Impact and Sustainability

NGIS IS ENGAGED IN ISSUES THAT STRIVE TO MAKE THE WORLD MORE SUSTAINABLE

We care about making a positive impact in the world. We use software and data to tackle issues such as sustainable development, biodiversity and conservation, preservation of Indigenous rights and interests, climate change and disaster risk reduction.

Our projects demonstrate this impact and that is something we are proud of, and NGIS has set ambitious goals to continue this good work into the future.

In 2021, the NGIS Group (NGIS, Liveli, EO Data Science, Winyama) purchased Biodiverse Reforestation Carbon Offsets from Carbon Neutral – these help to remove CO2 from the atmosphere every day and restore our environment. Our contribution enhances our shared natural capital with habitat restoration and land conservation and brings social and economic benefits.

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What is the Carbon Neutral?
 
Carbon Neutral assists organisations to measure, reduce and offset carbon emissions. It is Australia’s leading biodiverse reforestation ‘carbon sink’ developer. To date, over 30 million mixed native species trees and shrubs have been planted in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor. Carbon Neutral is in the process of restoring 13,500 hectares of rural landscapes.
 
Where does the NGIS Group contribution to Carbon Neutral go – specifically?
 
We are pleased that our contribution benefits our own backyard here in Western Australia through the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor plantings that are located in the northern wheatbelt of Southwestern Australia. The region has an exceptionally high number of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. It has been identified as one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots for wildlife and plants, and the first one identified in Australia.
 
The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor was once an area of vibrant woodlands. But since the arrival of Europeans in the early 1900s years ago, approximately 97% of the vegetation has been cleared for traditional farming practices.
 
How are the carbon credits quantified?
 
Carbon measurements and projections are independently verified by a qualified third party. This ensures that 1 carbon credit = 1 tonne carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e). 
 
The Biodiverse Reforestation Carbon Offset planting sites will, conservatively, sequester 120-180 tonnes of CO2-e per hectare over 50 years. To project how much CO2 the trees will sequester (both above and below ground) at a given location over 50 years, scientifically developed allometrics have been applied. This methodology is in line with Gold Standard Foundations’ Land Use and Forests (LUF) framework. The Biodiverse Reforestation Carbon Offset projects are not registered under a formal certification framework.

OUR INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS

NGIS and its brands are deeply committed to sustainability, particularly using geospatial technologies to answer and resolve previously unresolvable global issues. 

We approach our sustainability projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals in mind and do what we can to invest in empowering others, particularly minority groups, to learn and deploy geospatial technology solutions to better serve their communities and interests.

COASTAL RISK AUSTRALIA

Our environment is changing and NGIS is a leader in using mapping and location technology to analyse and communicate climate change science effectively.

In Australia, coastal risk due to a rise in sea level is a threat we will face over the next century. As sea levels rise, billions of dollars worth of infrastructure and private property will be affected. Mapping technology gives people an easy to understand interface to interpret information and make decisions based on data.

NGIS used Google Earth Engine to process the petabytes of data required to show where inundation is likely in year 2100 due to sea level rise and storm surge. 

View Coastal Risk Australia

GEO-GEE IMPACT INITIATIVE

GEO is an intergovernmental partnership of 105 member governments, 127 participating organisations and thousands of passionate individuals and businesses that improves the availability, access and use of earth observations for a more sustainable planet.

In late 2019, EO Data Science and Google Earth Engine exhibited together at the GEO Week Conference and announced a program to collaborate with and support GEO members and partners to drive global impact with Earth Observations. 

The program provides eligible applicants with the access they need to Google Earth Engine as they attempt to bridge the gap between science and application. The products built by successful applicants will enhance engagement with end users and decision makers to enact positive change.

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DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS

Since 2018, NGIS Australia has supported it’s partner, Winyama - an Indigenous-owned geospatial consultancy - in it’s initiatives to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to use geospatial technology to protect their lands, waterways, rights and interests. 

The Indigenous Mapping Workshop is Australia’s only free, community-led geospatial training initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The NGIS team provides support to the Winyama team to develop and teach curriculum, promote the initiative and provide technical support with geospatial systems and licences. 

Moreover, NGIS Australia is working alongside Winyama to develop a “Indigenous mentoring program” where Winyama GIS Analysts and trainees can work on projects alongside NGIS’ team to develop their experience working across a diverse range of projects.

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