Wetlands are complex, vulnerable ecosystems that are invaluable in today’s changing climate. From mangroves to bogs, wetlands are areas where water covers the soil for at least part of the year. Wetlands are diverse, complex, and dynamic systems that are vital to human and non-human species alike. Among the most productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands are home to an immense variety of species.
Jasmine is a Masters student studying design, engineering, and management at MIT. She interned with Upstream Tech this summer with a focus on exploring new opportunities in applying remote sensing and data science to assess wetland conditions. And thanks to the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative for supporting her internship.
I’ve been fortunate to travel through some of the most amazing waterways across the globe – from the Yangtze River in China to the flooded forests in the Amazon Basin. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve witnessed the competition between human development and the health of wetlands and water systems – and become convinced about the promise of technology innovation to help find balance between the two.
While I was a student at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and later as a researcher at the World Resources Institute, I dove into the universe of satellite technology and was amazed by how it has transformed the way we observe and interact with the planet we inhabit. As a current design, engineering, and management student at MIT, I was excited to join Upstream Tech this summer to explore how we could tap into technological advancements in remote sensing, data science, and spatial analytical tools as well as harness the power of human-centered design to empower government agencies, civil society, land trusts, and businesses to better protect and manage wetlands. But first, let’s explore why these ecosystems are so important.
Wetlands are complex, vulnerable ecosystems that are invaluable in today’s changing climate
From mangroves to bogs, wetlands are areas where water covers the soil for at least part of the year. Wetlands are diverse, complex, and dynamic systems that are vital to human and non-human species alike. Among the most productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands are home to an immense variety of species. We also depend on wetlands for a wealth of natural products, from fish and shellfish to timber, as well as opportunities for recreation. Wetlands are essential in purifying water, retaining flood waters, controlling shoreline erosion, as well as regulating climate. However, an estimated 30% of natural wetlands have been lost globally since 1970. Today, wetlands continue to face threats from agricultural and urban expansion, transportation and energy infrastructure, pollution, invasive species, and more. As climate change accelerates, there is great need to preserve and restore wetlands to protect our safety and welfare. So what is currently being done and what more is needed?
Wetland monitoring is key in protecting and restoring these declining ecosystems – but it isn’t currently cheap or easy
Consistent, timely, and thorough wetland monitoring is key for states to better manage and protect their wetland resources. The Environmental Protection Agency’s National Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup supports a three-level approach to wetland monitoring different with tiers of granularity in assessing wetland functions and extent. According to the most recent Status and Trends Report on State Wetland Program in the United States wetland monitoring and assessment programs have been established in 14 states, while nine others have programs in development, as shown in the map below. Often limited by resources, capacity, and staff time, government agencies and other entities often find it difficult to capture reliable and up-to-date information in a scalable way. At Upstream Tech, we believe we can help: leveraging satellites to consistently capture data on wetland conditions.
Remote sensing, data science, and spatial analytical tools can help improve monitoring, planning, and investment for wetland protection and restoration
The rapid advancement of remote sensing and geospatial technology can revolutionize wetland management. With efficient, accessible, and cost-effective monitoring tools, changes in wetland conditions can be tracked more easily than ever before. Monitoring wetland health is crucial to ensure the efforts of wetland protection and restoration investments pay off.
Upstream Tech has been working with a wide range of partners on a range of wetland applications, including:
As climate change continues to put pressure on coastal and freshwater wetlands, we’re committed to continuing to find ways to find ways for technology to support critical wetlands work. If you have ideas or questions, please get in touch!