Harnessing AI for Conservation: Leveraging Technology in an Ethical Way

Written by Scott Raven – Head of the CXO Portals Community:

I do not have a C-level title, and I do not have any experience working in the tech industry, but what I do have is a very keen interest in decolonisation and conservation. Throughout my time working at Bristol Zoo, I was also engaging with a master’s degree in international development which allowed me to explore how the conservation projects were working on impacted the local communities in which we operated. It seems that over recent years, AI has also invaded this space. Perhaps ‘invaded’ is a contentious word, but with the new opportunities technology brings us in helping to support wildlife conservation, it also brings with it concerns on how it is used.

AI has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of conservation, revolutionising the way we approach environmental protection and biodiversity preservation. By leveraging advanced algorithms and data analytics, AI is enabling conservationists to make more informed decisions, optimise resource allocation, and develop proactive strategies to address the urgent challenges facing our planet. This article explores the growing and pivotal role of AI in conservation and sheds light on the intersection of AI and colonialism within the context of global conservation efforts.