I hit Google hard and initiate first contacts. Few disappointing phone calls later, I realise that I feel like an Indian salesperson. The revelation that many conservation projects transform passion into this corporate thing where everything has a price tag is disappointing. I was treated as if I’m trying to sell them a broadband package. Frustrated, I set a new rule for my search: if their marketing doesn’t scream passion and inspiration, it’s a deal breaker – no second thoughts, moving on to the next one.

The spark ignites when I meet Kaue, and Soren – some of the main people behind the Marine Conservation Philippines. Their energy is exactly what I’ve been searching for. They run a project for preserving coral reefs and need a device that records water parameters. I can help with that! Turns out Kaue is an underwater photographer, so I’m already hooked on the thought of underwater narcissistic selfies.

Here’s a twist in the story. Just like that a few days later get an email from Danilo about a post I did on Wildlabs. I don’t fully understand his project at first, but after a quick call, I am intrigued. He is one of those people who talks calmly, doesn’t interrupt, and makes you feel heard – balances my chaotic energy. The project is about saving a natural mountain spring river in Brazil that a new railway construction will destroy. The government isn’t very good at listening (what a surprise), so they are trying to get more people involved. The plan is to give the “Sacred River” its own voice. Yes, to make it alive! As crazy as this sounds it might just work. Imagine a wooden statue representing the river’s avatar, answering questions like – how do you feel today? Using an AI avatar that visitors can talk to in real-time. The AI revolution is here. How amazing is this?

Here comes the interesting part: much of the research and the tech can be used for both projects. The power of open communication! Two projects, thousands of kilometres apart, working together towards a passionate mission. I don’t believe in fate, but this comes close enough. The coincidence is too big to ignore. Let’s call it “coincidental destiny”. I have a good feeling about this!

A few weeks later, we got the green light from Soren, but just as we were ready to dive in, “coincidental destiny” abandon us. Danillo moved to a new place, and domesticity took over. This collab is put on hold as quickly as it started. However, as one door closes, another one opens. Changing teams is common in conservation tech, and I was prepared for it. My mild “Monk OCD” helped! Keeping things obsessively tidy makes it easy to onboarding new story-makers.

That’s when I found Povilas. He is a hardware engineer and a freediver, so he is quite familiar with water pressure. He pointed out some major flaws we had overlooked. The prototype must withstand a depth of 20 meters, so we are dealing with high pressure—metaphorically and literally.

I came up with a very “unoriginal” codename and Soren’s reaction made me laugh. Working with such positive people motivates me even more! The actual codename is still a work in progress and I change it almost every week – keeping it fresh! If you feel inspired join our Discord channel to give your take! I want it to have that good luck mascot vibe! Spoiler alert – it is a boy.

This is another open-source community device, designed so anyone can build it from scratch. Naturally, we’re using easily accessible tech for prototyping. Building a community device isn’t just about the technology; it’s also about creating a collaborative community so we’re extending the trials globally. The more the merrier. Shout out to all innovators and do-gooders out there – let’s write this story together!

Perfect timing! Reefie arrived just in time for our Bachata trip to Greece. We found a cosy little beach for snorkelling and the historic first Reefie submersion!
Sadly, no underwater shots—last-minute tech issues (Insta360, we need a better design for the charging port cover next time!!)

Double debut! Lora’s first snorkelling and Reefie’s first dive! Lora’s smile says it all!

Mixed results: no leaks, the case held tight, but some sensors gave strange readings. After a quick chat with Povilas, we’ve got ideas for improvement—next time, we’ll keep it underwater longer to let the sensors adjust. Stay tuned!

The dream team – Rali(PM), Poli(troubleshooting), Lora(UI)

Double debut! Lora’s first snorkelling and Reefie’s first dive!

• Code and schematics
• The sensors
  • Temperature
  • Conductivity – monitor salinity
  • Turbidity – light penetration, visibility
  • Dissolved Oxygen – the amount of oxygen available in the water
  • ORP – presence of harmful oxidizing chemicals(on hold)