Fieldwork
Fieldwork forms the backbone of ecological and social restoration projects, bridging science, community engagement, and hands-on implementation. It involves activities conducted directly on-site to gather data, implement restoration measures, and monitor the impact on ecosystems and local communities. Fieldwork requires collaboration between scientists, local stakeholders, and field technicians to ensure sustainable outcomes. It not only addresses environmental challenges but also integrates social and economic development, making it an essential component of holistic restoration efforts.
These represent key elements of our fieldwork, though the detailed and fine-grained list of activities is much more extensive.
Fieldwork includes mapping and inventorying flora, fauna, and ecosystem types to identify restoration priorities. Techniques such as camera traps, eDNA sampling, acoustic sensors, and direct observations are used to track wildlife populations and behavioral changes.
Soil sampling is fundamental to evaluating soil health. Parameters like nutrient composition and organic matter are analyzed to ensure the suitability of reforestation activities. Other critical parameters, such as pH and soil structure, are also tested.
This information is vital for maximizing the success of land restoration efforts and enhancing carbon sequestration potential.
Water sampling is equally important on both environmental and social levels. River water analysis helps determine the suitability of water sources for irrigation and allows early detection of environmental risks, such as invasive species or harmful pollutants. Commonly analyzed parameters include pH and nutrient levels.
Within local communities, microbial activity in various drinking water sources is also tested, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Understanding these aspects promotes sustainable water use practices and ensures a healthy water cycle within the project area.
Fieldwork leverages advanced technologies such as drones, radars, IoT sensors, and satellite imagery for mapping and data collection in remote or challenging areas.
Creating jobs in restoration projects requires detailed research, analysis, and planning before implementation. A critical yet often overlooked aspect is identifying sustainable activities that provide regenerative income to people living in or near project areas. Currently, cutting down trees is frequently viewed as an immediate solution for meeting short-term livelihood needs, highlighting the importance of offering alternative, sustainable options.
Fieldwork includes establishing systems to track progress, evaluate ecological impacts, and report findings to stakeholders over time.
Building and maintaining essential infrastructure, such as energy systems, internet connectivity, basic medical facilities, field stations, tree nurseries, and fencing, are crucial components of fieldwork. Managing logistics for field activities includes constructing and maintaining operational infrastructure for the team, volunteers, and visitors.
Measuring tree parameters is vital to support reforestation activities and accurately report increased carbon sequestration. Recorded metrics include diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and canopy cover. These measurements allow the calculation of biomass per tree and carbon estimates per hectare. They also provide insights into forest development and ecological changes, such as species richness and composition.