RiparianEye - Biomass
Strategic tools for the re-use of biomass from aquatic invasive plants based on AI and aerial imagery
Scheda del progetto
RiparianEye-Biomass is an innovative Earth Observation project that aims to limit the loss of biodiversity in riverine environments by turning the problem of invasive plant species into resources, with a Circular Economy approach. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and aerial imagery, it will produce a digital platform for the efficient reuse and management of biomass focused on the production of biohydrogen and high value-added biomolecules for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors, including a LifeCycle Assessment to quantify the impact of different options.
Contact:
- Andrea Comino - a.comino@zirak.it
IAS in an ecosystem that is not adapted to the presence of a new species often alters population dynamics to an appreciable extent, causing loss of biodiversity and a decrease in the quality of life of local communities, e.g. by clogging waterways, hindering recreational and tourist activities, and even posing a danger to human health. At the same time, traditional IAS management entails heavy costs for public administrations and agencies, and is often unsustainable in the long run.
RiparianEye-Biomass is a circular economy tool, which transforms IAS from a problem into a resource, generates new economic flows and reduces environmental impact. The project uses 'AI for Biodiversity' - from monitoring IAS, to mapping river ecosystems, to optimising management strategies - with a highly interdisciplinary team, ensuring a holistic view and promoting the development of cutting-edge sustainable solutions. Innovation extends to the governance model, actively involving local communities, regulators and stakeholders, and promoting participation and knowledge sharing.
The project creates new job opportunities in the sustainable management of IAS and the production of biohydrogen and biomolecules, generating new economic flows in local communities and improving the quality of life - including the usability of river ecosystems and the reduction of health risks. It is also a tool for biodiversity conservation, protecting native species and habitats, reducing the need to extract non-renewable natural resources and enhancing local resources, significantly minimising the impact on the ecosystem.