Sant Llorenç shows how cameras and sensors are supporting conservation

Technology to support the management of climbing and caving

The event provided an opportunity to present the progress of the Tech4Nature project in the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, an initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Huawei's TECH4ALL program, with scientific support from the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC). Following an initial phase focused on the conservation of Bonelli's eagle, the project is now addressing the impact of climbing and caving on species native to cliff habitats, such as bats and birds of prey. In the area of ​​caving, the project also benefits from the collaboration of the Terrassa Hiking Club, strengthening its ties with the local sports community.  

An immersive visit to the park

The visit began with a guided tour, where the geological values ​​and biodiversity of the protected area were contextualized, as well as the main conservation challenges associated with the increase in visitors for the practice of outdoor sports.

In a context of increasing visitor numbers to natural areas, Spain's national parks surpassed their all-time record in 2024 with over 16 million visits. Technology is emerging as a key ally in supporting the management of these areas, providing objective information that allows for anticipating pressures and adapting measures in a well-founded manner.

“The use of new digital technologies in conservation management has untapped potential in protected areas. Collaboration between technology companies, researchers, conservationists, public administrations, and the users of natural spaces themselves is key to achieving the common goal of protecting these shared natural resources,” adds Maher Mahjoub, Director of the Mediterranean Cooperation Centre / IUCN Med.  

Throughout the tour, strategic locations were visited where the technical team demonstrated how technology is discreetly integrated into the natural environment to generate useful knowledge for management. In the climbing areas, four cameras are collecting images that allow for the evaluation of rock face usage, as well as its overlap with sensitive periods for nesting birds. To date, more than 13,000 images have been manually labeled, serving as the basis for the development of an algorithm for the automatic detection of climbers. Inside the caves, light sensors record the intensity and frequency of human presence, while acoustic devices analyze the activity of bat colonies at key times of day. So far, nearly 7,000 acoustic recordings have been collected and are being analyzed along with the light intensity records.

All collected data is processed using algorithms designed to transform the information into practical indicators that facilitate decision-making. The project thus allows for the evaluation of the compatibility of these sporting activities with the conservation of sensitive species, and strengthens regulatory and awareness-raising measures.

Legal and ethical framework for the responsible use of technology

In addition to fieldwork, Tech4Nature is advancing a pioneering study on the legal and ethical aspects associated with the use of digital tools in Spanish protected natural areas. Led by the IUCN Mediterranean Cooperation Centre with the support of the Rovira i Virgili University Foundation, this study will offer practical guidelines in 2026 for managers, administrations, and technology operators with the aim of ensuring responsible, proportionate use that is aligned with current regulations.

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Reports from INTERNATIONAL MEDIA:

AP - HUAWEI HIGHLIGHTS DIGITAL INCLUSION AND CONSERVATION TECH AS AI USE ACCELERATES

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About Tech4Nature

Huawei and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched the global alliance Tech4Nature in 2020 to scale up nature conservation successes through technological innovation. Aligned with Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative and the IUCN Green List, Tech4Nature has supported 11 flagship projects in 8 countries with solutions tailored to conservation challenges. In Spain, the project is working in the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada National Park, Natural Park, and Biosphere Reserve, with scientific support from the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC). Its objective is to analyze the relationship between people and nature through outdoor sports to better manage the pressure on these ecosystems.

IUCN Tech4Nature