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Gain deep insight into the seafloor with the world’s first high-resolution, geo-referenced mapping technology. From a single survey, our AI-powered software automatically extracts key environmental metrics - ecosystem health, biodiversity, biomass, and carbon stock - and also identifies materials and anomalies such as oil residues, plastics, corrosion, and legacy seabed hazards.


By integrating AI, advanced imaging (incl. hyperspectral imaging), and precise geo-referencing, we deliver decision-ready data for habitats and sensitive infrastructure corridors (ports, cables, pipelines, foundations), enabling faster, more sustainable projects while reducing time and survey cost.

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**Reflections from [Hannah Brocke](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-brocke-phd-a5b0a4155/)**

Attending COP16 has been an eye-opening experience, highlighting both the progress and the challenges in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Reflecting on what I’ve seen and learned, I feel both encouraged and concerned. Encouraged by the many committed people driving conversations and collaborations, but also concerned that we might be losing sight of the bigger picture, particularly regarding the ocean and the urgency for large-scale action.

![ ](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/cop16_blog_2acf3b9163.jpg)

### Key Outcomes from COP16

#### 1. The Need for Greater Ocean Focus
While discussions at COP16 have centered around protecting biodiversity, marine ecosystems are receiving far less attention than they deserve. As someone who has worked closely with marine ecosystems and Indigenous communities, I see the ocean as crucial to addressing climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. Yet, many debates overlook the fact that nature is not only green but also blue. The ocean covers two-thirds of our planet, and we cannot afford to neglect it. Small Island States, or as I like to call them, Large Ocean States, are leading efforts to bring ocean issues to the forefront, but we need a stronger global focus on this vital part of our ecosystem. 

#### 2. Challenges in Monitoring and Biodiversity Assessments
One of the key discussions has focused on biodiversity monitoring, which is essential for achieving GBF goals. However, I’ve witnessed many debates, disagreements, and even deadlocks: 
1. **Defining biodiversity:** What exactly constitutes a species? Conversations with taxonomists often become philosophical, which, while important, can delay actionable outcomes. 
2. **Ecosystem variability:** Ecosystems vary significantly, making it difficult to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to biodiversity monitoring. This has led to ongoing discussions. 
3. **Shifting baselines:** We don’t always have data on what ecosystems looked like before they were degraded, and there’s little agreement on how to handle this challenge. 

#### 3. Biodiversity Credits
While there is consensus on the need for credible, transparent, and trusted biodiversity credits to justify financing and monetization, there’s no clear alignment on how to implement these credits across the entire value chain of financing.

#### 4. The Urgency for Action and Innovation
What concerns me most is that we might be focusing too much on the details. While debates about definitions and methods are important, time is running out. The GBF’s main goal is to prevent biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and address global challenges like climate change. But are we getting lost in the details when we should be acting quickly? I strongly believe that the solution lies in focusing on ecosystem health and removing stressors—we need to act fast and at scale, without getting bogged down in endless discussions. 

![ ](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/cop16_blog_2_33a5cc8303.jpg)

### PlanBlue’s Role and Future Contributions

#### 1. Innovative Monitoring Technology for Ocean and Ecosystem Health
At PlanBlue, we are deeply committed to making biodiversity monitoring accessible and actionable, particularly for marine ecosystems. Our technology is designed to be Plug-and-Play, empowering local stakeholders and communities to participate in monitoring and conservation efforts. We fill a critical gap by focusing on the ocean and providing fast, transparent insights through our color-coded, geo-referenced maps. These tools help identify stressors and give decision-makers clear, actionable data they can use immediately. 

#### 2.Scaling Impact with Timely, Actionable Insights
Rather than getting stuck in philosophical debates about definitions, PlanBlue focuses on what can be done now to make a difference. We prioritize ecosystem health by identifying and addressing stressors using our technology to provide real-time, scalable solutions. This aligns perfectly with the GBF’s call for innovation to enable large-scale impact. Through our visualization tools, we offer transparent data that helps stakeholders—from policymakers to local communities—make quick, informed decisions and track progress over time. 

#### 3.Support for Biodiversity Credits 
PlanBlue is eager to help shape the future of biodiversity credits, ensuring they are designed to be both credible and actionable, driving meaningful investment in biodiversity protection. We believe that when implemented effectively, biodiversity credits can create tangible financial incentives for conserving ecosystems. 

![ ](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/241024_Blog_COP_16_teaser_image_913a2d6e17.jpg)

### My Call to Action
**Looking ahead,** **I believe we must act now.** The focus should be on fast, large-scale improvements by removing stressors from ecosystems. We cannot afford to delay action while we debate the details—we need innovation that provides clear, transparent, and timely information that decision-makers and communities can understand and act upon. 
 
At PlanBlue, we are proud to contribute to this mission with tools that empower stakeholders, particularly for marine ecosystems, which hold some of the greatest potential for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. We will continue to advocate for the ocean’s rightful place in biodiversity conversations, and we are committed to providing innovative solutions that can scale to meet the urgency of today’s challenges. 
 
**Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture—we need to focus on what truly matters: taking action, scaling impact, and protecting our planet’s most precious ecosystems.**

Reflections from COP16 and PlanBlue’s Future Contributions

Outcomes from COP16 and Future Contributions from PlanBlue

We’re nearing the end of the first week of COP16 in Cali. We’re pleased to hear a lot of talk about the importance of monitoring to achieve the goals set at COP 15, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Effective monitoring is crucial to focus limited resources and know what measures and interventions are most impactful.  

![CSO Hannah Brocke at COP16 in Cali, Colombia 2024](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/241024_Blog_COP_16_header_image_9bddd477c8.jpg)

As we don’t have any time to lose, we need to have this information now. Especially in the ocean, we are playing catch up when it comes to data and insights in ecosystems and biodiversity. This is why it is essential that we embrace the latest available technology. 

PlanBlue’s innovative technology can play a key role in supporting the Monitoring Framework for the Kunming-Montreal GBF. By using advanced imaging and machine learning, our technology can contribute to real-time and large-scale monitoring of marine biodiversity, which is essential for achieving the GBF targets. Embracing new technologies is essential to deliver key insights, at the scale, and with the detail needed, to take meaningful action to protect our marine biodiversity. 


Here is what our technology can do:  

- Seafloor Biodiversity Monitoring: The Kunming-Montreal GBF focuses on halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, which includes preserving and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems. PlanBlue’s seafloor monitoring technology delivers automated and scalable detection of biodiversity across marine environments using hyperspectral imaging and advanced data analytics. This fits with the need for comprehensive, spatially-explicit biodiversity data, which is critical for tracking progress on GBF targets related to the protection of marine ecosystems.  

- Tracking Ecosystem Health and Stressors: PlanBlue’s technology not only monitors biodiversity but also provides insights into ecosystem health and identifies stressors such as pollution or habitat degradation. The ability to visualize these stressors and understand their impacts on biodiversity supports the GBF's emphasis on addressing drivers of biodiversity loss, such as pollution and habitat destruction, by providing real-time, actionable data.  

- Nation-Scale and Time-Series Monitoring: The GBF requires long-term, scalable monitoring systems that can track biodiversity changes over time and across large geographic areas. PlanBlue’s technology is designed for nation-scale applications, providing time-series data that enables continuous tracking of biodiversity status and the effectiveness of conservation measures. This aligns with the framework’s need for high-resolution, ongoing biodiversity assessments.  
 
- Plug-and-Play Accessibility for Local Stakeholders: The GBF calls for inclusive biodiversity monitoring, involving local and indigenous communities in the process. PlanBlue’s technology is designed to be user-friendly, allowing local communities and stakeholders to operate it with ease, fostering decentralized and community-driven conservation efforts, which is a core principle of the GBF.  


We support the explicit call in the Kunming-Montreal GBF for the importance of innovation. We ask for governments and companies to use the newly available methods and use the comprehensive insights as the basis for any measures to implement the outcomes of COP15 and COP16. These advanced technologies will make sure all interventions are as targeted and effective as possible. 

How advanced imaging and AI can help deliver the Monitoring Framework for the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity agreement 

We need radical innovation to deliver on COP16

![ ](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/240229_fugro_partnership_2_f6e62ace08.jpg)

PlanBlue is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Fugro, world’s leading Geo-data specialist. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward as we join forces to integrate PlanBlue’s pioneering underwater technology and analytics with Fugro's mature framework, enhancing cutting-edge habitat mapping technology and digital solutions building.

The partnership is poised to revolutionize the industry by leveraging PlanBlue's innovative approach to refine and expand Fugro's solutions. The primary focus will be on seamless integration across various platforms, with an initial emphasis on the integration of uncrewed vehicles like autonomous underwater vehicles. This strategic alliance holds substantial promise, not only for upgrading existing offerings but also for making meaningful impacts across diverse sectors.


From supporting offshore wind farms to driving initiatives for ocean health, conservation, and nature preservation, to exploring new markets, the potential for positive change is substantial. The collaborative efforts aim to address challenges and create solutions that transcend industries, with a keen focus on promoting environmental sustainability.


Fugro's established reputation and industry knowledge, combined with PlanBlue’s invaluable agile expertise in combining hyperspectral imaging, precise underwater navigation and AI-based automated data processing to ground-truth aerial and satellite imagery, sets the stage for a dynamic partnership. The enthusiastic collaboration is geared towards creating solutions that not only meet the current demands of the industry but also contribute significantly to environmental conservation and sustainability.


_"We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership brings,"_ said Marco Filippone, Fugro’s Solution Director for Ocean Science and Hydrography. _"By integrating PlanBlue's advanced technology and analytics into our framework, we aim to lead the industry in providing innovative solutions that make a positive impact on the environment and various sectors."_


_“This partnership is a great opportunity to scale our business operations and data products and have a growing impact on coastal resilience,”_ commented Dr Hannah Brocke, Co-founder and CSO at planblue. _“Accelerating the collection of insights about marine habitats is essential for meaningful policy decisions in the blue economy. Through this partnership we strengthen our contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and global initiatives like the UN Decade for Ocean Science and Seabed 2030.”_

The partnership between Fugro and PlanBlue signifies a shared commitment to driving positive change through technological innovation. As the collaboration progresses, both companies look forward to exploring new frontiers, pushing boundaries, and creating solutions that make a lasting difference for a safe and liveable world.


The partnership between Fugro and PlanBlue signifies a shared commitment to driving positive change through technological innovation. The partnership is off to a good start with the recently awarded Italian government’s Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Project. With PlanBlue’s technology integrated in Fugro’s underwater drones, the project aims to restore the marine habitats, fortify the national system for observing marine and coastal ecosystems, and comprehensively map coastal and marine habitats across Italian waters (specifically seagrass meadows). As the collaboration progresses, both companies look forward to exploring new frontiers, pushing boundaries, and creating solutions that make a lasting difference for a safe and liveable world. 


 
**For media inquiries, contact:** [media@planblue.com](mailto:media@planblue.com)

PlanBlue is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Fugro, world’s leading Geo-data specialist.

Partnership with Fugro to scale underwater habitat mapping

Last week our Co-Founder & CSO Hannah Brocke travelled to San Francisco to the largest AI event in the World, DreamForce. We are proud of having been selected by Salesforce as one of only three startups and present PlanBlue as one of the ‘AI for Good’ solutions. 

This gave us the opportunity to share how we use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to assess the state of marine ecosystems. Having large scale data with detailed insights is a game changer when it comes to marine management, and this can only be done using advanced data processing.

![Hannah in action on stage at DreamForce](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/Dreampitch_Panorama_e6a8de5f1d.jpg)

As part of her presentation Hannah showed how far we have come in our journey, from a diver operated prototype in 2017, to drone driven campaigns supporting nation-scale monitoring operations. 

The scale of data collection, processing and analysis that we deliver with our partners, by using AI and autonomous vehicles, unlocks opportunities to leverage the immense potential of the ocean. As Hannah stresses the ocean is enormous and we are only so small, so we need to make sure we make the right interventions and allow the ocean to provide its essential life-giving powers.


![ ](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/Dreampitch_1_d2967e1503.png)

Our solution is as much about scale, as it is about detail. With our ability to create detailed, geo-referenced maps at scale we can determine the health of ecosystems and the root causes of decline. This is an essential step towards large scale return of biodiversity, carbon sequestration and improved fishing conditions.

![ ](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/Dreampitch_2_92fc37da8a.jpg)

It’s important to us to receive the recognition from the AI community for the positive impact we can drive with our technology and would like to thank Salesforce for the prize money. This will be put to good use to further scale our solution and use cases.

A big thank you to the jury [Mara Larson-Richard](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maralarsonrichard/), [Dounia Senawi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dounia-senawi/), [Mark Cuban](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-cuban-06a0755b/) and Edward Norton, and the organizers [Brianne Lome](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-lome-b5323b100/), [Steve Schwartz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-schwartz-sales/). A special shoutout to the World Economic Forum for spotlighting our work.

You can find a compilation of Hannah’s presentation [here](https://shorturl.at/G68Ir) and the full Dreampitch event on [Salesforce+](https://www.salesforce.com/plus/experience/dreamforce_2024/series/best_of_dreamforce_2024/episode/episode-s1e3).


[](https://www.youtube.com/embed/j2wUl96i0CM?si=rZRP7nSuNU0M7I2g)

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Outcomes from COP16 and Future Contributions from PlanBlue

We need radical innovation to deliver on COP16

Partnership with Fugro to scale underwater habitat mapping

PlanBlue recognized as leading 'AI for Good' solution by Salesforce

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