Rainforest Connection
Model & Strategy
Rainforest Connection (RFCx) is focused on preventing rainforest deforestation, a leading cause of climate change and species extinction, by providing real-time monitoring and detection of illegal logging activity. RFCx transforms recycled cell-phones into autonomous, solar-powered listening devices that can remotely monitor and detect logging activity. Using this data, RFCx partners with local NGOs and indigenous tribes to deter incursions through more effective patrols or to pressure governments to take action to prevent further incursions. RFCx plans to make this data available to academic researches and government agencies in the hopes of reshaping the fields of field ecology and conservation.
Topher White is Founder and CEO of Rainforest Connection. Topher has experience building systems for large and small startups as well as international science projects, including four years working on nuclear fusion at ITER, in France. He has received multiple accolades for his work, including being named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2015 and an “Engineering Hero” by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
RFCx directly aids the efforts of local in-country partner organizations, NGOs, indigenous tribes and governments struggling to reduce environmental destruction. RFCx can already claim to be a key element in the protection of thousands of hectares of forest in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Since 2015, RFCx has developed and deployed specialized conservation technology to empower the Brazilian Tembé indigenous people to protect 60,000 hectares of their native rainforest in Brazil, using real-time data and alerts.
RFCx also uses data streaming from remote forests combined with advanced acoustic algorithm development to measure biodiversity and ecology, creating new and simplified interfaces for scientists to contribute to environmental protection while furthering their own research.
Rainforest Connection News
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How Old Cell Phones Are Being Used to Save the RainforestTopher White has a black eye, but there’s no cause for alarm. He just got it from walking through the forest, getting swiped by flying…Nov 2016 -
The Guardians of the ForestThe Borneo rainforest is severely threatened by deforestation. In this new video James Reed, a tree climbing expert, collaborates with the Rainforest Connection to place…Sep 2016 -
This Accelerator Is Building An Ecosystem For Climate Change StartupsRainforest Connection transforms recycled cellphones into solar-powered devices that monitor and pinpoint deforestation activity for intervention in real time. While the breakthrough technology has proven…Jun 2016 -
National Georgraphic: 2015 Emerging ExplorersDeforestation, much of it illegal, is one of the main contributors to climate change. Detecting and interdicting illicit loggers in remote areas has always been…Jun 2015 -
Topher White TEDx Talk: What Can Save the Rainforest? Your Used Cell PhoneThe sounds of the rainforest include: the chirps of birds, the buzz of cicadas, the banter of gibbons. But in the background is the almost-always…Sep 2014
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Our talk with @WTourismForum on how AI technology can save the planet premieres in 3 hours. Set your reminder! D… https://t.co/YF27E2lWdp
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RT @jocotoco_org: #SaveTheChocó has just 5 weeks to raise $5 million to purchase and protect 57,000 acres of pristine rainforest in the Ecu…
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The Ecuadorian Chocó is the most floristically important area in the Americas, but only 2% of this rainforest remai… https://t.co/9zuam45BAE
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RT @DavidLiPeng: Protecting our ecosystems can’t wait. Listen as SVP of Public Affairs @HuaweiUSA, #JoyTan, & CEO of @RainforestCX, @Topher…
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RT @gtourismforum: As the @gtourismforum we’re always highlighting the importance of “sustainability”. Keeping our natural treasures and ec…
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RT @WTourismForum: As the @gtourismforum we’re always highlighting the importance of “sustainability”. Keeping our natural treasures and ec…
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RT @HuaweiUSA: Protecting our ecosystems can’t wait. Listen as SVP of Public Affairs @HuaweiUSA, #JoyTan, & CEO of @RainforestCX, @TopherWh…
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After a day in CA w/ Joy Tan of @HuaweiUSA climbing trees, we expected to meet this summer. COVID19 kept us home, s… https://t.co/ChaAPoumo2
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Check out our live stream app to see our projects & listen to #rainforests sounds in real time:… https://t.co/AValQGK4No
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🚨#QuizTime🚨 Test your #rainforest knowledge: In which layer of the rainforest will you find a sloth?🦥🦥🦥
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Live on YouTube! Intl Tiger Day: Tigers in the 21st Century https://t.co/XLRrtfQxEj @cwsindia
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"one of the most remarkable figures of our days". 👏👏 https://t.co/jTpM2FO6Wt
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Rainforests keep our planet healthy by providing: 1⃣ Habitats for animals and plants🐒🌱 2⃣ Indigenous people with l… https://t.co/DSldBAOP9y
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🚨#QuizTime🚨 Test your #rainforest knowledge: Rainforests are often cut down to make room for farms to grow which of the following crops?
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RT @cmrodrigueze: The White lipped peccary is probably the most endangered big mammal in the neotropics. This group in Osa, Costa Rica, is…
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RT @RSPOtweets: We're pleased to welcome @RainforestCx among our environmental NGO members! 🌳🐒🌳 In this inspiring #TEDTalk, founder @tophe…
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About 80% of the world's documented species can be found in #tropical #rainforests, even though they cover only abo… https://t.co/9gv5pqz0hG
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RT @CITES: A court in Malawi sentenced nine members of a gang of wildlife traffickers to a total of more than 56 years in prison for dealin…
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RT @GSMAm4d: In the Philippines, @Huawei & @RainforestCx have deployed acoustic sensors and #AI to help increase the detection of chainsaws…