I’ve been meaning to share this update on the ReCreate project, a collaborative initiative that unfolded in 2021/22 at inno-space Mannheim in partnership with CERN. The project’s mission was to employ design thinking and various methodologies to ideate and prototype a solution addressing challenges within the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on Goal 15 - Life on Land, which states: “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”. Without further ado, let me present the outcome and pitch the resulting idea to you.
ReNate and SeDrone

In the intricate web of environmental conservation and technological innovation, ReCreate emerges as a comprehensive system composed of three pivotal components: ReNate, SeDrone, and VeDA. This collective ensemble works synergistically to investigate and evaluate abandoned landscapes, formulating a tailored renaturation strategy precisely attuned to each unique terrain.

At its core, ReCreate embraces a blend of autonomy and human involvement, epitomizing a harmonious partnership between cutting-edge technology and human intellect. Let’s delve into the key constituents of this transformative system:

  1. ReNate: This element serves as the guiding intelligence, orchestrating the initial reconnaissance of deserted lands. ReNate’s role extends beyond mere data collection; it analyzes environmental parameters, identifies ecological imbalances, and lays the foundation for a targeted renaturation approach.

  2. SeDrone: Taking to the skies, SeDrone is the aerial counterpart that complements ReNate’s ground-level insights. Equipped with advanced sensors, SeDrone provides a bird’s-eye perspective, capturing critical data to enhance the overall understanding of the landscape. This synergy of ground and aerial perspectives ensures a comprehensive assessment.

  3. VeDA: As the brainchild of ReCreate, VeDA synthesizes the amassed data and formulates a renaturation strategy tailored to the specific needs of the identified area. This analytical engine leverages machine learning algorithms, ecological models, and historical data to predict and optimize the restoration process.

While ReCreate operates as a partially autonomous system, it is imperative to recognize the indispensable role of human expertise in its functionality. Humans play a pivotal part in the planning and execution phases, bringing a nuanced understanding of local ecosystems, cultural considerations, and ethical dimensions. The collaborative effort between technology and human insight amplifies the effectiveness and sustainability of the renaturation initiatives.

In essence, ReCreate exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, seamlessly integrating the precision of technology with the wisdom of human experience. As we navigate the complex terrain of ecological restoration, ReCreate stands as a beacon, demonstrating that the future of sustainable ecosystems lies in the convergence of nature and cutting-edge innovation.

This video illustrates the system in operation.

Discover additional details about the project here!