Stop the spread: using drones and nano-biogel to prevent wildfires

Written By Frontier Tech Hub

THE QUESTION

Can drones deploy a special nano-biogel fire retardant in Brazil’s forests to stop the spread of wildfires?

LOCATION: Brazil
SECTOR: Nature and Biodiversity
TECH: Biotech, Drones/UAVs
TIMELINE: September 2024 - Present
PIONEER: Laura Moreira
PARTNERS: TBC

 
 

The Challenge

Wildfires in Brazil are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a growing threat to human health, biodiversity, and economies. A UNEP study identified prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, dry lightning and stronger winds as just some of the exacerbating factors brought about by climate change. Furthermore, annual carbon dioxide emissions from Brazil’s wildfires are equal to those of the European Union.

Traditional firefighting methods, which rely on large amounts of water and chemical retardants, are expensive and often harmful to the environment. There is an urgent need for innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions to combat wildfires.

The Idea

This pilot aims to test the deployment of nano-biogel, a fire retardant combining nanoscale materials and biogel technology. This innovative substance is designed to:

  • Reduce water use: The nanomaterials enhance fire suppression efficiency, requiring less water than traditional methods.

  • Minimise environmental impact: The biocompatible gel matrix prevents ecological harm, making it safer for forests and wildlife.

To deploy the nano-biogel, drones will fly over fire-prone areas and release the substance, alongside ground-based methods, such as backpack sprayers and tanker trucks.

If successful, this solution could provide a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional firefighting, with the potential to be replicated in wildfire-prone regions worldwide.

 

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Frontier Tech Hub

The Frontier Tech Hub works with UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) staff and global partners to understand the potential for innovative tech in the development context, and then test and scale their ideas.

https://www.frontiertechhub.org/
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