Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in AI Bioacoustic Analysis for Biodiversity Monitoring

This project is developing an AI-assisted biodiversity monitoring initiative in collaboration with indigenous communities in Brazil.

This project pioneers an inclusive approach to biodiversity monitoring by combining AI technology with indigenous ecological knowledge. In collaboration with Brazilian indigenous communities, researchers will deploy five network-connected ambisonic microphones to collect real-time bioacoustic data. The data will be analysed using an AI model developed by the Alan Turing Institute, which will be retrained using indigenous-led data labelling systems to address existing Euro-American biases.

This comparative analysis will highlight the value of participatory, culturally grounded approaches to environmental data science. Outputs include a live biodiversity data visualisation at the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, a symposium on indigenous participation in biodiversity monitoring, and an edited volume published by UCL Press.

The project contributes to global biodiversity initiatives and demonstrates the importance of equitable, cross-cultural collaboration in AI and environmental research.