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The BVI
The Bio Value Index (BVI) is an innovative, science-based decision-making tool developed over two decades by Tahi, to measure how indigenous tree species contribute to whole ecosystems.
Our Science
Science based
Tech enabled
Field tested
Strengthening The Science Ecosystem
The global decline in biodiversity has reached a critical juncture. Over half the world’s total GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature. Yet, the true value of nature remains unaccounted for in the global economy. The success of nature-positive investments will hinge on a crucial, less glamorous foundation: good data.
Consensus on science based metrics is key to unlocking global solutions. To enable governments, companies, financial institutions and local communities to measure, monitor and finance biodiversity at scale.
These discussions around nature-positive investments are happening at a time of rapid advancements in technology that are revolutionising the way biodiversity data is collected and analysed.
At Tahi, our rich 20 year history in biodiversity regeneration, paired with the latest science & technology gives us a unique role on the global stage. Our vision is that our research will pave the way for informed decision-making and drive positive change.
These discussions around nature-positive investments are happening at a time of rapid advancements in technology that are revolutionising the way biodiversity data is collected and analysed.
At Tahi, our rich 20 year history in biodiversity regeneration, paired with the latest science & technology gives us a unique role on the global stage. Our vision is that our research will pave the way for informed decision-making and drive positive change.
A World First
LiDAR Project
LiDAR is a specialist, high resolution radar survey tool. We deployed it via drone, to the survey the structure of the Tahi forest. This technology forms essential data for calculation of carbon sequestration, to a previously unattainable accuracy.
We also combine LiDAR with multi-spectral imagery. When combined with LiDAR data, it may provide capability for remote survey of extensive areas of forest, often on difficult terrain; providing a complete species inventory.
In a world first study we will be linking our LiDAR results to a dendrochronology study to provide a complete species composition and carbon sequestration profile of the Tahi forest.
Sign up to our email database to be the first to see the results of this world-leading study.
In a world first study we will be linking our LiDAR results to a dendrochronology study to provide a complete species composition and carbon sequestration profile of the Tahi forest.
Sign up to our email database to be the first to see the results of this world-leading study.
Dendrochonology
Dendrochronology is the study of tree rings - trees have been keeping detailed climate records for decades through their rings. Our innovative pilot study will review carbon sequestration since 2003, when restoration commenced at Tahi, compared to the previous 20 years when the property was used for grazing.
Why is there such a large increase in carbon sequestration?
There are three effects in operation: soil damage (microbiome damage), root damage and leaf damage (reducing photosynthesis). Up until 2003, the forests of Tahi were grazed extensively and invasive species were heavily prevalent. By removing these damaging agents the trees could once again grow and photosynthesise properly.
Why is this significant?
Though pairing dendrochonology & Lidar data, we hope to quantify the beneficial effects of biodiversity regeneration & invasive species control. In particular we can measure how much carbon is being stored and place a value on that.
There are three effects in operation: soil damage (microbiome damage), root damage and leaf damage (reducing photosynthesis). Up until 2003, the forests of Tahi were grazed extensively and invasive species were heavily prevalent. By removing these damaging agents the trees could once again grow and photosynthesise properly.
Why is this significant?
Though pairing dendrochonology & Lidar data, we hope to quantify the beneficial effects of biodiversity regeneration & invasive species control. In particular we can measure how much carbon is being stored and place a value on that.
Soil Hydrology
Our preliminary hydrology study we hope to prove the hypothesis that since restoring biodiversity to Tahi, the amount of water leaving our forested catchments is less than when the property was grazed.
Why is there such a large increase in water adsorption & reduction in flood risk?
In a biodiverse ecosystem, water’s passage through the landscape is slowed, used, intercepted & absorbed, by all the ecosystems present. In a non-biodiverse ecosystem, such as a classic cattle farm or pine plantation water can rush down the hillsides when it rains, causing floods in the valley bottoms.
Why is this significant?
In a world at increasing risk of extreme weather events, we plan to scientifically prove biodiversity restoration can improve the performance of land to extreme weather events. During droughts, water is now available for plant and animal life - even in the driest years, Tahi stands out as a green landscape. During floods, we hope to demonstrate that biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient.
In a biodiverse ecosystem, water’s passage through the landscape is slowed, used, intercepted & absorbed, by all the ecosystems present. In a non-biodiverse ecosystem, such as a classic cattle farm or pine plantation water can rush down the hillsides when it rains, causing floods in the valley bottoms.
Why is this significant?
In a world at increasing risk of extreme weather events, we plan to scientifically prove biodiversity restoration can improve the performance of land to extreme weather events. During droughts, water is now available for plant and animal life - even in the driest years, Tahi stands out as a green landscape. During floods, we hope to demonstrate that biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient.
Drone Tech
Breakthroughs in technology are rapidly changing the way we approach biodiversity
conservation. Improvements in remote sensing, and drone technologies have enabled an
unprecedented ability to monitor the health of ecosystems.
These technological advancements in measuring biodiversity create an opportunity to put a price
on nature, making it more expensive to do anything that degrades our environment and
generating income for actions that restore it. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone
technologies are generating precise, three-dimensional information about the terrain geomorphology and characteristic. Optical and multispectral UAV systems, in conjunction with Lidar, are also part of the remote sensing systems currently used in Tahi. Integrating all these sensors, using advanced image processing tools, has enabled the team to develop several applications, including ecosystem monitoring.
This system allows scientists to map and examine the natural environment accurately, precisely, and flexibly.
on nature, making it more expensive to do anything that degrades our environment and
generating income for actions that restore it. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone
technologies are generating precise, three-dimensional information about the terrain geomorphology and characteristic. Optical and multispectral UAV systems, in conjunction with Lidar, are also part of the remote sensing systems currently used in Tahi. Integrating all these sensors, using advanced image processing tools, has enabled the team to develop several applications, including ecosystem monitoring.
This system allows scientists to map and examine the natural environment accurately, precisely, and flexibly.