As Nigeria continues to battle deforestation and forest degradation, which, according to Global Forest Watch, has seen her lose over 90% of its tree cover, three Nigerian teenage prodigies have developed a forest monitoring system that utilises artificial intelligence (AI), embedded systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to detect and prevent illegal logging, ReForest AI.
The three 18-year-old teenagers from Port Harcourt – Lesley John Jumbo, Bright Sunday, and Blessed Pepple, found it worrisome that Nigeria has lost 1.44 million hectares (Mha) of its primary cover (from 2001 to 2024) despite her commitment to policies such as the Paris Agreement and the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) strategy. As such, Jumbo, Sunday, and Pepple launch ReForest AI to protect Nigeria’s natural canopies and flora.
Driven by the desire to “build cool, meaningful stuff with tech,” the trio has scaled hackathons and earned Top Honours at the 2025 Slingshot Challenge, a global competition hosted by the National Geographic Society. Selected from more than 2,700 entries across 96 countries, the Nigerian team received a $10,000 grant to develop and deploy their solution further.
Today, the trio have successfully scaled and marketed Reforest AI as a competent and reliable forest guard. According to TechCabal, ReForest AI is armed with a mesh network of smart sensor towers, acting as intelligent nodes that use GPS to triangulate positions and cover large areas. Reforest AI is also powered by an AI sound model trained to detect chainsaws, axes and other audio signatures of illegal logging activities.
Upon detecting a threat, the system triggers a deterrent, using ultra-bright lights and pre-recorded audio warnings to scare off intruders. Then, it activates its onboard cameras and microphones to stream live footage to authorised personnel to prompt their intervention.
ReForest AI was developed to function without the internet. The system uses local mesh protocols that enable direct, low-power communication between devices without the need for a router. This allows for instant data sharing between devices even in remote areas. The ReForest AI solution also leverages low-energy hardware that combines solar panels with intelligent power management. It uses smart sleep cycles that only wake the system when it hears a potential threat.
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ReForest AI’s lightweight solutions are also hinged on open-source tools. TensorFlow Lite handles the AI components, PlatformIO makes firmware development smoother, and libraries like TinyML and Edge Impulse help train and deploy models quickly.
The ReForest AI solution syncs with the global trend. It puts Nigeria at the forefront of using AI combined with drones, satellite imagery, and deep learning to map forest species, assess biodiversity, and monitor forest health. There is also Re-Forest-ER, a solution that uses Earth observation and AI to analyse tropical rainforests and provide insights into carbon capture and biodiversity to guide conservation decisions.
Projects like ReForest Latam in Argentina integrate AI, drones, and biotechnology to optimise large-scale reforestation and ecosystem restoration. Similarly, the Spanish Red Cross developed REFÖREST, an AI-powered web tool that uses geospatial data and ecological databases to assess land viability for reforestation projects, considering environmental and community impacts.
As a homegrown innovation, ReForest AI stands poised to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its goals for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement acknowledge the significant role of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector in the nation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With a major emphasis on curbing deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management, Nigeria has set targets to reduce these emissions. With ReForest AI, Nigeria has struck Gold in this major bid.
ReForest AI’s system, designed to detect and deter illegal logging in real-time, even in remote areas lacking internet or power, can provide invaluable data for Nigeria’s national GHG inventory and for tracking progress towards its NDC targets related to forestry.
While ReForest AI’s primary function is monitoring existing forests, the data it collects on deforestation hotspots can also inform strategic reforestation and afforestation planning, helping to ensure that new planting efforts are directed to the most vulnerable and impactful areas. This can be invaluable in supporting Nigeria’s broader goals of increasing forest cover.
While technology is a tool, its successful deployment often involves community engagement. The data from ReForest AI can be used to engage local communities, highlighting the extent of illegal activities and fostering partnerships for forest protection. The solution’s low cost could also potentially empower local entities in forest management.
More importantly, the emergence of innovative technologies like ReForest AI holds significant promise for transforming Nigeria’s ecotourism sector and bolstering the preservation of its invaluable natural tourism sites and resources.
Nigeria’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to expansive savannahs and unique mangrove forests, form the bedrock of its ecotourism potential. However, these areas face constant threats. ReForest AI comes in handy in combating deforestation and illegal logging. This is critical for preserving iconic sites like the Cross River National Park, home to endangered species like the Cross River gorilla, and the numerous forest reserves across the country.
ReForest AI algorithms can analyse satellite imagery, sensor data, and acoustic information to assess forest health, detect early signs of disease or stress, and monitor wildlife populations. This data is invaluable for proactive conservation efforts and ensuring the long-term viability of natural attractions.
The effective preservation of natural sites directly translates to an enhanced ecotourism offering. As such, ReForest AI’s impact can indirectly yet significantly boost this sector by promoting sustainable tourism. By ensuring the health and integrity of natural landscapes, ReForest AI contributes to the sustainability of ecotourism, as tourists are more likely to visit and support destinations that are well-preserved and managed responsibly.
Healthy, thriving ecosystems offer eco-tourists a richer and more authentic experience. Preserving biodiversity, clear air, and pristine landscapes, supported by AI monitoring, can significantly enhance visitor satisfaction.
The initiative shown by the young Nigerian innovators behind ReForest AI is a beacon of hope. If nurtured and scaled, such technologies can empower Nigeria to overcome some of its most pressing environmental challenges, unlocking the vast potential of its ecotourism sector while safeguarding its precious natural heritage for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is ReForest AI, and how does it work?
ReForest AI is an AI-powered forest monitoring system developed by three Nigerian teens that uses low-power embedded sensors, AI-based anomaly detection, and geospatial data mapping to detect and deter illegal logging in real time, even in remote areas without power or internet.
2. How does ReForest AI contribute to Nigeria’s ecotourism revolution?
By protecting forests from illegal logging, ReForest AI helps preserve biodiversity and natural landscapes vital for ecotourism. This fosters sustainable tourism development, supports local communities, and aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
3. What challenges does ReForest AI face in its deployment?
Key challenges include the need for legal backing, such as the Nigerian Forest Security Service Bill awaiting presidential assent, limited digital infrastructure, and ensuring community acceptance and collaboration with forest agencies and local groups.
4. How is the ReForest AI team planning to scale their innovation?
Their strategy focuses on community partnerships and pilot programs at the state level within Nigeria, working with forest agencies, conservation groups, and local vigilantes. They also aim to train local builders for maintenance and customisation to expand across Africa.
5. What recognition has ReForest AI received internationally?
ReForest AI won a Top Honours Award and a $10,000 prize at the 2025 Slingshot Challenge organised by the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, highlighting its global impact and innovation in forest conservation.
