Modern technology's role in safeguarding nature within airspace: An exploration
Fly High, Save Nature: Unleashing the Power of Drones in Russia's Environmental Conservation
Photo credit: Yevgeniya GUSEVA. Swap to KP Photo Bank
The protection of Russia's Specially Protected Natural Territories (SPNT) is no cakewalk. These pristine ecosystems face a string of challenges that can cause irreversible damage to our environment. Traditional methods, such as manual monitoring and patrols, are outdated and insufficient. To keep these natural gems intact, innovative solutions are needed, and drones promise to be a game- changer.
Sergei Rybakov, the program director of Vostok Club and head honcho at the "Nature and People" foundation, shared his vision for using drones in SPNT management. "For an effective SPNT protection, employing the latest technological advancements is crucial. Drones can help us detect issues promptly, minimize natural disasters damage, and maintain the special protection regime of these precious territories," he said.
Drones can be equipped with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), satellite observation, marker and sensor systems, and intelligent data analysis programs to identify patterns and predict possible violations. Even artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be combined with high-resolution image analysis obtained by UAS and retrospective data to develop a proper understanding of a territory's state and build predictions for its long-term and sustainable development.
The Potential: Facts and Figures
The potential benefits of using drones in SPNT conservation are enormous. Annually, hundreds of thousands of flight hours using thousands of drones of various types could be needed to guarantee comprehensive SPNT protection. The financial benefits of this approach could reach billions of rubles, saved through minimizing damage from natural disasters and illegal human activities. Those savings could be redirected to improving the quality of life of the population and boosting domestic tourism.
Leading the Pack: Russia's Role in the Global UAS Race
Gone are the days when Russia simply tried to catch up with the global UAS leaders. Today, our nation confidently competes in many areas, with Russia's Vadim Medvedev asserting, "We no longer shy away at the thought of ‘how can we do this if there's nothing in the country?' We have learned to find answers to these questions."
The Russian government is actively encouraging the production of civilian drones and opening skies for safe UAS operations. Unmanned aerial systems have become a national priority and are driving domestic high technologies in 2024. To ensure the economic efficiency and social benefit, it's vital that UAS consistently deliver tangible results in healthcare, environmental protection, and transport logistics.
By the Numbers: State Support and Timeline
In 2024, BACS supplies were provided to state customers through a single supplier – GTLK JSC. Contracted units of BACS totaled 2,717, with deliveries scheduled for 2024 amounting to 3.7 billion rubles, and a shift to 2025 totaling 2.7 billion rubles. It's worth mentioning that all indicators under the "Demand" program were met as of March 31st.
Drones: A Revolution in Environmental Protection and the Real Sector
Unmanned aerial systems are no longer just a buzzword; they have become a critical factor in transforming both environmental protection activities and the real sector of the economy. Georgy Belozorov, the Deputy General Director of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, underscored the drone's potential, stating, "Dramatically changing the economy and the environment, drones are not merely a more convenient method for data collection. They are a tool for action and improving ecosystem services."
In the framework of the National Ecological and Climate Initiative (NEKI), drones can be extensively used for monitoring forest fires, air quality, planting seedlings, and geological prospecting. It's essential not to limit drones to just flying devices but to explore their cross-cutting, interdisciplinary potential and harness their power.
New Paradigms: Data, Multi- Tasking, and Collaboration
The emphasis on drones is shifting from simple data collection to the integration of multiple tasks and real-time data processing. The main value of drones lies not in their mechanical aspects but in their capacity to collect, process, and transmit data. "Drones possess the unique ability to transmit large volumes of data almost in real-time, which can be centrally processed," said Vladislav Onischenko, General Director of the Agency for Transformation and Economic Development.
Drones allow multiple tasks to be accomplished simultaneously, such as delivery, monitoring, reporting, and signal transmission, making them far more efficient compared to other technologies.
Protecting the Multi- Faceted Lake Baikal Like Never Before
Umar Ramazanov, the General Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Zapovednoe Pribaikalye," spoke about the transformative impact of new technologies and partners on the protection of Lake Baikal. In the last four months alone, significant progress was made as if the team had climbed a 100-story building. Ramazanov anticipates launching three drones with a range of up to 1000 km within the next month. With two platforms prepared, operators trained, and equipment in place, the focus turns from merely introducing new devices to fundamentally changing the approach to nature conservation.
Ramazanov stressed the importance of integrating drones into existing processes. "Believe me, I've been working on the ground for 13 years. We increased the number of inspectors from 100 to 300, boosted salaries, but it didn't make a difference. Our territory is enormous, but accessibility is low. Lake Baikal isn't always a peaceful place, air transportation is pricey and risky. Embracing technology allows us to protect nature in a different way – at a faster pace, with better accuracy, and increased responsibility."
Today, a system for monitoring the movement of inspectors, a visitor counter, and drones for tasks like delivery, fire control, patrolling, and even winter animal counting are already being used.
Pioneering a UAS-Fueled Revolution: An Interview with Alexei Varyatchenko
Interview with Alexei Varyatchenko, Co-Chair of the UNECE/FAO Group on Boreal Forests
What is the next step in the drone revolution? Alexei Varyatchenko, Co-Chair of the UNECE/FAO Group on Boreal Forests, makes it clear that the focus is on learning how best to utilize drones in different industries. "The main and breakthrough task is to understand how to use drones with maximum benefit for the enterprise," he explained.
Russian drones are already superior to many foreign counterparts in terms of capabilities and functionality. However, the key is to comprehend what exactly drones can do and where they can simplify work processes. We must delve into each industry, understand the economics of processes, and calculate the effect of technology integration, Varyatchenko emphasized.
Drones are currently revolutionizing energy, oil and gas, agriculture, logistics, and other sectors. For instance, in agriculture, UAVs are more productive than traditional equipment. They can treat specific areas of a field efficiently, quickly, and without losses. In remote northern regions, they serve as a lifesaver, transporting everything from urgent medications to vital parts.
Trust: The Foundation of UAS Integration
Shamyl Kurmangaev, a leading scientific employee at the Institute of System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the essential need for trust in autonomous systems. "If we grant autonomy to a system that operates in the real world, we must be confident in its reliability," he said. "For this, not only high-quality mathematical models and technologies are necessary, but also competent specialists and a professional community."
Only such a community can develop, test, confirm, and form criteria for trusting these systems, Kurmangaev added. Without a reliable professional community, it will be impossible to achieve large-scale and safe integration of autonomous solutions in the civilian sphere.
Beyond Drones: So much More Than Meets The Eye
Albina Gazizullina, head of the Civilian UAV Center of the Kalashnikov Concern, spoke about the future of drone technology and the significance of practical applications. The key to success today, she emphasized, is practical utility and well-calculated economies. From monitoring forest fires to enforcing laws, drones are set to play a vital role in real-life scenarios. Kalashnikov is developing designs and operational engineering for drones aiming to integrate them into new industries, including construction and environmental projects.
Catch That Snow Leopard (and More) with Underwater Drones
Victoria Elias, director of nature conservation at the "Nature and People" fund, stressed the importance of a technological approach in conserving fragile ecosystems. Underwater drones are a burgeoning niche and a crucial need in the field of nature conservation, she said. They can monitor sounds, control discharges, track fish, determine water quality, and assess the health of seas and fresh water bodies – all things that are impossible to achieve through human intervention.
"Sometimes even the most prepared inspector cannot reach the snow leopard," Elias pointed out. "But a drone can fly the route, collect data from camera traps, transmit it to the server, and all this is faster and more efficient." Digitization and new technologies open up great opportunities in nature conservation, she added. However, the regulatory framework is still evolving, and specialists and environmental organizations are implementing new technologies in practice. The challenge is to develop both the technology and the regulations in parallel without losing momentum.
The New Frontier: Where Can UAVs Serve?
In the next five to ten years, unmanned vehicles are expected to penetrate various sectors of the economy, with rapid growth expected in logistics, energy, security, creative industries (such as advertising and show business), and education and science.
Logistics and Cargo Delivery
Tasks:– Delivering goods to remote regions (such as Siberia, the Arctic, and Far East).– Express delivery of medications and critical supplies between medical facilities.– Transporting small cargo in megacities (e.g., drone-based couriers in Moscow or Kazan).
Energy and Mining
Tasks:– Real-time monitoring of oil and gas pipelines for leaks and damage.– Inspection of wind and solar power plants.– Prospecting for deposits using lidars and multispectral cameras.
Forestry and Ecology
Tasks:– Detecting forest fires at an early stage.– Monitoring illegal logging.– Assessing the condition of forests and restoration work.
Advertising and Mass Events
Tasks:– Flying billboards (tested in Moscow).– Light shows (an alternative to fireworks).– Aerial photography of events for media coverage.
Security and Law Enforcement
Tasks:– Border patrol (particularly relevant for Crimea, the Caucasus, and the Far East).– Search and rescue missions for violators in forests and on water bodies.– Security during mass events for threats identification.
Education and Science
Tasks:– Studying the atmosphere, animal migration.– Archaeological research from the air.– Teaching students to work with UAVs (new academic specializations offered by universities).
- The use of drones in Russian environmental conservation is a promising solution for protecting Specially Protected Natural Territories (SPNT), as traditional methods are insufficient and outdated.
- Drones can be equipped with various systems such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), satellite observation, marker and sensor systems, and intelligent data analysis programs to aid in identifying patterns and predicting possible violations.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can be combined with high-resolution image analysis obtained by UAS and retrospective data to understand a territory's state and predict its long-term and sustainable development.
- The financial benefits of using drones in SPNT conservation could reach billions of rubles, saved through minimizing damage from natural disasters and illegal human activities.
- Drones could help redirect savings towards improving the quality of life of the population and boosting domestic tourism.
- Russia is actively encouraging the production of civilian drones and opening skies for safe UAS operations.
- Unmanned aerial systems have become a national priority and are driving domestic high technologies in 2024.
- In 2024, BACS supplies were provided to state customers, totaling 2,717 units, with deliveries scheduled for 2024 amounting to 3.7 billion rubles.
- Drones are no longer just a buzzword; they have become a critical factor in transforming environmental protection activities and the real sector of the economy.
- In the framework of the National Ecological and Climate Initiative (NEKI), drones can be extensively used for monitoring forest fires, air quality, planting seedlings, and geological prospecting.
- Drones allow multiple tasks to be accomplished simultaneously, such as delivery, monitoring, reporting, and signal transmission, making them far more efficient compared to other technologies.
- Umar Ramazanov anticipates launching three drones with a range of up to 1000 km within the next month for the protection of Lake Baikal.
- The key to success today is practical utility and well-calculated economies in various industries, such as agriculture, logistics, and energy, where drones are currently revolutionizing workers' productivity.
- Trust in autonomous systems is an essential need for safe integration, requiring high-quality mathematical models, technologies, competent specialists, and a professional community.
- Drones in the field of nature conservation can monitor sounds, control discharges, track fish, determine water quality, assess the health of seas and fresh water bodies, and even help locate endangered species like the snow leopard.
- Unmanned vehicles are expected to penetrate various sectors of the economy over the next five to ten years, with rapid growth expected in logistics, energy, security, creative industries, education, and science.
- Drones can offer services such as delivering goods to remote regions, inspecting oil and gas pipelines, studying the atmosphere, archaeological research, and teaching students to work with UAVs.
- Security during mass events, border patrol, search and rescue missions, aerial photography, and advertising are some other potential uses of drones across different industries.
