As our world faces unprecedented environmental challenges - rising global temperatures, increasingly severe extreme weather events, and a rapidly deepening biodiversity crisis - the need for innovative, scalable solutions has never been more urgent. AI is already playing a transformative role in addressing these global issues. For instance, AI camera traps equipped with satellite and cellular connectivity have reduced the data-to-action timeline from months to minutes, transforming how conservation is done. Meanwhile, advanced computer vision models are being used to detect and stop illegal fishing, estimate potential wildfire risks, and understand our changing planet. As a leader in developing state-of-the-art conservation technologies, Ai2 is heading to this year's United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) to showcase how open, collaborative AI can galvanize communities and solve the world's biggest problems.

Taking place from October 21 to November 1 in Cali, Colombia, COP16 is one of the largest and most important global gatherings focused on addressing the urgent crisis of biodiversity loss. Current estimates indicate that at least one million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, underscoring the need for immediate action. COP16 marks a pivotal moment as the first major opportunity to assess how national governments are moving from commitments to action.

"We are at a critical juncture where technology, collaboration, and urgency must intersect to drive real change for our planet" - Ai2's Ted Schmitt

With 190 countries agreeing to protect 30 percent of the planet's land and oceans by 2030, this year's conference will focus on the progress toward fulfilling that goal. Growing in just six years from 18 percent of land and 8 percent of the ocean currently protected, the need for tools to close this gap is urgent and critical. Ai2's free and open-source technologies, like Skylight and EarthRanger, are uniquely positioned to empower governments and NGOs to turn their national action plans into reality by providing real-time data and insights to drive smarter, faster decisions in conservation efforts. This year's COP is a crucial event in assessing whether countries are on track and creating momentum to deliver on their promises and safeguard our planet's biodiversity for future generations.

At COP16, we will concentrate on two primary objectives: fostering and enhancing partnerships with global conservation stakeholders and inspiring recognition of the transformative potential of AI and conservation technologies in safeguarding biodiversity. While AI and technology are not a one-size-fits-all solution to the pressing challenges we face, they significantly accelerate the ability of conservationists and governments to adapt and respond to these rising threats. By co-hosting a pavilion in the Blue Zone with our partners, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), GEO BON, and ESRI, we will demonstrate how nongovernmental organizations, collectively, are unlocking the data urgently needed to advance ecosystem protection and deliver on the ambitious targets set out in the global biodiversity framework.

During COP16, we will host several presentations at the pavilion, including EarthRanger, Skylight, and our newly launched Earth System programs. We invited additional partners, including iNaturalist, leading AI for Conservation researchers at the Smithsonian Institution, MIT, WildLabs, and more, to share the latest technology developments in delivering conservation and environmental solutions. We will also join partners such as GEO, Maldives' Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Esri, Planet Labs, USGS, and Maxar to announce how the Global Ecosystems Atlas is empowering the Maldives to make better decisions faster. This initiative leverages advanced satellite imagery and AI to create the first-ever comprehensive map of ecosystems in the Maldives, providing a scalable, AI-powered resource that delivers detailed intelligence.

"We are at a critical juncture where technology, collaboration, and urgency must intersect to drive real change for our planet," said Ted Schmitt, Senior Director of Conservation at Ai2. "We are excited to announce the launch of our latest philanthropic conservation technology program. EarthSystem will build on the highly impactful EarthRanger, Skylight, WildLands, and Climate programs. Through those programs, Ai2 is delivering real solutions to a range of environmental and biodiversity challenges. Leveraging our world-class AI researchers and engineers focused fully on conservation impact, EarthSystem will transform the power and promise of AI from dream to reality; we look forward to working with a range of partners across conservation and environmental domains to create game-changing solutions."

These presentations will give attendees insights into how various technologies are helping to transform wildlife conservation, ocean health, and environmental monitoring. Presentations will take place throughout the conference, and we invite you to join us at the following sessions:

Ai2 at COP16

(all times Colombia Standard Time)