Software Technology is widely used in all sectors in modern times. There has been huge advancement with the use of Software Technology. Putting the same effort into using Software Technology for nature would make Earth a much better place for all beings. Current and future generations would become more aware of the importance of nature. Future generations will appreciate nature the way we do, such as when we go on a hike or any other kind of outing in the forests.
But the change from exploitation of nature to living in harmony with nature has to happen on a global scale. There are many organizations involved in the conservation and restoration of nature. Companies selling environment-friendly products are increasing in number. As more and more people get involved, less will become the need to do anything that’s not good for the environment. Nature-based solutions are the way to bring about this shift.
It’s possible for everyone to contribute to the environment. One way is through the products that are bought for daily needs. If companies sell unsustainable products, consumers will have no other option but to buy such products. Buying through sustainable marketplaces that sell environment-friendly products is an alternative. This can enable consumers to start making a change in their lifestyle. However, sustainable products need to be available globally for consumers to buy them in their locality.
This article will cover some of the ways in which Software Technology is being leveraged for the conservation of nature. Doing this on a global scale would have a much better impact on the environment.
Nature-Themed Website
This is an indirect use of Software Technology for the conservation of nature, but an essential one. An online presence is important for any business, this is more so for a green business. A local shop selling environment-friendly products is restricted to that locality. But if the same shop also has a website, this online presence boosts consumer awareness. People outside the locality can know about the products and buy them online.
Building a website and making it available online is efficient nowadays. Several hosting providers have a one-click installation of WordPress. The CMS has several nature themes and templates to build a nature-themed website. My article on building a green business website provides a comprehensive overview of the steps.
A well-built website is equally important for non-profit groups involved in the conservation of nature. With a well-built website, such groups will be able to engage better with people and will have a greater outreach. The same applies to nature clubs and other nature associations. They contribute to the environment by encouraging people to spend time in nature. The events hosted on their websites spread awareness among people about nature.
User-interactive GIS maps can now be embedded on websites. The next section has more details on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Digital maps created on GIS are exported as static images for inclusion in documents. With web-based mapping, they can also be embedded on websites as user-interactive maps. These interactive maps enable users to explore and learn more about natural areas.
Geographic Information Systems
Geospatial Technology is widely used in the field of nature conservation. GIS is one of the components of Geospatial Technology. Digital maps created on GIS can show Ecological Land Classification, trails, important land features and many other things. Analysis can be done on GIS with the maps created, to measure the area of forest stands, ponds and other cover types. Trail lengths can also be measured. There are tools for conservation planning in GIS, such as the tool to create buffers.
Global Positioning System (GPS) is another component of Geospatial Technology. It’s used to collect data on-field. One other way to collect data is through forest inventory and uploading it into GIS through a CSV file. The data is then used to create layers and maps on GIS. There are Apps available now for the on-field collection of data.
Maps created on a desktop GIS application are exported as an image file for use in documentation. However, with web-based GIS mapping, the maps are also available online for sharing. Online GIS also has publicly available data to create maps or add to the maps created using uploaded data.
The maps created through web-based GIS mapping can be converted into Apps. These Apps can then be embedded as user-interactive maps on websites, as mentioned in the section above. This article covers only a fraction of the features available on GIS for the conservation of nature. ArcGIS, an ESRI product, has many other features. Advanced features such as Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence are available on ArcGIS. More information on all the ArcGIS features can be found on the ESRI website.
Forest Modelling And Decision Support Software
Predictive modelling software uses current data to predict the future state. Forest inventory data is fed as input to the software to determine the state of the forest in the future. Conservation planning can be done based on the output, to bring about changes in the forest management plan, to have the desired state in the future. There are numerous predictive models available. However, this software is not as widely used for conservation as the GIS Technology mentioned above.
Decision support software is similar to modelling software. But instead of predicting the future state, it informs how the forest is to be managed. It’s often used to determine which part of a managed forest and how much of the area is to be set aside for ecological purposes. One example is, setting aside areas for biodiversity values. But like modelling software, it’s not as widely used for conservation.
Software used for statistical analysis, such as R Studio, is more common in the field of conservation.
Other Software Applications
Conclusion
For a meaningful shift to happen from the exploitation of nature to living in harmony with nature, change has to take place on a global scale. This can happen through the conservation and restoration of forests and nature-based solutions. Sustainable businesses selling environment-friendly products will further strengthen the cause. As more people get involved in this globally, less will be the way of life that’s not good for the environment.
Software Technology has an important role in the conservation of nature. Websites are essential to boost awareness and increase outreach. Software such as GIS enables mapping, visualization and analysis of natural resources. It’s used to assist in conservation planning. Modelling and decision support software can be applied widely for conservation. There are numerous other software that contribute indirectly to the conservation of nature. They make a positive impact on the environment.
The application of Software Technology for the conservation of nature, and sustainability, has to happen on a global scale.
About NNWS
I provide web-based software solutions for the environmental cause, through Nattoji Nature Web Solutions. My services are for clients involved in the conservation of nature and for sustainable businesses. I provide my services within their budget. Building nature-themed websites and GIS are some of the services provided.