The Akkervlucht project aims to create an innovative link between technology, biodiversity protection and social inclusion in Bree's agricultural landscape. Based on a clear need for efficiency, ecological responsibility and workable solutions for farmers, the project aims to generate impact on several levels.
A first key objective is to deploy drone technology for nature conservation on farmland. Using drones with thermal imaging cameras will make it possible to detect game and breeding field birds before the implementation of mechanical field operations. This allows farmers to better tailor their operations to the presence of fauna and thus prevent damage. This not only increases the survival chances of species, but also strengthens support for nature conservation within the sector. Specifically, we aim to fly a minimum of 20 plots annually (about 40 hectares) and help monitor the success of nesting and species protection.
To make this commitment sustainable, the project aims to establish a digital indication and follow-up tool develop or implement a tool that supports collaboration between farmers, drone pilots and nature experts. In this tool, farmers can easily designate plots for drone flights and receive feedback on the results afterwards. The system allows monitoring data to be stored, linked to plot management and shared with relevant partners, and should be especially user-friendly for farmers working with it in practice.
In addition, Akkervlucht contributes to the conservation of biodiversity on fields in northern Limburg. By actively tracking vulnerable species such as curlew, lapwing and skylark and enabling protection through drone imagery, their breeding success is better supported. Species protection initiatives already exist in the Bree region, often in collaboration with nature organisations, but these are fragmented and heavily dependent on manual tracking. By combining innovative technology with local knowledge, the project aims to contribute to a more structured and efficient protection of species in agricultural areas.
Another essential part of the project is the Social inclusion of a care volunteer as a drone pilot. This volunteer is trained and supervised to collect drone images in a safe and competent manner. This gives the care guest an active role in a technically and socially relevant project, increasing involvement in the local community while showing how agriculture and nature care can also create social added value.
Furthermore, Akkervlucht wants to contribute to a clear legal and operational framework for drone use in agricultural areas. The project investigates how best to arrange permission for drone flights with plot owners and what agreements are needed around privacy and safety. The aim is to create a clear and accessible framework for Bree, so that other farmers, nature partners or municipalities can also learn from it.
Finally, knowledge sharing and active involvement of farmers a common thread throughout the project. Farmers are not only informed, but also involved in the planning, execution and follow-up of drone flights. Via consultation moments, feedback and user-friendly tools, cooperation based on trust and transparency is being developed. In this way, Akkervlucht wants to contribute to a structural cooperation model between agriculture and nature conservation, in which farmers themselves can contribute to biodiversity objectives without loss of efficiency or autonomy.
