Gathering data on the ecosystems of the Maldives, a large and dispersed island nation, is a challenge. To effectively monitor and manage these ecosystems, the use of digital technologies such as remote sensing, automated vehicles, and artificial intelligence may be indispensable. It will also be necessary to move from one-time data collection efforts to continuous, locally led programs in order to maximize the value and usefulness of the data.
Moving from one-off to continuous and locally led data collection efforts was seen by this group as a key objective, and one that digital technologies and tools can support. Remote and automated data collection tools and technologies that can capture data in a less resource-intensive way were identified as a key focus area. These tools include aerial data capture using drones and specialized cameras and algorithms, such as fluid lensing, which can help map and monitor extended coastal areas and coral reefs as well as underwater acoustic monitoring that allows for remote observation of marine ecosystems based on sounds, with the potential to provide insights on trends in coral reef health, biodiversity, and boat traffic. Participants also explored how to establish ‘smart reefs’ through the application of a variety of tools from fixed sensors to autonomous underwater and surface sensing vehicles to better support reef conservation and management efforts.
At the same time, for current and future data collection efforts to be sustainable and to maximize development impact, it is equally important to make it easier for stakeholders to share and re-use climate-relevant data.