Project AMBER: Celebrating a groundbreaking initiative

We are continuing to evolve our corporate approach to nature, acknowledging our negative impacts while looking for opportunities to protect and restore nature. We do this, in part, through our partnerships with the Aberdeen Group Charitable Foundation and via colleague engagement, including our colleague networks and volunteering policy.

In 2022, the Aberdeen Group Charitable Foundation committed £1,000,000 to fund project AMBER (Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Monitoring of Biodiversity using Edge-processing and Remote Sensors). AMBER is a global research programme created to monitor and collect biodiversity data, with data science experts from the Alan Turing Institute and ecologists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). 

Project AMBER uses cutting-edge research that combines AI, automated monitoring, and global collaboration to better understand trends in insect populations, with the aim of bridging the knowledge gap between insect populations and the impact on ecosystems. The project primarily focused on locations along the tropics where rich biodiversity data is most needed and available, and aligned with Aberdeen’s offices in Singapore, Thailand and Japan, providing our colleagues and local communities with opportunities to be involved in this initiative. 

Now, as the activities of project AMBER conclude this month, we reflect on its achievements and the legacy it leaves behind.

Harnessing technology for nature

The AMBER project has deployed over 60 Automated Monitoring of Biodiversity (AMI) systems across 10 countries, spanning regions from Central America to Asia and Africa. These systems use bioacoustics, computer vision, and AI-driven analytics to provide continuous monitoring for insects, bats, and birds. This provides a level of consistency that traditional fieldwork cannot achieve, while reducing the burden of monitoring on individual ecologists; giving time back to focus on the issues which require specific expertise. Furthermore, the monitoring systems were deployed in remote locations, powered by solar panels, providing a breadth and depth of insights which could not be achieved otherwise.

To have a deeper understanding of these insights, and stories from the project, please follow this link to the project AMBER dashboard, where you can read more. The dashboard takes a ‘data story’ approach that includes accessible summaries of the locations, insights into how the team have used the power of AI to process a wealth of data, fieldwork diaries and some highlights of the wildlife encountered during the project.  

Global reach, local impact

Partnerships are at the heart of AMBER’s success. Working with local research institutes, NGOs, and universities, the project ensured that the technology was deployed effectively and that local expertise shaped the research. 

These partnerships will also ensure that the work of AMBER continues after the project concludes, with 12+ partner organisations continuing to monitor and upkeep the systems. 

Engaging our people

Throughout the project, Aberdeen Group colleagues had opportunities to engage with this important work, whether through local site visits by colleagues in Singapore or presentations from leading scientists. These activities helped bring the science to life and underscored the role we can all play in protecting biodiversity.

Looking ahead

While project AMBER has reached its conclusion, its impact will continue. The data which continues to be collected will be used for years to come, and the partnerships forged will pave the way for future innovation in biodiversity monitoring.

At Aberdeen Group, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that harness technology for positive environmental change, because a thriving natural world underpins a sustainable future for us all.

We’ll soon announce our next nature-focused partnership, continuing our commitment to innovation in biodiversity and connecting communities to nature.