A first critical step in developing new markets for nature is the ability to measure the effectiveness of interventions.
TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPACT MONITORING
NATURAL STATE is using the latest machine learning, remote sensing, and cellular technology to develop a cost-effective and scalable impact monitoring system that will enable investors, donors, and auditors to monitor trends in biodiversity, carbon, and benefits to humans. This robust measure of effectiveness will not only help catalyse financial mechanisms for nature but will also help measure the effectiveness of donor-funded projects and aid companies wishing to understand their site-level impact on carbon, biodiversity, and communities.
New financing mechanisms for nature, underpinned by robust and cost-effective impact monitoring, have the potential to unlock billions of dollars for nature and catalyse large-scale restoration globally.
- Jonathan Baillie, President NATURAL STATE
Satellite data and AI can be used to measure trends in carbon and biodiversity, but for these models to work, they need to be built and calibrated using data collected on the ground. NATURAL STATE is using the latest technology to make the collection of site-based data rapid, robust, and cost-effective. This is essential for catalysing investment in nature-based solutions, especially in the tropics and subtropics, where site-level data is rare. This will open entirely new areas of the world for investments in carbon and biodiversity.
Field-to-Cloud
Our Impact Monitoring team is revolutionising field data collection and utilisation. To achieve this, we have developed a cutting-edge digital solution called Kutuma, the Swahili word meaning "to send."
This will help field teams seamlessly and efficiently collect and upload crucial data from carbon sequestration to biodiversity indicators and community feedback. Traditionally, this data would be manually classified and uploaded from local storage devices, a time-consuming process prone to human error and potential data loss. Limited internet connectivity in remote areas can further complicate matters. Kutuma eliminates these challenges by streamlining the entire process.
KEY BENEFITS OF KUTUMA
Streamlined Data Upload
Seamless transfer of information from local devices to a secure cloud platform, even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Enhanced Data Security
Ensures the safekeeping of sensitive data through encryption and data protection regulations.
User-Friendly
Interface
Accessible to all field teams regardless of technical expertise.
Data Integrity Protection
Creates a "digital fingerprint" for raw data and metadata, guarding against unauthorized modifications from the point of upload.
Multi-data Type Handling
Accommodates multiple data types, from qualitative observations and complex quantitative measurements to images and audio files.
Accountability & Transparency
Logs user interactions, providing a clear data provenance and manipulation record.
Kutuma exemplifies NATURAL STATE's commitment to innovation and efficient data management, turning field data into actionable insights for a healthier planet.
Ross Pitman, Head of Technical Delivery
NATURAL STATE Impact Monitoring Platform (uKweli)
The Natural State’s Impact Monitoring Platform is called uKweli, meaning ‘’True’’ in Swahili. Once data is ingested through Kutuma, uKweli is used to sort, analyse and present the information on an intuitive dashboard, demonstrating trends in biodiversity, carbon, and human wellbeing. All data entered has a digital fingerprint and can be traced back to the source. This makes the system easy for third parties to audit. We are currently testing uKweli at three pilot sites in Africa. Once completed, uKweli will be refined and further tested with NATURAL STATE partner organisations across the African continent, as well as with end users such as donors, investors, and auditors. Untimely, the tool will be applicable to all major biomes across the tropics and subtropics. Our goal is for uKweli to become the standard system used to underpin financial mechanisms for nature or performance-based payments for restoration and conservation.
Learn more about the structure and capabilities of uKweli here.
uKweli will transform impact monitoring for both conservation and restoration initiatives, providing the data needed to help trigger a range of financial mechanisms for nature.
Alex Godfrey, Director Impact Monitoring
NATURAL STATE Carbon and Biodiversity Innovation Laboratory
NATURAL STATE has one of the most advanced carbon and biodiversity labs in East Africa. Our Carbon and Biodiversity Innovation Lab is pioneering novel, cost-effective, and scientifically robust approaches towards measuring the success and impact of natural restoration projects on sequestering carbon and increasing biodiversity at scale. In collaboration with the World Agroforestry Center (CIFOR-ICRAF), we are using the latest sample scanning technology, coupled with remote sensing satellite and drone data to develop highly accurate and near-real time estimates of carbon stocks, both above and below-ground, and understand how carbon flows through different systems.
With the rapid growth of Machine Learning capabilities, NATURAL STATE is building automated classifiers to identify and estimate the abundance of wildlife species from camera trap images and acoustic recordings captured by our deployed field sensors and harnessing the power of AI to explore trends using unsupervised clustering and soundscape analyses. NATURAL STATE is also using eDNA technology to rapidly inventory microbial and invertebrate communities and monitor how these change throughout the life of restoration projects. Our field botanist is building a physical and digital herbarium in collaboration with local experts and the National Museums of Kenya.
Through our diverse collaborations, the NATURAL STATE Carbon and Biodiversity Lab serves as a research hub, allowing our field researchers, partners, and local stakeholders to trial new technologies, align methodologies, exchange knowledge, and create strong links between field and remotely sourced data, enabling for large-scale and accurate monitoring of carbon and biodiversity.
