Programme

James McBreen, Global Lead for the IUCN Tech4Nature programme provides an opening speech to highlight the global emergence of nature tech.

Followed by a discussion between a panel of environmental and technology industry experts, who provide insight on the future for nature tech in the UK:

• Dr Hannah Rudman (Chair), Business Development Director, Highlands Rewilding

• Dr Doug Wilson OBE, Science Director, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
• Erica Kemp, Director, Envance
• Tom Ludwig, Head of Biodiversity Solutions for Onshore Industries, Nature Metrics
• Isobel Ashbey, Head of Biodiversity and Nature Tech, Cambridge Consultants

Technology has a key role to play in driving the monitoring, reporting and verification of habitat restoration and nature-based solutions. Join this panel session to gain insight from leading providers of technologies that can underpin financial innovation for nature and nature-based solutions, discover the needs and capabilities of this fast-growing arena of innovation and enterprise and find out what difference technologies can make to buyers, sellers, investors and enablers of new transactions. A panel discussion with:

• Liz Scott, Geospatial Solutions Architect, Catapult Satellite Applications
• Jayne Ashley, Head of Natural Capital, South of Scotland Enterprise 
• Stuart Auld, Senior Scientist and Business Developer, Okala
• Geoffrey Carss, CEO and Founder, Wilder Sensing
• Tom Walker, Environmental scientist and Head of Science, Cecil

Using the latest satellite earth observation imagery and artificial intelligence, alongside citizen scientists on the ground, Space4Nature is enabling Surrey Wildlife Trust to work with landowners across the country to create, restore and connect fragmented habitat. Join this presentation to hear about the findings so far, and how this unique approach can enable the development of nature networks throughout the UK and beyond.

• Andrew Jamieson, Project Manager, Space4Nature, Surrey Wildlife Trust

• Dr Ana Andries, Lecturer and Research Fellow, University of Surrey

• Prof Richard Murphy, Professor of Life Cycle Assessment, Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey

After enjoying a hearty lunch, tune in to conversations with innovators in the application of digital technologies for nature recovery. Make the most of the displays from leading providers of digital technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is finding a wide-range of applications in addressing challenges in society. It relies on good access to good data. In this keynote presentation, Stig Martin Fiska, explains the requirements for effective use of AI in nature recovery across all environments. He gives guidance on how to make sure it is used cost-effectively, and can resolve real world problems. Stig Martin is a senior leader in Cognizant, a global professional services company that advances the technologies that are changing the nature of business.

• Stig Martin Fiskå, Global Head of Ocean, Cognizant

Two 25-minute seminars providing insight on two digital technologies key to monitoring, reporting and verification of nature recovery.

Deploying eDNA intelligently: key factors for success (13:55 to 14:20)

Over the last two decades, there has been a surge in interest in environmental DNA as a tool for determining what species are present across landscapes and in marine habitat. While it is a powerful technology that can deliver solutions far more cost-effective than traditional ecological monitoring, it must be deployed judiciously. This includes the correct approach to sampling, all the way through to data interpretation. This seminar is provided by Applied Genomics, eDNA specialists with substantial experience in the UK and beyond.

How to integrate acoustic and other data into the assessment of nature recovery (14:30 to 14:55)

Insight into the status and trends in the species present at a site requires the integration of data from many different sources. Join this session to discover Wilder Sensing’s scalable, Artificial Intelligence Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution. Discover what how acoustic data can provide a basis for insight into nature in a locality. Session provided by Wilder Sensing.

Two 25-minute seminars on tools that can engage people in biodiversity.

Powering nature recovery with smartphones (13:55 to 14:20)

Technology brings huge opportunities to engage citizens in the recovery of nature, and to harness their capacity to generate new insights. Find out more through this presentation and discussions with partners in iNaturalist UK; Giselle Sterry and Dr Ben Holt. Ben will be presenting The Rock Pool Project’s new initiative, which uses smartphone technology to turn wildlife recording into a fun competitive team game.

• Giselle Sterry, National Biodiversity Network Trust
• Dr Ben Holt, CEO, The Rock Pool Project

Powering nature recovery through digital games and visualisation (14.30 to 14:55)

Join this session to discover a selection of digital games that support nature recovery and nature-based solutions. With Henry Driver and Silhouette; a game created by students and alumni from West Suffolk College. In the game players grow their own unique woodland habitats, which then funds tree planting. And Elena Höge from Yaldi Games, developer of Out and About a factual life simulator, designed to inspire and educate players on foraging, healthy cooking & creative crafts to then recreate these practices in real life!

Including conversations with providers of technologies for nature recovery.

Two 25-minute seminars all about tech for nature when deployed over larger areas.

Earth Observation, AI and nature recovery in UK rural landscapes (15:30 to 15:55)

Expectations for the use of Artificial Intelligence in nature recovery are running high. But to use it well, it is important to get clear on its role in assessing the accuracy and usefulness of biodiversity data. AI is a significant tool in the processing and interpretation of Earth Observation data, but there is a need to balance price and quality. It is also important to consider what role AI leaves for ecological experts. Join this session with biodiversity monitoring specialists Gentian to discover the best ways of harnessing Earth Observation and AI for nature recovery in the rural landscape.

• Dusty Gedge, co-founder, Gentian

Optimising and enabling nature recovery in river catchments through digital technologies (16:05 to 16:30)

Nature recovery requires a comprehensive monitoring approach that tracks habitat health, species diversity, and the flow of ecosystem services. Join this session to hear from Additive Catchments about how CMaaS® (Catchment Monitoring as a Service) can enable integrated assessment of farm output, biodiversity and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions. See how Earth Observation data can be used in conjunction with innovative sensor technologies to assess the impacts of water quality on local biodiversity and support nature recovery initiatives. Additive Catchments is working with partners including Amazon Web Services, ArcGIS (an Esri product), Siemens, AtkinsRealis and Galliford Try PLC.

• Rob Passmore, Additive Catchments

Two 25-minute seminars.

Advancing digital technology for urban nature (15:30 to 15:55)

Join this session to learn how the Natural History Museum, partner organisations, and community scientists integrate new technologies – environmental DNA, acoustic biology, and app-based wildlife recording – to build a holistic understanding of the UK’s urban nature. Hear how Amazon Web Services supports the Museum in developing a technology-enabled Urban Research Station within its London gardens, generating new data on urban biodiversity and showcasing the wealth of life in inner-city spaces to engage diverse audiences in its monitoring and protection. With:

• Dr John Tweddle, Head of Centre for UK Nature, UK Nature Recovery Theme Leader, Natural History Museum

• Sumera Saad, Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Keeping a close eye on nature: the role of Earth Observation (16:05 to 16:30)

The UK has opportunity to be a global leader in the use of satellites for the monitoring of nature and nature-based solutions. Join this session to hear what services are currently on offer, and what the future in Earth Observation for nature recovery will look like. Hear examples of practical applications of Earth Observation in the stewardship of nature. Session featuring the UK Earth Observation Network for Sustainability (UK-EONS), a UK consortium of world-leading experts in Earth Observation technology and applications. UK-EONS is led by Space Hub Yorkshire.

• Phil Baldacchino-Steward, Commercial Director of Tracsis Geo Intelligence, the Commercial Partner in UK-EONS

We conclude the day by returning to the vision for how nature tech can deliver outcomes for individual citizens, for our biodiversity goals and for UK plc. EKN’s Director, Bruce Howard, in discussion with Erika Kemp and Chris Johns, Directors at Envance Limited.