Vodafone launches smart forest project in Romania to prevent illegal logging

Vodafone announces, for the first time in Romania, a smart forest project, connected to the Supernet network. The forest, located in Covasna County, was equipped with a system for real time monitoring and warning on sounds specific to forestry operations, which helps fighting against illegal logging.

The project is part of Vodafone’s mission to protect the environment and a call for solidarity to defend Romania’s forests against illegal deforestation, in line with the brand’s new global position announced today.

“Romania is among the few countries in Europe that can still be proud of its virgin forests. Unfortunately, they are in danger of destruction. One of Vodafone’s commitments is to protect the planet and to use technology to make a positive impact on society, to contribute to change and progress, to connect people and society for a better life and for a sustainable future. The solution we are launching today responds to an immediate need to prevent illegal logging and to be able to intervene in a timely manner to protect the last secular areas, but also to a long-term goal of action against climate change. Taking care of the planet’s future is a responsibility for us all – authorities, companies, environmental organizations and citizens, and each of us can contribute to this goal through responsible behavior and joint efforts”, said Murielle Lorilloux, CEO Vodafone Romania.

The smart forest solution implemented by Vodafone is based on the system developed by the non-profit start-up Rainforest Connection. The system communicates with the Vodafone network and consists of a series of devices called “digital guardians”, equipped with acoustic sensors that capture a wide range of sounds from the environment. The captured data is sent, via the Internet, to a cloud platform, equipped with Artificial Intelligence. The application analyzes in real-time the information received and, if noises such as chainsaws, cars etc. are detected, which could indicate possible suspicious activities, it also sends real-time alerts to an application installed on foresters’ phones and/or to a regional or national monitoring center. The solution allows forest managers to listen in real time the noise and to intervene promptly in case of danger. The devices are installed in the upper segment of the trees, in a non-intrusive way, are equipped with their own solar panels that provide them energy and are protected against bad weather. A single device has a coverage radius of 1Km and can prevent the deforestation of over 3 Km² of forest.