Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is set to be used in Volcanoes National Park to protect the park and empower its residents.
The technology, dubbed “interspecies money,” will allow gorillas to earn money through digital wallets powered by AI that can read human faces.
Last week, the innovation was named one of The Economist’s top 10 projects with the potential to generate significant revenue by 2025.
Initially, the project was piloted on 20 gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where they were given computerized accounts where it was not clear whether the money they earned would go to pay their caretakers, and the technology could also help them identify where poachers have set traps more easily.
This AI technology used in gorillas will help analyze the behavior of gorillas, determine their needs, determine if they have a problem and anything that could harm them.
This ‘interspecies money’ project was brought by the Tehanu organization, which already works with rural communities to protect wildlife.
Jonathan Ledgard, the director of Tehanu and one of the founders of the organization, told The New Times that this project will change a lot in the relationship between humans and animals and their health.
Ledgard says that AI will learn the needs of other animals and although it has only started with gorillas, it is hoped that others will be reached soon.
He said: “Although this project is currently aimed at mountain gorillas, its goal is to be extended to other species that help plants and will help build an economy that helps them to be well-maintained.”
The interspecies money program will also benefit residents living near the park, who can earn money by sharing photos of birds, recording animal sounds, or providing information about specific animals found.
He points out that although this project is still in its early stages, it will have a significant impact on environmental conservation, and will serve as a global model for valuing and protecting wildlife for the benefit of all.
He said that Rwanda was chosen as a good place to start this project because of its eco-tourism activities and its success in using technology in various national programs.
Ledgard, one of the participants in the project to use small unmanned aircraft in Rwanda for medical purposes, points out that Rwanda is a country that facilitates imitation and is quick to implement technology projects due to good governance.
