Integrated technology platform to support conservation – protecting wildlife and people

Ol Pejeta is home to the largest population of critically endangered black rhinos in E. Africa. Protecting them and other wildlife is a great responsibility and we utilize technology where it adds value. In 2019 we rolled out EarthRanger (ER), a software platform that collects protected area activity information (the animals and assets being protected, the rangers protecting them, and threats of potential poaching) into a single, integrated, real-time visualized operational platform. It amalgamates data from different sources including animal GPS tracking collars, ranger digital radio systems/vehicle trackers, and ranger recorded observations. ER allows us to see key information in one place, enabling informed and faster conservation-related operational decisions.

ER was developed in collaboration with Vulcan Inc. through our Conservation Tech Lab. The Lab acts as a field-based space for technologists and scientists to test and deploy solutions, but also as a center for collaboration, learning and sharing knowledge.

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Climate Action using the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) and restoration efforts to address climate impacts at Songo Mnara and Kilwa Kisiwani

This solution addresses the climate challenges faced by Kilwa Kisiwani and the ruins of Songo Mnara. The primary threats—wave action, sea level rise, erosion, and heavy rainfall—were evaluated using the methodology of the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI). In response, key actions were implemented, including the construction of a protective wall, the planting of mangrove trees along the coastline, and the restoration of the stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace, which had been damaged by wave activity.

One of the key lessons learned was the importance of capacity-building programs for both site managers and local communities. Additionally, securing adequate funding to support community-wide education targeting local stakeholders was identified as essential. The project also involved training community members in restoration techniques using locally sourced materials such as lime, with guidance from specialists in restoration from other World Heritage sites, thus promoting long-term sustainability and fostering community participation

Citizen-science based monitoring for a low-density species to improve national-wide monitoring and greater inclusivity

Census of naturally low-density, widespread occurring and territorial species, in our case the Endangered Southern Ground-hornbill (SGH: Bucorvus leadbeateri), is difficult. In South Africa, we found that traditional atlas data severely under-reported areas where birders prefer not to go birding/ atlassing (remote rural areas/in perceived dangerous areas). However, knowing where SGH exists, and its population status, is a fundamental first step to sound conservation. We successfully conducted a four-year monitoring programme using citizen-science. By engaging local Champions to start a WhatsApp group for reporting SGH in their area using their own networks, we were able to reach a greater sector of society, people with a cultural association with SGH, but may never have considered being citizen scientists e.g. taxi drivers. Using a simple platform like WhatsApp, rather than a birding app, supported this. We found almost double the previous estimated population (from 567 to 920 groups) and can now target conservation action.

Enhanced conservation of the leopard (Panthera pardus) populations of the Bafing River watershed, Republic of Guinea

The Leopard population in the Moyen Bafing River watershed has gone from being an iconic animal to an enemy animal of humans. Population migrations have increased poaching and habitat destruction. The project identified the lack of knowledge about the species, the loss of its habitat as major problems. Added to this are poor agricultural practices. A biomonitoring program was set up with the participation of community ecoguards, which resulted in knowledge of the spatial distribution of the Leopard in the area. A dialogue framework has been set up to facilitate exchanges between the communities. A forest habitats regeneration program has been set up with the involvement of the communities. An awareness-raising program through theater campaigns and environmental education has been set up. About 600 ha of forest under restoration, more than 900 students and parents have learned good practices respectful of the environment. Poaching rates have decreased. This project is part of the IUCN Save Our Species African Wildlife initiative, which is co-funded by the European Union.

Results-Based Incentive System for Sustainable Forest Development in Ethiopia

The Forests4Future (F4F) project, initiated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and local partners, introduces a results-based incentive system in Ethiopia to promote sustainable tree planting for forest development. Rather than compensating for the initial planting, the system rewards the successful establishment and survival of trees. Implemented in the Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya catchments, this approach encourages land use change from steep slopes to forest land, aiming for long-term forest creation and ecological restoration. It integrates rigorous selection, planting criteria, and ongoing support to ensure sustainable outcomes. First results indicate strong participation, with more than 280 farmers and community groups restoring approximately 150 hectares of land, achieving higher tree survival rates and a shift in community attitudes towards long-term forest management.

A Role-Playing Game for Land Use Planning and Conflict Resolution

Around and within the forests, a multitude of different actors are involved: farmers, breeders, hunters, fishermen, timber companies, local authorities and organizations focused on forest conservation. Balancing the interests and needs of all these stakeholders for the effective use and management of natural resources is a highly complex task and conflicts often arise in these regions for various reasons.

To help stakeholders find solutions for co-managing natural resources, GIZ developed a role-playing boardgame. This game simulates the evolution of an ecosystem under human pressure due to natural resources use and extraction over time for several purposes. The board can be customized to represents the various elements of a territory, its forests, fields, water bodies and urban center, in which the stakeholders operate. A trained facilitator guides the participants through the game simulating their farming and/or forestry operations. Each workshop concludes with a debriefing and collective discussion, led by the facilitator.

Using the World Natural Heritage registration, an environmental culture approach to improve the well-being of the islanders in Amami

The solution was implemented by Kagoshima University on an archipelago of islands in south-west Japan that is rich in natural biodiversity but faces challenges of declining population, industry and communities, and the transmission of local culture.
The university saw the designation as a national park and registration as a World Natural Heritage site, together with biodiversity conservation measures, as opportunities to increase the value of the region and slow the decline of the local population, to reaffirm the environmental culture of the islanders, and to improve their well being through two means: improved livelihoods and spiritual fulfilment. This is a case study of a successful capacity-building initiative in the areas of industry, welfare, education, and the environment.

TREES: Accompanying Research on Restoration

Restoration as a complex issue requires joint actions. Collaboration of policy makers, practioners and scientists is needed to develop and monitor context specific best-fit solutions to regain ecological integrity and enhance human wellbeing in deforested or degraded landscapes. Currently, emphasis is put on ecological and technical solutions thereby neglecting the social dimension of restoration. To strengthen social-ecological focus on restoration and collaboration at the science-practice interface, TREES project performs accompanying research on FLR strategies implemented by GIZ’s global project Forests4Future (F4F). Hereby, focus is put on ecological and socio-economic effects as well as questions on governance. Master and PhD students based at universities in Germany and in F4F implementing countries are selected to work on project relevant topics in a tandem approach. Whilst each student has his/her individual research focus, data collection is planned and implemented in the binational tandems.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) GIS StoryMap

Dr. Haifa Ben Romdhane, Diana Vasile, Gerhard Erasmus, and myself Basil Roy collaborated together to create a GIS Story Map for the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition. The competition invites storytellers globally to share stories about restoring and conserving our planet’s lands and waters.

Using satellite imagery, audio and visual content, and field data such as coordinates of wildlife, an elaborate and captivating web map showcases the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The StoryMap provides a lot of information on our conservation initiatives, flora and fauna found inside the reserve, and our contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The DDCR StoryMap contributes greatly to public awareness on the safeguarding of the natural environment and UAE’s biodiversity. The DDCR StoryMap is displayed at the DDCR Visitor Center and on our website.

Please find link to the DDCR StoryMap below:

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9a5300db8a8248c993bfdffc50621f

2022

National fisheries fish spawning calendar for Lebanon

This spawning calendar gathers information for commercial marine fish native to Lebanon. Fish samples were collected from various ports around the country and thoroughly analysed, providing some valuable insight on the native fish population. Considered essential for future fishery management plans, it will in turn contribute to a more efficient, sustainable management of the marine ecosystems.

2021

Mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development

Achieving a climate-resilient future requires rapid, sustained and far-reaching transformations in energy, land-use, infrastructure and industrial systems. Large-scale expansion of renewable energy can play a critical role in meeting the world’s growing energy demands and in the fight against climate change. However, even ‘clean’ energy sources can have significant unintended impacts on the environment. The guidelines aim to provide practical support for solar and wind energy developments by effectively managing risks and improving overall outcomes related to biodiversity and ecosystem services. They are industry-focused and can be applied across the whole project development life cycle, from early planning through to decommissioning and repowering, using the mitigation hierarchy as a clear framework for planning and implementation. The mitigation hierarchy is applied to direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. The catalogue of resources relevant to mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development (Annex 1 of the publication) is available as a separate, downloadable, spreadsheet.

2000

IUCN policy statement on sustainable use of wild living resources

2024

Species Threat Abatement and Restoration in the Central African Republic

This report presents findings from an assessment of the biodiversity conservation potential of four project sites: Lobaye, Mambéré-Kadéï, Ombella-Mpoko, and Sangha-Mbaéré located in the Bangui region of the Central African Republic (CAR). This assessment was done using the Species Threat Abatement and Recovery (STAR) metric, which employs high-resolution imagery and an approach to modelling species’ Area of Habitat (AOH) that was revised after June 2020 among other enhancements. This work was undertaken to better inform threat abatement and restoration planning and implementation at the partner project sites, and as part of a wider effort to pilot and strengthen the use of STAR as a tool for restoration and conservation practitioners, communities, investors, and policymakers.