How AI is transforming biodiversity protection across Europe
Published on: February 20, 2026
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how biodiversity is monitored and protected across Europe. From advanced drone mapping to GeoAI analysis, innovative projects are delivering faster insights and more targeted conservation actions. These technologies are helping organisations balance development with nature recovery.
Across Europe, AI-powered biodiversity solutions are transforming the way ecosystems are studied and protected. By combining machine learning, satellite imagery and sensor networks, environmental specialists can now gather and interpret ecological data at unprecedented scale and speed. This shift is enabling more proactive conservation planning and reducing uncertainty in environmental decision-making.
Digital monitoring tools make it possible to track species movements, detect habitat changes and assess ecosystem health with far greater precision than traditional field surveys alone. In complex or inaccessible landscapes, drones and automated image analysis provide detailed ecological intelligence while minimising disturbance to wildlife. Acoustic AI is also improving the detection of bats and birds through automated sound recognition.
These innovations support both public authorities and private developers in integrating biodiversity considerations into infrastructure and urban projects. As nature tech continues to evolve, AI is becoming a critical enabler of evidence-based biodiversity management across Europe.
Three projects showing AI in biodiversity action
Drone mapping for ecological protection in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Sweco used advanced drone technology to support ecological assessments during the upgrade of a 42 km high-voltage transmission line between Doetinchem and Dodewaard. The project demonstrated how aerial surveys can significantly improve biodiversity protection in large infrastructure programmes.
High-definition drone imagery enabled ecologists to identify protected bird nests within transmission towers and confirm species presence without intrusive ground inspections. Orthomosaic mapping at centimetre resolution provided a comprehensive digital overview of habitats, while thermal imaging supported the detection of wildlife activity. The approach delivered faster, safer and more accurate biodiversity insights while minimising disturbance to local flora and fauna.
Read more: Drones map remote habitats for nature insights
Coastal biodiversity planning in Malmö
The Hamnporten development in Malmö shows how AI-supported analysis and digital modelling can guide nature-positive urban growth. As part of the city’s long-term coastal protection strategy, Sweco helped align climate adaptation measures with biodiversity enhancement goals.
Using sonar surveys, drop-video systems and spatial analysis tools, the team mapped 1,331 hectares of marine environment and identified key habitats including extensive eelgrass beds. The resulting data informed shoreline design, artificial reef concepts and green-blue infrastructure that supports marine life while protecting the city from storm impacts. The project illustrates how data-driven planning can integrate urban development, recreation and ecosystem restoration.
Read more: A future-proof city with coastal protection for people and nature
GeoAI wetland discovery on Gotland
On Gotland, Sweco applied GeoAI to locate previously unmapped alkaline fens, one of Europe’s most species-rich wetland ecosystems. Working with the County Administrative Board, the team combined machine learning and deep learning to analyse aerial imagery and geospatial datasets.
Because alkaline fens are difficult to detect directly, the AI models first identified Great fen-sedge as an ecological indicator. The hybrid modelling approach produced a detailed geodatabase showing potential fen locations, vegetation structures and surrounding land cover. This landscape-scale intelligence now supports prioritised conservation actions and long-term biodiversity management on the island, highlighting the growing role of GeoAI in wetland protection across Europe.
Read more: AI meets ecology – Identifying wetlands with GeoAI
