#Huawei #Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Tech4Nature #IUCN

Expanding the Scope of Tech4Nature

The Tech4Nature initiative, a collaboration between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Huawei, recently showcased its impact at the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi. This year’s congress provided a platform to expand the partnership's reach and featured various forums designed to highlight the power of technology in conservation efforts.

Notably, Tech4Nature has undertaken significant projects across several nations aimed at tackling conservation challenges through technological innovation. For instance, in China, the initiative is creating a unique sound database for the critically endangered Hainan gibbons, utilizing sound monitoring devices paired with advanced AI analytics. This database aims to aid in the identification of family groups and solitary individuals, guiding efforts to repopulate their dwindling numbers.

Furthermore, in Brazil, Tech4Nature employs low-cost sensors to study the impacts of climate change on mangrove ecosystems in Marajo Island, enabling researchers to understand the factors influencing mangrove crab populations. This project exemplifies the initiative's commitment to integrating affordable technology with on-the-ground conservation work.

Entering its phase II, Tech4Nature now operates in eight countries, running eleven pilot projects since its launch in 2020. These projects are not only based in China and Brazil but extend to locations such as:

• - Mexico: Focused on protecting jaguars in the Dzilam de Bravo State Reserve.
• - Turkey: Monitoring umbrella species like wild goats and breeding deer as indicators of overall ecosystem health.
• - Kenya: Aimed at safeguarding coral reefs and combatting illegal fishing practices.
• - Spain: Investigating the effects of recreational activities on Bonelli's eagles in the region of Barcelona.

A highlight of the congress was the inaugural Tech4Nature Awards, which recognized innovative solutions in three distinct categories:

• - Technology Innovation: Awarded to Distant Imagery Solutions for their project on democratizing climate technology for ecological restoration.
• - NatureTech Leaders: Won by African People & Wildlife for their initiative empowering community action towards resilient grasslands.
• - Species Protection: Recognizing M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation for their efforts in conserving the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the coasts of Odisha, India.

Grethel Aguilar, the Director General of IUCN, emphasized how these award-winning solutions exemplify the transformative potential of innovative technology when placed in the hands of conservation experts and communities. The Tech4Nature Awards shine a light on the creativity and perseverance of those at the forefront of conservation, moving us closer to a just world that values and protects nature.

Each award category's submissions were assessed by a jury consisting of technological and environmental conservation experts from across the globe. Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, the GSMA Mobile Development Director and jury member in the Technology Innovation category, affirmed that digital innovation plays a crucial role in supporting nature-friendly, sustainable and inclusive solutions capable of monitoring, protecting, and restoring wildlife populations and ecosystems.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress serves as a significant gathering of conservation experts every four years, discussing themes such as scaling conservation actions, climate risk mitigation, ensuring equity, transitioning to nature-responsive economies and societies, and fostering disruptive innovation and leadership in conservation.

In conclusion, the events and announcements presented at this year's congress reinforced the critical intersection of technology and conservation efforts, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at preserving our planet's biodiversity.