The PLDT Group is teaming up with Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc., the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to deploy the technology of US-based non-profit organization Rainforest Connection (RFCx).
The partnership aims to strengthen local forest conservation efforts and enhance enforcement of environmental laws.
Under the tie-up, RFCx “Guardians” which are bioacoustics monitoring devices, will be deployed to the protected forest areas of Taytay, Palawan.
The Guardians can capture sounds of the forest, including those from chainsaws used for illegal logging and gunshots, among others sounds.
RFCx Guardians, powered by solar energy, are installed high in canopies of trees and equipped with the capacity to capture sounds within a three-kilometer radius.
Collected data are transmitted via wireless technology to the cloud for analysis using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology, allowing for the identification of possible illegal activities.
With the RCFx Guardians, and through a connected platform called “Arbimon”, forest rangers can monitor a wider area more efficiently which would otherwise be almost impossible for foot patrols given the size of the forest.
With the collected data from the Guardians, the rangers have access to improved threat intelligence, allowing them to zero-in on specific areas and help facilitate corresponding action to stop illegal activities in protected forests.
RFCx Guardian devices have been previously installed in select forest areas of Palawan in 2020, contributing to the increase in apprehension and decrease in cases of illegal activities.
Working in collaboration with the DENR and the DICT, PLDT, Smart, and Huawei, the setup intends to expand deployment of these devices in Palawan and in other protected forest areas in the country.
“PLDT and Smart recognize the vital role of our forests in combating climate change, in keeping our communities safe from disasters, and in enabling us to continue doing business in the long-term. Together with our social outreach arm, the PLDT-Smart Foundation, we are proud to be part of this project that uses communications technology to support and reinforce critical efforts to preserve and protect forests in the country,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer.
“We are fortunate to have found like-minded partners in Huawei, the DICT and the DENR who share our commitment to help protect the planet for the next generation,” she said.
“Aligning with Huawei’s TECH4ALL digital initiative and action plan, this project supports our efforts to innovate solutions, use technology, and work with partners to mitigate impacts of climate change and be stewards of the planet for the next generation,” said Karrie Buenafe, Huawei senior public relations manager.