Risks and benefits of artificial intelligence in locally led nature restoration

This report reviews 68 artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assess the potential applications, prospects, risks and barriers of using AI for locally led nature restoration and conservation initiatives.

The findings show promising possibilities to support more inclusive and effective restoration, like better monitoring of biodiversity or simplified access to funding, but it also flags areas of concern like the lack of transparency, bias and weak security.

This research was produced for the Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) programme, which supports research and action in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

While REDAA looks forward to exploring the recommendations offered in this report, the programme is not advocating for AI to be embedded across all aspects of programmes. The authors’ insights and recommendations open the door to further exploration, acknowledging that AI is a rapidly evolving field with both potential and limitations.

REDAA is funded by UK International Development from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and is managed by IIED.