Environmental protection needs reliable data, especially in remote areas that are difficult to access. The bioacoustic sensing device SONO enables cooperation between science and volunteering in the collection of environmental and biodiversity data.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
NGOs and environmental protection programs in remote areas face challenges due to a lack of widespread and reliable data on local biodiversity. Issues like illegal logging, poaching, and species extinction due to climate change necessitate data-driven analysis for efficient intervention. To address this, effective design must be integrated into a feasible operational system. SONO facilitates collaboration between scientists and volunteers in collecting vital environmental and biodiversity data. By encouraging collective data gathering, it transforms environmental protection into a community-driven endeavor, promoting social engagement and civic action in regions that are typically difficult to access. Additionally, SONO raises awareness among travelers about nature and wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection between people and their environment.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
SONO addresses the urgent need for reliable environmental data in hard-to-reach areas. This bioacoustic sensing device monitors sound waves to gather information about illegal activities like poaching and logging and to assess species populations, using existing software-driven analysis methods. Contextualized within a sharing system, it empowers outdoor enthusiasts and volunteers to engage in environmental initiatives. The sensor can be attached to outdoor equipment via a multifunctional mount made from laser-cut spring steel or positioned stationary in nature. Volunteers collect data and maintain the sensors through data transfers and battery replacements. SONO’s technology is rooted in the citizen science initiative Soundscapes2Landscapes and developed in collaboration with Open Acoustic Devices, making it accessible and effective in promoting community involvement while gathering critical ecological data.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
SONO distinguishes itself from existing bioacoustic sensors by adopting a mobile and decentralized approach, making it innovative in its design and functionality. Unlike traditional large and high-cost installations, SONO can be mass-produced for under 100 euros, encouraging widespread usage and significantly increasing the sample size of data collected. Its large-scale distribution is facilitated through collaborations with local communities, hostels, and initiatives, enabling seamless integration into various environments. Innovative screw joints and snap-in fittings allow for easy disassembly, promoting recycling, repair, or replacement of its open-source components. This sustainable manufacturing and operational model challenges the status quo, making data collection not only scalable but also environmentally responsible, thereby aligning with contemporary needs for accessible and effective environmental protection tools.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
SONO resonates with young people’s aspirations for sustainable travel and their increasing awareness of environmental issues. As outdoor activities like backpacking become popular among youth seeking a balance to digital life, they face challenges regarding the carbon footprint associated with their travels. This generation is seeking ways to minimize their impact while positively contributing to the environments they explore. SONO provides answers to these pressing questions: it turns travel into an opportunity for active ecological engagement, fostering stewardship among travelers. By enabling users to collect crucial biodiversity data, SONO empowers them to make meaningful contributions to the conservation of the areas they visit. It aligns with young people’s desire to innovate sustainable tourism practices while cultivating a sense of responsibility towards nature and wildlife, thus promoting eco-friendly adventures that respect and protect the planet.
