Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 19.

In 2022, an ambitious environmental project, which was designed to combat deforestation, ___(1)___. The project aimed to restore large areas that had been devastated by illegal logging and agricultural expansion, with the goal of planting over one million trees. This initiative marked a crucial step in global efforts to mitigate climate change, drawing significant attention from environmental organizations worldwide.
Having decided to employ advanced AI systems during the project, ___(2)___. These systems ensure that optimal conditions are maintained for tree growth and wildlife restoration, making the reforestation process more efficient. The AI not only gathers data from the ecosystem for further research but also interacts with the surrounding environment to support long-term sustainability, thus helping restore Amazon's ecological balance.