Sber is advancing a major environmental initiative in partnership with the Amur Tiger Center and the Far Eastern Federal University to develop a robust system for recording and tracking Amur tigers. Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sberbank, shared these plans at EEF 2023, underscoring the bank’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecosystem health in the Russian Far East. The effort aligns with broader goals to stabilize tiger populations, protect a key symbol of the region, and strengthen data-driven conservation across the landscape.
According to Vedyakhin, the project represents a pivotal step toward creating a unified data repository for the Amur tiger. By combining field observations with advanced data processing, the joint venture aims to build a centralized system capable of storing, organizing, and analyzing information on this critically important species. The vision is to support researchers, park managers, and policymakers by providing timely insights into tiger distribution, habitat use, and population trends, ultimately contributing to the resilience of the entire ecosystem in the Far East.
The collaboration targets a future where a reliable recognition framework can more accurately document tiger occurrences. Early capabilities already demonstrate that computer vision techniques, paired with biometric analysis, can identify Amur tigers from imagery captured by camera traps. This technology not only enhances detection efficiency but also improves the quality of individual-level data, enabling more precise monitoring of movement patterns and interactions with their environment. The project emphasizes noninvasive methods that minimize disturbance to wildlife while yielding rich, longitudinal datasets.
Beyond the technical development, Sberbank and the Amur Tiger Center formalized their cooperation through a bilateral agreement that outlines responsibilities, data governance, and collaborative workflows. This agreement sets the stage for ongoing coordination as the recognition system matures, ensuring interoperability among partners and a shared commitment to safeguarding an emblematic species for generations to come. The arrangement also signals a model for cross-institutional collaboration in conservation technology, combining financial, scientific, and academic strengths to address critical biodiversity challenges in the region.