Viessmann Foundation partners with Capacity to protect biodiversity through AI and satellite technology
March 31, 2026 – The Viessmann Foundation has granted 100,000 Euro to Capacity, a non-profit organization that develops technology solutions to combat global biodiversity loss. Capacity operates “THE SHIELD” - a rainforest protection system that combines satellite monitoring and AI-based detection with on-the-ground action led by Indigenous communities and legal enforcement. By turning early warnings into real-world accountability, the initiative ensures the long-term protection of vital forest ecosystems. This partnership directly supports the Viessmann Foundation’s commitment to climate protection, the preservation of biodiversity, and the advancement of sustainable development goals.
Max Viessmann, CEO Viessmann Generations Group: “Protecting the foundations of life for generations to come is at the core of our purpose. Utilizing the latest tech to achieve that is at the core of our DNA. Capacity has developed a powerful, scalable solution that turns high-tech monitoring into real-world protection for our planet’s most vital ecosystems. By empowering local communities with these tools, the team is helping to build a global shield for biodiversity that can be applied far beyond the Amazon.”
Lawrence Leuschner, Founder of Capacity: “With the world’s vital ecosystems at their tipping point, existing traditional conservation models can’t keep up with the threats we’re facing. With the support of the Viessmann Foundation, we leverage entrepreneurial speed and the guidance of Indigenous leadership to build cutting-edge technology and operational excellence on ecological frontlines that powers The Shield.”
Earth’s ecosystems have reached a critical tipping point, the Amazon rainforest in particular. Already at 19-20% deforestation today, crossing the 20-25% mark will likely trigger an irreversible collapse of the rainforest into a dry savanna. In turn, 20% of the world’s freshwater would be jeopardized, up to 140 billion tonnes of CO₂ released into the atmosphere and an estimated 3 million species driven toward extinction.
Current conservation efforts are often too slow and fragmented. In the Amazon rainforest, illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing continue because real-time monitoring and legal accountability are missing. Even in protected Indigenous territories, the lack of coordination and clear evidence often prevents the prosecution of environmental crimes.
To address these challenges, Capacity has developed “The Shield”, a technology system designed to protect the rainforest at scale. This solution combines continuous satellite monitoring and AI detection to identify illegal activities like logging and mining almost in real-time. Alerts are sent directly to Indigenous guardians through a specialized mobile app (“Guardião”), allowing for an immediate response even in remote, offline areas. By packaging high-quality evidence for environmental authorities and federal prosecutors, the system creates a direct link between detection and legal enforcement. This ensures that early warnings lead to concrete accountability and long-term protection across the entire Amazon biome.
The impact of Capacity is already visible, with approximately 13 million hectares of forest currently under active monitoring. A network of six Indigenous communities is using the system, with 150 active users operating the alert app to document and report environmental crimes faster than ever before. This work has already led to the detection of 454 deforestation events and the first successful federal investigations based on this data. While the current focus is on the Amazon, the system is designed to scale across 280 million hectares of protected land and can be adapted to safeguard other critical regions, such as the Congo Basin and Southeast Asia.
Viessmann Foundation gGmbH
Founded in 2020, the Viessmann Foundation gGmbH is the philanthropic arm of the Viessmann Generations Group, united by a shared purpose: co-creating living spheres for generations to come. Rooted in family values, the Foundation acts where market solutions fall short - deploying catalytic capital to complement the Group’s investments and driving systemic change toward resilient, equitable communities. We focus on three high-impact areas, partnering with exceptional organizations: Climate & Ecosystems, Education & Democracy, Health & Wellbeing. More information here.
Capacity
Capacity Foundation is the world’s first not-for-profit venture studio developing scalable frontier technologies to end biodiversity loss globally. Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Switzerland, the organization operates at the nexus of nature, people, and technology - pioneering bold, innovative models for Conservation 2.0. More information: www.capacity.eco
Press Contact:
Viessmann Generations Group
Byung-Hun Park
Vice President Corporate Communications
M: +49151-64911317
Capacity Foundation
Cassandra Yip
Founder’s Associate
E: cassandra@capacity.eco
M: +65 98562138
