AI and satellite technology used for environmental monitoring in Spain and Argentina

Artificial intelligence and satellite imagery are being utilized in separate regional projects to address environmental challenges.

In Spain, students from IES Kursaal in Algeciras won the European Eco-Digithon for their project, ROV Okamurae. The initiative uses Sentinel-2 satellite images, robotics, and AI to study the spread of the invasive Asian algae Rugulopteryx okamurae along the Andalusian coast. The project also employs a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with sensors to monitor water and air quality in the Getares bay.

In Argentina, the Copernicus project won the CarpinchIA 2026 competition hosted by the Universidad Nacional del Delta. Developed by Germán Kovacevic, the application uses the European Space Agency’s Sentinel constellation to monitor water levels, chlorophyll, and turbidity in lagoons and channels. The system provides flood forecasting for the Luján River and monitors water quality to detect potential cyanobacteria blooms that could pose health risks.