CERN Unveils Virtual Nature Walk Experience
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[1]
Take a virtual walk on the wild side
A new online application takes you on a journey to discover CERN's rich biodiversity Did you know that CERN is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna? You can now embark on a captivating virtual tour of the CERN sites to discover the many species identified in a dedicated field survey carried out in 2022. Among them you'll encounter several threatened species, providing a unique glimpse into the sites' ecological wealth. Conducting regular surveys is crucial for maintaining CERN's biodiversity. They allow populations of flora and fauna to be monitored and help identify zones of biological interest, where concrete protection measures can be taken. The 2022 surveys concentrated on documenting flora, amphibians, insects and birds. The inventory of amphibians revealed that two protected frog species and two protected species of the newt family live on the CERN sites. The insect-based surveys focused on Lepidoptera (butterflies) and Orthoptera (locusts, grasshoppers and crickets), which serve as indicators of environmental quality. Remarkably, 62 species of Lepidoptera and 32 species of Orthoptera were identified across the sites. The flora inventory led to the identification of 13 threatened species, as well as of two new orchid species, bringing the total number of orchid species identified on the CERN sites to 18. This virtual walk was developed as part of CERN's comprehensive programme to prioritise and understand the environment, led by SCE in collaboration with HSE. It is powered by SCE's Geographic Information System (GIS), where the survey data has been stored and which allows spatial analysis and meaningful visualisations, incorporating 3D scenes from drone images and videos to provide a fully immersive user experience. Future planned developments include an online platform where everyone can contribute their own observations, enriching our collective knowledge of the biodiversity of the CERN sites. This platform will also use existing sensors and surveillance cameras to augment the inventory, leveraging AI for automatic classification. Ultimately, the resulting database will facilitate the measurement of a range of factors that impact CERN's biodiversity, including site evolution, works, seasons, weather patterns and more. This will enable us to assess the effectiveness of our actions to protect biodiversity and will deepen our understanding of the environment, helping us to better protect it.
[2]
Take a virtual walk on the wild side
A new online application takes you on a journey to discover CERN's rich biodiversity Did you know that CERN is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna? You can now embark on a captivating virtual tour of the CERN sites to discover the many species identified in a dedicated field survey carried out in 2022. Among them you'll encounter several threatened species, providing a unique glimpse into the sites' ecological wealth. Conducting regular surveys is crucial for maintaining CERN's biodiversity. They allow populations of flora and fauna to be monitored and help identify zones of biological interest, where concrete protection measures can be taken. The 2022 surveys concentrated on documenting flora, amphibians, insects and birds. The inventory of amphibians revealed that two protected frog species and two protected species of the newt family live on the CERN sites. The insect-based surveys focused on Lepidoptera (butterflies) and Orthoptera (locusts, grasshoppers and crickets), which serve as indicators of environmental quality. Remarkably, 62 species of Lepidoptera and 32 species of Orthoptera were identified across the sites. The flora inventory led to the identification of 13 threatened species, as well as of two new orchid species, bringing the total number of orchid species identified on the CERN sites to 18. This virtual walk was developed as part of CERN's comprehensive programme to prioritise and understand the environment, led by SCE in collaboration with HSE. It is powered by SCE's Geographic Information System (GIS), where the survey data has been stored and which allows spatial analysis and meaningful visualisations, incorporating 3D scenes from drone images and videos to provide a fully immersive user experience. Future planned developments include an online platform where everyone can contribute their own observations, enriching our collective knowledge of the biodiversity of the CERN sites. This platform will also use existing sensors and surveillance cameras to augment the inventory, leveraging AI for automatic classification. Ultimately, the resulting database will facilitate the measurement of a range of factors that impact CERN's biodiversity, including site evolution, works, seasons, weather patterns and more. This will enable us to assess the effectiveness of our actions to protect biodiversity and will deepen our understanding of the environment, helping us to better protect it.
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CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has launched a virtual nature walk experience, allowing visitors to explore the diverse wildlife and habitats surrounding its facilities.
CERN's Unexpected Natural Haven
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, widely known as CERN, is not just a hub for groundbreaking particle physics research. Surprisingly, it's also home to a rich and diverse ecosystem. In a recent initiative, CERN has unveiled a virtual nature walk experience, offering a unique glimpse into the wildlife thriving around its facilities
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.A Digital Journey Through CERN's Biodiversity
The virtual nature walk is an innovative project that allows visitors to explore the natural surroundings of CERN from anywhere in the world. This digital experience showcases the organization's commitment to environmental preservation alongside its scientific pursuits
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.Discovering Flora and Fauna
CERN's grounds host an impressive array of plant and animal species. The virtual tour highlights various habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Visitors can observe native flora and catch glimpses of the diverse wildlife that calls CERN home
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.Conservation Efforts at CERN
The organization's dedication to biodiversity is evident in its conservation practices. CERN actively manages its land to protect and nurture the local ecosystem. This virtual walk serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats even in areas dedicated to advanced scientific research
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.Balancing Science and Nature
CERN's virtual nature walk demonstrates how cutting-edge scientific facilities can coexist harmoniously with the natural world. It highlights the organization's holistic approach to its presence in the region, balancing the needs of scientific progress with environmental stewardship
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.Related Stories
Accessibility and Education
By making this experience available online, CERN is extending its educational outreach beyond physics. The virtual walk serves as a valuable resource for schools, nature enthusiasts, and the general public, offering insights into biodiversity and conservation efforts
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.Technology Meets Nature
The creation of this virtual experience showcases CERN's technological capabilities beyond particle physics. It demonstrates how digital tools can be used to connect people with nature and promote environmental awareness, even from a distance
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