Video, sculptures and and software.

Code of Conscience is an open source software program that restricts the use of heavy machinery in protected land areas. Despite their protected status, one-third of the world’s nature reserves are threatened by human activity. It is difficult to stop humans from destroying our planet, but we can stop the machines they use.

Code of Conscience uses open source mapping data from the UN World Database on Protected Areas, updated monthly by NGOs, communities and governments, along with GPS tracking technology installed in construction vehicles, to autonomously stop deforestation equipment from entering protected areas. A small, low-cost chip has been developed to equip older models without GPS with the code, and the software is freely available to everyone.

The work in progress continues to gain momentum with global coverage that is attracting interest from private companies and governments. Fleets in Australia and Brazil have begun implementing the code, including 3tentos, one of Brazil’s largest agricultural companies. Cyber Shield is now combating illegal fishing by monitoring the activities of vessels in protected ocean areas through the UN Global Database. The code is also being implemented on heavy machinery, trucks and ships operating in protected areas near the Amazon, and other governments in South America and Europe are working to make it law.

Chief Raoni Metuktire – Brazil’s most prominent indigenous leader and a living symbol of the mission to preserve the rainforest and its indigenous culture – affirms the urgent need for action: “Let all heavy machinery manufacturers and leaders come and see this. So that the tractors work, but stop when they reach our land, our rainforest, so that it continues to exist. It is for us to become aware and for the forest to rise”.

Artist: AKQA (São Paulo and New Zealand).

Work included in the exhibition Digital Machines: Technology, Industry, Society.