentic AI approach that integrates various functions from species detection in images to conversation in voice/text, while the development is supported by ecological knowledge and social acceptance. This transdisciplinary approach not only optimizes ecological monitoring but also promotes widespread engagement in biodiversity preservation in practice. This project, KICS-Zert, exemplifies how accessible AI technologies can drive collective action towards sustainable environmental stewardship.​