Tech4Nature Expands Global Reach at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
Tech4Nature Expands Global Reach at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) together with Huawei significantly broadened the scope of their joint Tech4Nature initiative during the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi this year. This partnership aims to showcase how cutting-edge technology can enhance conservation efforts globally.
A Platform for Innovation
At this biennial event, representatives from the Tech4Nature initiative participated in various forums, emphasizing the power of technology in preserving nature. Among the standout projects presented were:
- - Tech4Nature China: Utilizing audio monitoring devices and AI, this program has been instrumental in creating a database of sound prints from Hainan Gibbons, a species with only 42 individuals remaining worldwide. The data-driven insights derived from this initiative are pivotal for guiding reintroduction efforts by identifying family groups, solitary individuals, and critical areas for habitat restoration.
- - Tech4Nature Brazil: Focused on assessing the impacts of climate change on mangrove ecosystems on the Brazilian island of Marajo, this project also investigates the factors affecting the populations of mangrove crabs using affordable sensors.
Aligned with IUCN’s Green List and Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, Tech4Nature seeks to enhance conservation outcomes through digital technologies. Since its inception in 2020, this initiative has launched 11 flagship projects across eight countries, collaborating with local communities and various partners. Additionally, ongoing Phase II projects include:
- - Mexico: Safeguarding jaguars in Dzilam de Bravo state reserve.
- - Turkey: Monitoring umbrella species like wild goats and deer as indicators of ecosystem health.
- - Kenya: Protecting coral reefs and combating illegal fishing.
- - Spain: Assessing the impact of recreational activities on the Bonelli's eagle in Barcelona.
Celebrating Innovation: The Tech4Nature Awards
The World Conservation Congress also witnessed the inaugural presentation of the Tech4Nature Awards, recognizing significant achievements across three categories:
- - Technological Innovation: Distant Imagery Solutions for their project on democratizing climate technology for ecosystem restoration.
- - NatureTech Stewards: African People & Wildlife for their community-based actions fostering resilient grasslands.
- - Species Conservation: M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for their efforts in protecting endangered Olive Ridley turtles along Odisha's coast in India.
Grethel Aguilar, IUCN's Director-General, emphasized the impact of these award-winning solutions, stating that innovative technology in the hands of conservationists and communities can bring real change to both nature and human communities. She noted that the Tech4Nature Awards illuminate the creativity and determination of individuals working at the forefront of conservation.
The solutions nominated for the Tech4Nature Awards were evaluated by a global jury of technology and conservation experts. Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, head of Mobile for Development at GSMA and one of the judges, highlighted the crucial role digital innovations play in fostering sustainable, inclusive solutions for wildlife monitoring, protection, and ecosystem restoration. He expressed encouragement at witnessing so many local initiatives, some of which gained recognition through the Tech4Nature Awards.
Looking Ahead
The IUCN World Conservation Congress convenes every four years, bringing together conservation experts from around the globe to tackle pressing environmental challenges. This year's discussions spanned topics of increased conservation efforts, reducing climate change risks, advancing equity, pathways toward nature-friendly economies, and groundbreaking innovations in conservation leadership.
As the need for sustainable solutions grows increasingly urgent, the collaboration between IUCN and Huawei through the Tech4Nature initiative represents a promising model for integrating technology in conservation. The journey continues with the hope of fostering a future where both nature and communities thrive harmoniously.
Topics Environment）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.