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Initiative

Balkan Samoa - Protecting the environment and wildlife using technology

Balkan Samoa - Protecting the environment and wildlife using technology
SUBMITTED FROM:

WIND Hellas

WIND Hellas is one of the largest telecommunication companies in Greece. In 23 years of operation, WIND is established as a pioneer in mobile phone technology.

 

Read more:  www.wind.gr

 


Contact

Objective Action

  • The action contributes to the protection of the wild goat, which is one of the endangered animals of the Balkan peninsula.
  • This specific action is part of our overall approach to our contribution to the protection of the environment and biodiversity through the use of technology.
  • By using technology we contribute to the protection of the natural environment and to the prevention and suppression of poaching.
  • The wild goat is found in the National Park of North Pindos and in particular on the steep slopes of the gorge formed by the Aoos bed, in Epirus. It is an endangered mammal, mainly due to poaching.
  • Natural ecosystems and landscapes contribute to human emotional and spiritual well-being.
  • By protecting biodiversity, we are reminded that man is only a part of the Earth and that there are interdependent relationships between organisms.
 

Target Audience

  • In the local community - Local biodiversity is a focus for tourism and outdoor recreation and is the main source of income for the local population.
  • To the local agencies - Forestry Departments
  • Municipality of Ioannina-Konitsa
  • In MKOs dealing with the protection of endangered species
  • To the active part of society that has concerns about the environment and biodiversity
 

Duration

  • The program started in November 2020 and is ongoing.
  • It is being considered to implement this monitoring system in other protected areas.

Description

  • The wild goat is found in the National Park of North Pindos and in particular on the steep slopes of the gorge formed by the Aoos bed, in Epirus.
  • Due to the topography and geomorphology of the area, its protection is objectively difficult, with the consequence that the local wildlife is often exposed to threats.
  • Aiming to protect the species, WIND puts its network and expertise to its protection and participates in Huawei's TECH4ALL global environmental program
  • Special acoustic sensors have been placed on various trees in the canyon that monitor the park 24 hours a day.
  • Acoustic sensors use artificial intelligence as well as repeating patterns to detect, in real time, the sounds of gunshots, chainsaws and cars from points in the monitored area.
  • The pilot application of this technology in the area of the Municipality of Konitsa is being carried out for the first time in Greece.
  • The placement of the sensors was done with the scientific guidance of the Forestry Research Institute of ELGO Dimitra in strategic points of high risk for poaching incidents and in areas from which specific roads and paths can be checked in time to identify potential perpetrators.
  • As soon as the algorithm detects a suspicious sound signal, such as a gunshot, it informs the forest service and national park rangers through special applications for fixed or mobile devices, so that they can intervene deterrently or even repressively.
  • Its operation is expected to pave the way for the adoption of the system by other regions in Greece and the Balkans.
  • In addition to timely information on poaching incidents, the passive acoustic monitoring network also records the soundscape of the canyon, allowing the specific data to be used for educational purposes in the information centers of the North Pindos National Park.
  • In addition to sensors, the system also has two applications for mobile and computer so that the end user can evaluate the sound.

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Impact on Society

  • Almost a year after the start of the program in the Aoos gorge, the sensors have been adapted to the soundscape and climatic conditions of the area.
  • The operation of the algorithms has also improved and they give reliable results. The hunting season has already started with increased poaching activity and the acoustic sensor network is operational and has effectively deterred poachers from being protected.
  • Here you can see what gunshots detected by the acoustic grid we have installed in the Aoos Gorge sound (and look like):

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jvaujneeRFG3cuM0_EdUwYI-dVb2NLGo&authuser=christos.astaras%40gmail.com&usp=drive_fs

  • Also, special trainings have already started by the specialized staff of the ELGO DIMITRA Institute at the local forest offices (Ioannina-Konitsa) for the operation of the software that presents the user with the acoustic information (alerts) carried by the WIND network.
  • In the coming days we will also have some examples where the information was converted into early detection of the offenders.

https://youtu.be/tcx0hMc6Jlc



Initiative Location

North Pindos National Park, Greece


Working with Organization

  • Cooperation with Huawei Technologies S.A.
  • Institute of Forestry Research ELGO Dimitra for the placement of the sensors and the implementation of the program.
  • With local agencies, forest offices (Ioannina-Konitsa)
  • Municipality of Ioannina

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Workers Participation

  • The Corporate Relations department has undertaken the coordination of the implementation regarding the smooth operation of its network.
  • Network & Supply Chain Department
  • Corporate Clients and Digital Transformation Department
  • Division of WIND Network

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Benefits for Οrganization


Connection with Global Goals







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