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IBM and WWF-Germany to Build New AI Solution to Support Conservation of Keystone Species

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ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 12, 2024 /CNW/ — Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the World Wide Fund For Nature – Germany (WWF) announced they will work together to explore developing a new solution to support the monitoring of keystone species, starting with the critically endangered African forest elephant.

Combining IBM’s expertise in sustainability and technology with WWF’s extensive experience in wildlife conservation, the new solution will be designed to utilize AI-powered visual inspection to enhance elephant tracking, supporting the accurate identification of individual elephants from camera trap photos. The goal of this solution is to help support key conservation efforts of African forest elephants, which have been shown to increase carbon storage in their forest habitats .

In the future, this technology may also be used by organizations to assess the financial value of nature’s contributions to people (NCP) provided by African forest elephants, such as carbon sequestration ‘services’, recognizing the important role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

The African forest elephant has experienced an over 80% decrease in their populations in recent years due to habitat loss and poaching in the Congo Basin. As businesses work to address climate change, supporting nature restoration can play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

By harnessing the power of technology to track and value natural capital, organizations can unlock new opportunities to support climate change mitigation efforts, while also identifying new sustainable finance investments.

“At IBM, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact on the world in business, our environment, and the communities in which we work and live. Our collaboration with WWF marks a significant step forward in this effort. By combining our expertise in technology and sustainability with WWF’s conservation expertise, we aim to leverage the power of technology to create a more sustainable future.” – Oday Abbosh, Global Sustainability Services Leader, IBM Consulting

As part of this collaboration, IBM Consulting worked with WWF to explore opportunities for innovation, aligning WWF’s conservation initiatives with IBM’s sustainability and technology expertise. IBM’s own software, IBM Maximo Visual Inspection (MVI), will be used in this collaboration. Leveraging MVI’s AI-powered visual inspection and modeling capabilities, the solution aims to analyze images from camera traps and film to identify individual African forest elephants with greater accuracy. Currently, the use case focuses on head and tusk-related image recognition, similar to a fingerprint for humans.

“Our technology will play a crucial role in streamlining the process of identifying and accounting for the individual elephants. This is an exciting new use of IBM software, which in combination with our consulting services and WWF’s deep knowledge of the natural world can help create new ways to accelerate organizations’ sustainability efforts.” – Kendra Dekeyrel, VP of ESG and Asset Management at IBM

In addition, the two organizations aim to leverage IBM Environmental Intelligence to detect above-ground biomass and vegetation levels in specific areas where the elephants are present. This will enable more accurate predictions of the elephants’ future locations to better quantify the NCP services they provide. Ultimately,this will help the process of quantifying and tokenizing the value of carbon services provided by the African forest elephant, providing organizations with insights they can use to further drive sustainability efforts.

Harnessing the power of natural capital for sustainability

IBM and WWF are committed to exploring innovative products and services to help organizations harness natural capital to accelerate their sustainability progress. 

The concept of natural capital refers to the world’s stocks of natural assets, including geology, soil, air, water, and all wildlife. These natural assets provide a range of ecosystem services and NCP, which are the direct and indirect ways nature contributes to human well-being.

For instance, a single African forest elephant, roaming freely in its natural habitat, can increase the net carbon capture capacity of the forest by almost 250 acres. This is equivalent to removing from the atmosphere a year’s worth of emissions from 2,047 cars. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this can translate into a dollar value of up to $1.75 million per elephant, considering the carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services it provides.

“Counting African forest elephants is both difficult and costly. The logistics are complex and the resulting population numbers are not precise. Being able to identify individual elephants from camera trap images with the help of AI has the potential to be a game-changer. With AI, we will be able to monitor individual animals in space and time, giving us more robust and detailed population estimates and allowing for performance-based conservation payments, such as wildlife credits. The spatial data will also show us where these elephants choose to move – thus enabling us to protect these wildlife corridors.” – Dr. Thomas Breuer, WWF Germany – African Forest Elephant Coordinator

ABOUT IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Lily O’Brien
IBM
lilyobrien@ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM

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New GFT research reveals 1 in 4 Brits keep cash on hand amid growing IT failure concerns

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January 8, 2025

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Research reveals mounting worries amongst UK banking customers about IT outages at financial institutions

LONDON, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As digital banking becomes the norm, over a third (34%) of Brits are worried about the potential of IT failures at their banks, and 25% now keep cash on hand as a precaution against outages.

This trend reflects the growing uncertainty consumers feel about the reliability of digital financial services, as the availability of in-person banking continues to decline.

Over the past year, one in six (17%) people have been affected by IT failures within their banks, facing an average disruption time of six hours, with customers unable to access their funds or pay for essential goods and services.

This data comes from GFT’s latest Banking Disruption Index, a bi-annual assessment of consumer sentiment towards digital banking.

The research also uncovered growing concern about the security and resiliency of third-party technology providers supporting banks, with 38% of respondents worried about the potential of these organisations to cause an IT outage at a bank, highlighting a broader scepticism around the security and reliability of outsourced digital services.

Additionally, 42% of those surveyed said they were wary of cyber-attacks, fearing that an outage could lead to personal information theft. This underscores the growing expectation for banks to protect both consumer data and access to funds.

Richard Kalas, Client Solutions Director, Retail Banking at GFT, said: “These findings reveal a clear disconnect between the rapid digitalisation of banking services and consumer confidence around the security and resilience of these measures. While digital banking offers numerous benefits, it’s essential that banks continue to clearly demonstrate the various measures they are taking to ensure all critical customer services are resilient.”

The role of banks in enhancing security

As digital banking continues to grow, so do consumer concerns about security and reliability. In response, banks are under increased pressure to strengthen their resilience strategies, ensure operational stability, and better safeguard customers.

To meet these expectations, financial institutions must continue to invest in robust IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures, and partner with trusted organisations to effectively prevent and swiftly recover from outages.

What’s more, under recent Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) guidelines effective from 7th October, banks must now refund fraud victims up to £85,000 within five days. By shifting a significant portion of responsibility back to banks, the regulation reinforces the importance of customer protection and proactive fraud prevention.

To download the full Banking Disruption Index report, please follow this link.

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Route Mobile Partners with PT MRT Jakarta to launch first-of-its-kind WhatsApp ticketing via vending machines and Email

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January 8, 2025

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MUMBAI, India, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Route Mobile Limited (“Route Mobile”), a leading cloud communication platform service provider, has partnered with PT MRT Jakarta, Jakarta’s premier urban rail transit provider, to launch an innovative, first-of-its-kind WhatsApp based metro ticketing solution through vending machines. The solution streamlines the whole process, delivering essential ticket and travel information to commuters via WhatsApp for a smoother, more convenient journey.

With over 91,000 daily riders and 33.5 million annual ridership, Jakarta MRT plays a vital role in the city’s transportation infrastructure. Currently, it operates a North-South line with 13 stations, from Lebak Bulus to Bundaran HI, serving as a critical transit route that alleviates traffic congestion and improves urban mobility.

Through this innovative WhatsApp solution, passengers who purchase tickets from MRT Jakarta vending machines will receive the following three automated messages to simplify their journey:

Easy-to-follow instructions on using the QR codeA unique QR code to be scanned for entry at the origin stationA unique QR code to be scanned for exit at the destination

This multi-step WhatsApp engagement reduces friction, enhances user convenience, and significantly improves the commuter experience by enabling instant, reliable access to crucial travel details.

In addition to the core WhatsApp solution, Route Mobile is also supporting MRT Jakarta’s marketing initiatives by offering an email solution. This will allow MRT Jakarta to engage passengers through targeted email campaigns, sharing event updates, promotional content, special offers, and other relevant information that deepens customer engagement beyond their transit journey.

This strategic, one-year agreement will streamline the ticketing experience and introduce new marketing capabilities, enhancing customer engagement and convenience for MRT Jakarta commuters.

Gautam Badalia, Chief Executive Officer, Route Mobile, expressed his excitement about this pioneering collaboration, “We are honoured to partner with PT MRT Jakarta on this innovative project, which brings the convenience of WhatsApp communication to the MRT ticketing experience. With Route Mobile’s solution, customers will benefit from real-time information and seamless QR-based entry and exit, setting a new standard for public transit efficiency. We look forward to enhancing PT MRT Jakarta’s customer engagement through our WhatsApp and email solutions.”

About Route Mobile Limited (www.routemobile.com) (BSE: 543228) (NSE: ROUTE)

Established in 2004, Route Mobile Limited (“RML”) is a cloud communications platform service provider catering to enterprises, over-the-top (OTT) players, and mobile network operators (MNO). RML’s portfolio comprises solutions in messaging, voice, email, SMS filtering, analytics, and monetization. RML has a diverse enterprise client base across various industries, including social media companies, banks and financial institutions, e-commerce entities, and travel aggregators. RML is headquartered in Mumbai, India, with a global presence in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Route Mobile is now a part of Proximus Group, a provider of digital services and communication solutions operating in Belgium and international markets.

Additional Resources

Follow Route Mobile on LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/routemobilelimited
Become a fan of Route Mobile: https://www.facebook.com/Routemobilelimited

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BIT Mining Limited Announces Results of Annual General Meeting

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January 8, 2025

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AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BIT Mining Limited (NYSE: BTCM) (“BIT Mining” or the “Company”), a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company, today announced the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (the “AGM”) held on January 7, 2025.

At the AGM, the shareholders of the Company passed the resolution increasing the authorised share capital of the Company to US$440,000 divided into 8,399,935,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.00005 each, 65,000 Class A Preference Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.00005 each, and 400,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.00005 each, by the creation of 6,800,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a nominal or par value of US$0.00005 each.

About BIT Mining

BIT Mining (NYSE: BTCM) is a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company with operations in cryptocurrency mining, data center operation and mining machine manufacturing. The Company is strategically creating long-term value across the industry with its cryptocurrency ecosystem. Anchored by its cost-efficient data centers that strengthen its profitability with steady cash flow, the Company also conducts self-mining operations that enhance its marketplace resilience by leveraging self-developed and purchased mining machines to seamlessly adapt to dynamic cryptocurrency pricing. The Company also owns 7-nanometer BTC chips and has strong capabilities in the development of LTC/DOGE miners and ETC miners.

For more information:

BIT Mining Limited
ir@btcm.group
Ir.btcm.group  
www.btcm.group  

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1 (212) 481-2050
Email: BITMining@thepiacentegroup.com

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SOURCE BIT Mining Limited

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