The NPWS has been awarded CeADAR’s AI for Environmental Impact award, recognising their significant contributions to the AI2Peat project. This initiative, funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), aims to enhance peatland monitoring across Ireland using advanced technologies. NPWS’s involvement has been critical in providing ground truth data and qualitative validation, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the AI-driven analysis. Their domain expertise has been fundamental in developing the best computational approaches for condition mapping, guiding the project’s research agenda, and contributing to the overall success of AI2Peat.
Peatlands play a vital role in carbon sequestration, water filtration, and supporting biodiversity, but many have been damaged or destroyed. The AI2Peat project leverages remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to monitor and assess these crucial ecosystems. With NPWS’s expert input, the project has developed PeatSense, a collaborative platform for global peatland condition monitoring and data sharing. Currently in beta, PeatSense offers valuable peatland condition data, a directory of related initiatives, and a glossary of terms, inviting stakeholders to contribute and collaborate.
This award highlights NPWS’s significant contributions to environmental conservation and sets a benchmark for future AI-driven ecological projects.
