Ana Paula Cabral

Brazilian environmentalist leading indigenous rights and rainforest conservation through digital activism

Ana Paula Cabral (born 1985) is a Brazilian lawyer and environmental activist who pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to protect the Amazon rainforest. Her innovative approach combines technology with indigenous knowledge to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development.

After witnessing massive deforestation near her hometown in Pará state, Cabral developed RainforestAI in 2016 - an AI platform that analyzes satellite data to detect illegal logging in real-time. This system now covers 60% of the Amazon basin and has prevented over 500,000 hectares of forest loss.

Cabral's partnership with The Indigenous Amazon Network created the first digital platform allowing indigenous communities to directly report illegal activities. Her 2020 initiative "Guardians of the Canopy" trained 300 young indigenous leaders in drone technology and data analysis.

In 2019, she co-founded EcoJustice Brazil, which has secured 140 court rulings against illegal miners and loggers. Her TED Talk "How AI Can Protect the Amazon" has over 1.5 million views. Cabral's memoir "Digital Warriors: Saving the Amazon One Pixel at a Time" details her journey combining tech and tradition.

Her recent work focuses on blockchain-based carbon credits for indigenous communities. The 2022 documentary "The Algorithm Guardians" chronicles her team's work. Cabral was named a 2023 WWF Young Conservation Leader, using her platform to advocate for youth-led environmental action globally.