Aerogrow: An Unmanned Aerial System for Restoring Mangrove

Ecosystem

SUMMARY

The problem of mangrove loss and degradation due to deforestation

poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and communities worldwide.

To address this pressing issue, a solution involving the use of a solar-powered

unmanned aerial system equipped with camera and seed storage monitoring

technology has been proposed. This innovative approach aims to replenish

degraded mangrove ecosystems efficiently and effectively by utilizing

AeroGrow drones capable of planting mangrove seeds in remote or

inaccessible areas. The integration of various technological tools offers a

promising outlook for mangrove conservation, benefiting local communities,

ecosystems, and industries. Through job creation, coastal protection,

biodiversity conservation, and economic prosperity, the proposed AeroGrow

drone planting technology presents a sustainable solution to safeguarding

mangroves and ensuring their vitality for future generations. Moreover, the

cost-effective nature of the solution makes it accessible and scalable,

amplifying its impact on mangrove restoration efforts globally.

BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM

Mangrove ecosystems serve as vital habitats for indigenous fauna and

flora, offering essential functions such as breeding, shelter, nesting, and

nursing areas (Akram et al., 2023). However, mangroves are indeed facing a

barrage of threats that endanger their very existence. One of the most pressing
dangers to mangroves is deforestation. Driven by the demand for firewood,

timber, and land for agriculture, vast expanses of mangrove forests are being

cleared at an alarming rate. Consequently, numerous aquatic species,

including fish, mollusks, crocodiles, and turtles, are losing critical feeding,

and sheltering grounds. The degradation of mangrove habitats has resulted

in declines in biodiversity, reductions in fish stocks, and disruptions to

ecosystem services, such as shoreline stabilization and carbon sequestration.

This not only disturbs the habitat of countless species but also weakens the

natural coastal defense against storms and tsunamis (Intelligence, 2023).

Globally, the University of Tokyo (2021) reported a significant decline in

mangrove ecosystems, with a loss of 1.4 million hectares (3.5 million acres)

between 1990 and 2020. Moreover, from 2000 to 2016, mangroves continued

to be lost at an average rate of 0.13% annually. Alarmingly, mangrove areas

are disappearing at rates ranging from 2% to 8% per year, as highlighted by

Harttung et al. (2021). These rates of mangrove loss are comparable to or even

higher than the rates of losses observed in upland tropical wet forests.

Hence, the researcher proposed for an AeroGrow solar panel-powered

drone equipped with seed storage monitoring technology to plant mangroves

represents an innovative approach to address the pressing issue of mangrove

loss and deforestation. As mangrove forests confront growing threats, the

integration of various technological tools offers a promising outlook for their

conservation. Each technological advancement brings its distinct strengths to

the table, contributing to a more robust approach to safeguarding mangroves

and ensuring their vitality for future generations.

BENEFICIARIES

The proposed AeroGrow drone system will significantly benefit the

communities, ecosystems, and industries. Firstly, local communities benefit

from increased job opportunities and improved coastal protection, ensuring

their safety and livelihoods. Ecosystems thrive as mangroves provide habitats

for diverse wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological

resilience. Fisheries industries profit from enhanced fish populations

nurtured in mangrove nurseries, sustaining food security and economic

prosperity. Moreover, governments gain from reduced erosion and enhanced

carbon sequestration, addressing climate change challenges. Overall, drone

planting mangrove technology offers a sustainable solution benefiting human

well-being, environmental health, and economic development.

PROPOSED SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

The primary aim of this research proposal is to replenish degraded

mangrove ecosystems efficiently and effectively by utilizing an unmanned

aerial system capable of planting mangrove seeds in remote or inaccessible

areas. The proposed solution includes several key features: (1) a solar-

powered device to ensure longer flight endurance; (2) a special carrier

designed to securely hold seedling pods during flight; (3) a seed storage

monitoring system that sends SMS notifications to the user or controller once

the carrier is empty; and (4) a high-resolution camera to enable users to map

out the optimal locations for mangrove growth.

 The process starts with the use of high-resolution drones to identify

areas where mangroves are most likely to grow. The drones are equipped with

cameras that capture high-quality images of the terrain, which are then

analyzed to determine the best places for mangrove growth. Once the ideal

placement of mangrove seedlings has been identified, drones can be used to

transport the seedlings to the selected sites. The drones come equipped with

specially designed carriers engineered to securely hold the seeds in place

during flight. This reduces the risk of damage to the seedlings during

transportation. Following the placement of the seedlings in the desired

locations, drone cameras can be employed to monitor the growth of the

mangroves, facilitating any necessary planting adjustments. To ensure that

the planting process is efficient and effective, SMS notifications are sent to

the controller every time the seed carrier is empty. This allows for timely

refilling of the seed carrier, reducing the time needed for the planting process.

This method not only saves time but also ensures that the process is

environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Using drone technology for mangrove plantations is a groundbreaking

and efficient approach to restoring and protecting mangrove forests. Beyond

being critical habitats for diverse marine life and offering coastal defense,

drones bring added advantages by supporting the long-term health of

mangrove ecosystems and deterring illegal activities. As technology advances

and becomes more accessible, integrating drones will simplify endeavors

focused on rejuvenating and safeguarding mangrove forests worldwide.

MATERIALS

Table 1. Materials and Cost of the Device

Materials and Supplies Cost
a. Electronic Devices
NodeMCU ₱ 250
Drone with Controller and Camera ₱ 5,000
GSM Module ₱ 299
Solar Panel ₱ 500
Proximity Sensor ₱ 100
Total of Electronic Devices ₱ 6,149
b. Construction Materials
Labor ₱ 5,000
Other Expenses ₱ 3,000
Total of Construction Materials ₱ 8,000
GRAND TOTAL ₱ 14,149
BLOCK DIAGRAM

FLOWCHART
REFERENCES

Harttung, S., Radabaugh, K. R., Moyer, R. P., Smoak, J. M., & Chambers, L.
G. (2021). Coastal riverine wetland biogeochemistry follows soil organic
matter distribution along a marsh-to-mangrove gradient (Florida, USA).
Science of the Total Environment, 797, 149056.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149056

Intelligence, E. (2023, September 26). Seven technology solutions to Save

mangroves | ESG Insights. ESG Intelligence. https://esg-
intelligence.com/insights/2023/seven-technology-solutions-to-save-
mangroves/09/25/

University of Tokyo. (2021, November 9). Mangrove restoration has ecological

and economic benefits. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 16, 2024 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211109120342.htm

Akram, H., Hussain, S., Mazumdar, P., Chua, K. O., Butt, T. E., &
Harikrishna, J. A. (2023). Mangrove Health: A Review of Functions,
Threats, and Challenges Associated with Mangrove Management
Practices. Forests, 14(9), 1698. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091698

State of the world’s mangroves. (2021, July 26). The Nature Conservancy.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-
insights/perspectives/state-of-world-mangroves/