Contrary to popular perceptions, ecologists are largely data scientists who use the information to make predictions about ecosystems based on data. This allows for the perfect marriage of technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT and blockchain, says Daniel Keane, Founder of Predict Ecology.

BSV blockchain for recording real-world data with the highest level of integrity

Predict Ecology is an environmental and ecological consulting firm which uses the BSV blockchain (BSV) in novel ways to offer rigorous science, real-world data, and predictive modelling. Speaking at the recent Blockchain in Business conference in Sydney, Keane said that some of the most commonly collected ecology data include:

• Flora – species lists, transects, gas exchange measurements, phenology, and vegetation types;

• Fauna – including camera trap data, acoustic/ultrasonic data and species observations;

• Water – including chemical, physical, and hydrological parameters;

• Air – including particulates, chemical, physical and flow parameters;

• Human and social land uses and cultural artefacts.

‘There is not a single ecosystem that is not impacted by humans. We are embedded components in the natural world. We are also unfortunately on the brink of a global precipice. Biodiversity collapse will change ecosystem services that we expect, and take for granted, for the worst.’

Using blockchain technology to prevent environmental collapse

Researchers and academics have pointed to the need for high-velocity ecological data, analytics, and forecasting to grow at the pace of environmental change, said Keane. Given the economic and societal value of these environmental services, there is a strong incentive to increase analytical velocity, he said.

Predict ecology is addressing these demands by measuring and tracking ‘natural capital’ —a term to describe the value of an ecosystem that includes the people, plants and wildlife living in and around it. By using the BSV blockchain, Predict Ecology can tokenise individual plants and track their condition. This data can then be validated, referenced, and audited all in one place.

Keane added that this dataset of natural capital on-chain can then be collectively added and updated by ecologists around the world.

Storing data on the BSV blockchain

Keane said that one of the biggest advantages of storing data on-chain is the fact that it’s immutable. Additionally, there are levels of verification and validity that blockchain technology allows you to undertake,’ he said.

He noted that many ecologists still typically collect data with a notepad while in the field – which is not secure, verifiable or permanent. By comparison, Predict Ecology IoT devices, which allow for data to be collected and stored on-chain in real-time.

Predict Ecology also uses a grid system that allows for the tracking of plants by space and time. This space is then tokenised and can be further augmented with additional data.

Watch Predict Ecology in action

Keane recently sat down with Bitcoin Association to discuss Predict Ecology and give a full demonstration of the technology as part of the Blockchain Hustlers series. The demonstration includes:

• An introduction to Predict Ecology’s field data collection app;
• An explanation of how field ecologists can track and record data;
• The ability to include multiple datasets – including photos.
• How timestamps work and other features such as note-taking.

You can watch the full episode here: