AI Statement & Guiding Principles
Natural Areas Association (NAA) & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Statement
Natural Areas Association leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support our ability to serve scientists and practitioners through timely, high-quality programs and resources. As a conservation organization, we are deeply concerned about the environmental implications of AI, including the significant energy demands, water use, and ecological impact of data centers. We recognize that AI creates real environmental, social, and ethical risks, many of which are not yet fully known, and we commit to using this technology in responsible ways that minimize our collective impact. Guided by a people-first philosophy, we carefully evaluate how AI technologies can appropriately support our mission. Generative AI is sometimes incorporated into our daily operations to support creativity, enhance productivity, and streamline workflows. When AI contributes to publicly distributed content, we will clearly disclose its use. We follow the guidance of seven key principles when assessing our use of artificial intelligence. Guiding Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Purpose & Value: We use AI only when it serves a clear, legitimate purpose and delivers meaningful benefits that would be difficult or inefficient to achieve through human effort alone.Risk Assessment & Impact: We employ our Meaningful Use of Artificial Intelligence Assessment before using AI to assess potential risks, mitigate harm related to extensive, publicly shared outcomes, and ensure a consistent decision-making framework.Privacy & Data Governance: We do not share private NAA data and information through our use of AI tools or applications. Strong privacy practices will be maintained at every stage of the AI lifecycle.Transparency & Explainability: Our prompt development will reflect a range of viewpoints and will rely on broad, unbiased sources. We are committed to transparency in our use of AI technology and will cite sources when they inform our publicly distributed work.Accountability: NAA will maintain traceability of AI datasets to enable thorough analysis and evaluation so outputs can be clearly examined and understood.Fairness: NAA will evaluate each AI outcome, appropriately weighing diverse viewpoints. NAA will maintain an inclusive and equitable approach to ensure that the benefits of AI outputs are accessible to all.Human Oversight: NAA will maintain meaningful human oversight of all AI applications, requiring at least two staff members to review AI-generated deliverables that will be shared publicly to verify they meet organizational principles.
