"Leaving It to Experts" Is Not Enough
The thing most lacking to solve the biodiversity crisis is "data." There are about 1.75 million known species on Earth, but including undiscovered species, there may be tens of millions. It is impossible for scientists alone to track the distribution and population changes of all of these.
This is why "Citizen Science" is gaining attention. It is the process of ordinary citizens participating in scientific data collection and analysis.
Smartphones Changed the Common Sense of "Surveys"
In the past, biological surveys required field guides and specialized knowledge. However, the spread of smartphones and advances in AI technology have overturned that common sense.
The iNaturalist Impact
On "iNaturalist," one of the world's largest citizen science platforms, AI performs image recognition on photos of organisms taken by users and suggests "this might be it." Furthermore, experts and enthusiasts from around the world help with identification. The data collected this way is transmitted to GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and used in research worldwide.What IKIMON Aims For
We at IKIMON want to accelerate this trend. However, we are not just a data collection tool.
- Fun (Gamification): Incorporating elements of "leveling up" and "collecting," creating an experience you can get absorbed in like Pokémon.
- Contribution to Nature Coexistence Sites: Your data becomes official evidence supporting OECM (Nature Coexistence Site) applications by companies and local governments.
- Education: Using technology to create opportunities for children to interact with and learn about nature.
Our Dream
Make All of Japan a Nature Coexistence Site"Taking a photo of a flower found during a walk" Such a casual action becomes the power to have your town officially certified as "a place that should be conserved." Each person's small discovery becomes a great power to protect Japan's nature.