It’s hard to stop humans, but we can stop the machines they use. The code uses data from the United Nations’ World Database on Protected Areas, constantly updated by NGOs, governments and local communities. Using vehicle on-board GPS, the code detects when a protected area has been breached. When a machine enters a protected area, the system automatically restricts its use. To symbolize the feasibility to implement the Code of Conscience at a low cost in any machine, a small chip with GPS, 4G and data storage with the code itself was developed. GPS monitors the exact location of heavy-duty machines and detects if they enter a Preserved Area. Whenever the vehicle moves into a protected area, it can be instantly disabled. The protected area database is constantly updated over mobile data - when the vehicle is outside of range, it uses the cached data.

Protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation and for the continued existence of culturally rich local communities. There are many economic and ecological benefits to preserving these areas - least of which is their important role in regulating climate and preventing runaway global warming.

Today, despite its protective status, one third of the world’s land reserves are under threat from human activity. It’s hard to stop humans from destroying our planet, but we can stop the machines they use. In collaboration with NGOs from all over the world, we are launching an open source software update that restricts the use of heavy-duty vehicles in protected land areas.