‘Curupira Project’ uses technology for preservation in the Amazon

By Thais Matos – From Cenarium 

MANAUS (AM) – Led by the Embedded Systems Laboratory (LSE/HUB) of the University of the State of Amazonas (UEA), the Curupira Project has advanced significantly since its inception in 2023, focusing on technological enhancements aimed at environmental preservation. Developed to implement an intelligent monitoring system for dense forest areas, rivers, and urban zones, the project adopts an innovative approach to detecting threats and attacks on the ecosystem from within the forest, rather than from external sources, such as satellite monitoring.

Among its progress, the project has incorporated new functionalities, parameters, and monitoring tools, along with improvements to the communication system and greater energy autonomy for the device. Dr. Raimundo Cláudio, coordinator of LSE/HUB, highlighted these advancements in an interview with CENARIUM, reaffirming the commitment to environmental protection and technological evolution.

“In the first version, launched in 2023, our energy autonomy was only one year. Since then, we’ve made significant progress and now achieve autonomy of five years. Although we are not yet using energy harvesting, this transition represents an important progress in the process. Additionally, other improvements have been made during this time. Currently, we are working on adding the ability to detect wildfire hotspots through images. We are also developing a system application for fauna identification, including birds, terrestrial animals, and others. This functionality will allow the creation of modules specialized for these tasks”, explained the professor.

Technological Evolution

Another significant milestone to highlight is the development of the system’s first hardware prototype in 2023. Since then, it has evolved into more robust versions that incorporate additional functionalities and use more powerful microcontroller platforms. This new hardware offers greater capabilities and, combined with software improvements, has been adapted to meet different applications.

In addition to sound detection, the newly incorporated functionalities include other sensors, increased processing capacity, and optimized strategies to achieve five years of energy autonomy. These results were made possible by continuous refinement of the hardware design, which is essential for achieving durability and energy efficiency.

Identifying Wildfire Hotspots

Regarding wildfire detection in the Amazon, the professor highlighted that sensors for smoke and air quality are being integrated. These sensors can measure temperature, humidity, suspended particles, and gases such as oxygen and CO₂. These features are especially useful in contexts of extreme drought, where the demand for monitoring deforested areas and fire outbreaks increases. “Curupira emerges as an additional tool to protect the environment by providing real-time information”, he said.

The professor explained that satellite monitoring, currently the most widely used method, has limitations such as high costs, delayed data, and significant resource requirements for high resolution or scan frequency, especially in regions like the Amazon. Detailed and effective monitoring would require a high number of low-orbit satellites, making the process even more expensive.

The advantages of Curupira in detecting these issues lie in its differentiated and more economical approach. Using radio communication, it can detect preliminary events like chainsaw noises or increased smoke concentration. Upon identifying these signals in real time, the system sends automatic alerts, enabling immediate action.

“Additionally, Curupira can integrate with satellite services, requesting specific images of areas of interest at the moment of the alert, or activate drones for overflights and detailed visual recordings. This combination of technologies offers a more agile and effective solution to prevent deforestation and wildfires, significantly impacting ecosystem protection,” he added.

Raimundo Cláudio explained that the implementation of the fire monitoring system is in the deployment phase, the fourth stage of the project before reaching end users. However, there are other work fronts expected to be completed before this system is made publicly available.

Future Projects

The professor explained that some projects are expected to be completed this year, including partnerships with other state agencies. Curupira is set to be installed in the Uatumã Sustainable Development Reserve, in the municipality of São Sebastião do Uatumã ( 247 km away from the capital city Manaus) where it will monitor part of the reserve, which includes local woodworking activities.

“In a few weeks, or at most a month, we will begin initial field visits to install the modules. These visits will mark the start of preliminary studies in the area. Meanwhile, we are preparing the units, configuring them for deployment“, he explained.

Raimundo also stated that the project follows a version development model. The initial version will be deployed for testing. Based on the preliminary data and results obtained, subsequent versions will be developed, adjusting and improving the system as needed. “We have not yet visited the area due to the severity of the recent drought, which made access impossible. However, with the situation now more favorable, we will begin activities directly in the community“, he said.

The system’s full implementation is planned for the final phase of the project, with completion expected by the end of this year.

Another project set for completion this year involves fauna monitoring in the Rio Amapá Sustainable Development Reserve, in the municipality of Manicoré ( 332 km away from Manaus) . This project was requested by the Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS) and has already begun with the foundation’s team. Field visits are scheduled for February, with completion expected by May.

“We are currently defining and identifying the species and animals to be monitored, as well as collecting characteristic sound patterns of these animals. These patterns will be cataloged, and then we’ll integrate the identification model into the Curupira system”, he explained.

Currently, no areas are actively monitored, as the project has not yet reached the definitive implementation phase. Some developments and adjustments are still being programmed. However, the first monitored areas will be the regions of Manicoré and São Sebastião do Rio Uatumã.

“Additionally, in partnership with CMA [Amazon Military Command], some units will be installed in the training area of Cigs [Jungle Warfare Training Center]. These units, however, will focus on system testing and adjustments. By the end of this year, we expect to have at least two clearly and functionally monitored areas, marking the start of effective project operations”, explained Raimundo Cláudio.

Raimundo also mentioned that some companies and partners have approached the program for project development, and there is ongoing dialogue with various individuals and organizations to secure the necessary funding to expand field testing and deploy the system in new areas, exploring additional applications. These projects could also be used for carbon credit purposes.

‘You Have to Experience the Region’

The coordinator of the Embedded Systems Laboratory (LSE/HUB) at the University of the State of Amazonas (UEA), Dr. Raimundo Cláudio, emphasized that monitoring the Amazon is no easy task, given the forest’s unique characteristics. The system is complex and non-trivial, requiring a deep understanding of local conditions.

“I recognize the competence of major institutions in Brazil, like USP [University of São Paulo] and others, but I stress that, beyond technical capability, it is essential to know the reality of our region. It’s not enough to visit it once; you have to experience the region to understand its challenges and peculiarities. Only then can truly effective solutions be developed”, emphasized the coordinator.

Translated from Portuguese by Gustô Alves