Rainforest Connection is a group of engineers and developers focused on building technology that can provide vital early warning systems that can prevent the deforestation of rainforests and unique habitats around the world.
The Rainforest Connection team led by founder Topher White has built the world’s first scalable, real-time detection and alert system for logging and environmental conservation. The devices are built using recycled mobile phones with a microphone and solar panels. The acoustic monitoring systems listen for the sound of destruction. Using data analysis software the mobile phone’s computers can automatically detect logging activity and send a text alert to authorities who can determine if it’s illegal and then stop it.
Earlier detection methods relied on satellite footage that could only detect illegal activities once the damage had already been committed on a relatively large scale. These devices are designed to detect a truck, a chainsaw, or a gun shot in the earlier stages before a great deal of damage has been done. This system enables park rangers to intervene immediately. The devices run 24/7 and each device can detect up to three square kilometres. The strength and success of the on-going project relies upon its collaborative nature.
In 2012 White and a friend cofounded the Rainforest Connection. In 2014 they managed to raise $167,299 USD through a Kickstarter Campaign. They continue to rely on contributions and partners on the ground that act upon the warning system and enforce the protection of the forests and habitats.
Their current projects are spread across three continents. Here is an example of three active projects in Latin America:
Tembé Tribal Reserve, Brazil
Due to scarcity of numbers, the Tembé people of northern Brazil have found it difficult to put an end to large-scale illegal logging, poaching, and drug smuggling operations in remote areas of their ancestral rainforests. Based on a 2015 pilot, the Tembé asked Rainforest Connection to deploy a permanent system to help them protect the rainforest reserve – a monitoring system to assist a handful of trained Tembé Rangers. Their 2018/19 focus includes deploying and expanding this system to alert Tembé Rangers to indications of illegal logging (chainsaws), poaching (motorcycles), and smuggling (trucks/vehicles). The system has already created a host of wifi hotspots in remote areas that has allowed the tribe to communicate more effectively among themselves.
Alto Mayo, Peru
The biodiversity of Peru’s Alto Mayo rainforest is slowly being whittled away by systemic illegal logging, poaching, and drug trafficking. Working in conjunction with Conservation International and Peruvian government rangers, Rainforest Connection is testing an acoustic alert system that listens for tell-tale indicators of deforestation (chainsaws) or animal poaching (motorcycles). The system can also detect trucks and vehicles that indicate narco-trafficking.
Cerro Blanco, Ecuador
One of Ecuador’s most diverse rainforest preserves, Cerro Blanco lies in close proximity to the coastal city of Guayaquil. As a result, it faces threats from deforestation, poaching and urban encroachment. In concert with Fundación Pro-Bosque, Rainforest Connection has set up a system to monitor for illegal chainsaws and poaching in real-time. In addition to helping better protect 10,000 hectares of rainforest, the system also streams 1.8 gigabytes of data per day, giving scientists and conservationists a means of keeping track of endangered wildlife. This project includes real-time alerts and data analysis for several species of rare parrots, assisting local rangers and biologists by helping them monitor endangered species and safeguard their habitat from poachers.
Further Information
Rainforest Connection is a San Francisco based charity that creates acoustic monitoring systems for those who wish to end illegal deforestation in real-time.
Topher White is a conservation technologist with a background in physics and engineering. In 2012, he founded Rainforest Connection and in 2015 became a National Geographic Emerging Explorer.
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If you would like to contribute your phone please send Android smartphones to the address below. Rainforest Connection will erase, retrofit and send into the jungle for its second life as a forest guardian. Non-Android phones (flip-phones, Blackberry, Windows Phone, iPhone, etc) that are sent will be erased and used for testing or to equip rangers on the ground and other local partners. If it’s a model they can’t use they have a partner that will turn it to cash that will support their pilot programs. If you send something, include your name and email address so they know who to thank.
Rainforest Connection
77 Van Ness Ave
Suite 101-1717-
San Francisco, CA, 94102
*Main article image shows a listening device being installed in a secret location ©Rainforest Connection Flickr C.C., 2013
