ABORA
Creator:
Simon Diepold
Curator's Note
Updated: January 2025
It comes as no surprise to anyone that healthy forests are of much importance to life on earth. However, humans have become incredibly efficient and effective in cutting them down for industrial utilization.
Simon shows us how we might be able to become just as good at rising forests – of course, unfortunately, not as fast as it took to cut them down, but with the technological synergy and light touch it needs.
ABORA is a design vision of a product system which would enable us to monitor, learn and subtly intervene in the natural process – of animals nibbling on small trees – without us having to build fencing in a sensitive ecosystem.
Abstract
Our forests are a place of longing, a myth, an ecosystem, but also an economic factor. The forest ecosystem and the utilisation of the domestic renewable resource wood are essential for a climate-neutral future. Especially in times of climate change, the diverse ecosystem services are more important than ever. However, the condition of our forests is a cause for concern, particularly due to the large number of clear-cut areas.
Forest Monitoring System
The transformation of native forests into a resilient climate-forest of the future is in full swing. Germany is currently facing the largest reforestation programme in its history. The top priority here is to add new climate-resistant tree species to the forests. One of the biggest challenges here is to ensure that the seedlings are planted in the right location in order to minimise the very high mortality rate in the first few years. In addition, protection against browsing by game takes up considerable resources in forestry practice.
“The biggest challenge for forest conversion is clear-cut areas.”
Monitoring unit collects environmental data
Innovative and practical product solutions are needed to preserve the ecosystem. This is precisely where the Abora-concept comes in. A biodegradable label protects young trees from browsing by wild animals. During the degradation process of the label, scents are continuously released that gently keep game at a distance. A monitoring unit records environmental data of the site-specific microclimates.
Attach tag
Find the ideal location
In addition, environmental photos document mortality over a period of four years. The correlation between a tree species, its mortality and the local climate data is of great importance for forestry. The newly acquired knowledge about the optimal site characteristics of the individual tree species can be used to reduce mortality.
Install monitoring unit
Monitoring unit monitors vitality
Artificial intelligence analysis data
Every tree that is planted is much more than just a tree – it is a sign of hope and belief in a future worth living. This is what Abora stands for.
Deinstallation of monitoring unit