The pilot project operates like a stolen car tracking system. Small modules (pack of card sized) are secreted in selected trees in protected parts of the rainforest. If a tree is cut and transported the module, which is embedded in the tree, springs into action.

The system was developed by Brazilian company, Cargo Tracck, and uses Gemalto's Cinterion BGS2 module. The module (which can operate for a year without a battery change) will send an alarm with location information, times and so on, if a tree passes within 20 miles of a cell tower. So not only can evidence of illegal logging and movement be gathered, but the environment agency is given the opportunity to act in real time to intercept the miscreants.

Gemalto's Cinterion module employs the company's localisation algorithms and Radiation Exchange Data (RED) technology that extends signal range in low signal areas (like the Brazilian rain forest, which is about the size of the United States).