In this article, published in the International Peace Institute (IPI)’s Global Observatory, Adriana Erthal Abdenur explores the use of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to curb illegal deforestation in the Amazon.
Among other advantages, AI technologies can increase the accuracy of forest monitoring, make forest data more reliable and easier to process, and facilitate local monitoring of forests.
However, these AI applications also come with limitations and risks. If measures are taken to embed these innovations within structured policy initiatives, and if precautions are taken to prevent abuses of the collected data and repressive surveillance of local communities, AI technologies have great potential to be used in favor of environmental preservation in the Amazon and other biomes threatened by illegal deforestation and other environmental crimes.
