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VineDSS for Biodiversity
The VineDSS – Biodiversity project aims to tackle the significant issue of biodiversity loss in Switzerland, particularly within its vineyards. Switzerland faces an alarming decline in biodiversity, with over a third of its species, including amphibians, reptiles, and various plants, now endangered. The degradation of biodiversity not only affects ecosystems but also imposes economic and environmental costs, as recognized by both scientists and policymakers.
This loss is compounded by the reliance on traditional agricultural practices, particularly the use of pesticides, which exacerbate the problem. For vineyards, which are heavily dependent on chemical treatments, maintaining productivity while protecting biodiversity has become a significant challenge. The lack of real-time data, fragmented information across various sources, and limited adoption of advanced technologies like AI contribute to the complexity of addressing this issue.
Reduction in pesticide use
The VineDSS –Biodiversity project, in partnership with the EPFL Innovation Park Foundation, proposes an innovative AI-powered Decision Support System (DSS) specifically designed for vineyard management to counter biodiversity loss. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as field sensors, mobile applications, real-time data analysis, and hydrological modeling, this system empowers vineyard owners to reduce pesticide use, optimize water management, and foster biodiversity. The databaum platform at the heart of this project combines hardware and software solutions to collect vital data from weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and environmental DNA, allowing for precise monitoring and management of the ecosystem.
Leveraging artificial intelligence and image classification algorithms, the system enables real-time biodiversity assessment through mobile applications, where farmer scan capture and analyze field data. Additionally, environmental DNA measurement and bioacoustic monitoring further enhance biodiversity tracking. The project promotes sustainable farming practices and facilitates community engagement by creating shared weather station data grids, enabling collective action. This blend of technology and community-driven solutions not only ensures compliance with environmental regulations but also empowers vineyard owners to lead the way in biodiversity preservation.
« By integrating cutting-edge technologies this system empowers vineyard owners to reduce pesticide use, optimize water management, and foster biodiversity. »
By adopting this approach, VineDSS represents a significant leap towards regenerative agriculture, where productivity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. It showcases the power of collaboration between technology, farmers, and scientific expertise in creating sustainable, thriving ecosystems, with the promise of shaping a future where both biodiversity and agriculture flourish together.
