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A Guide to the Conservation Technology Database

Johann Nortje • August 19, 2024

In the face of increasing threats to wildlife, the integration of technology into conservation efforts has become more critical than ever. One such resource that stands out in this regard is the Conservation Technology Database (CTD), a dynamic and expanding eBook created by the Global Wildlife Program (GWP). This initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank, is designed to support wildlife conservation and sustainable development across 38 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

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Key Takeaways

  • The Conservation Technology Database (CTD) is an eBook developed by the Global Wildlife Program (GWP) to support wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in combating Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT).
  • The CTD showcases 18 distinct technologies, presented as “Technology Briefs,” that can be adopted by conservation projects across 38 countries.
  • Users can filter technologies in the CTD by various criteria, including conservation issues, geographic locations, and implementing organizations, to find the most suitable tools for their needs.
  • The database acknowledges the challenges of implementing conservation technologies, such as funding, capacity, ethics, and data privacy, and is designed to complement, not replace, on-the-ground conservation activities.
  • Additional resources, including the State of Conservation Technology Report by Wildlabs.net, are available for those seeking further information on conservation technology trends and applications.


What is the Conservation Technology Database?

The Conservation Technology Database is an innovative and growing resource aimed at showcasing a diverse range of technologies that can be adopted by conservation projects, particularly those focused on combating Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT). As threats to globally endangered species and habitats continue to mount, the need for effective, scalable, and sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. This eBook serves as a valuable tool for conservationists, providing access to information about 18 distinct technologies that can be implemented to monitor wildlife populations and counteract the drivers of IWT.


Why Was This eBook Created?

The primary goal of the Conservation Technology Database is to provide GWP project stakeholders, as well as other interested users, with a comprehensive overview of available technological solutions. While it does not cover every technology in the conservation sector, it offers a curated selection of tools that have the potential to significantly enhance conservation efforts on the ground. The eBook is not only a repository of information but also a practical guide, designed to help users identify the most suitable technologies for their specific needs.


How to Use the Conservation Technology Database

If you’re working on a project aimed at combating IWT or monitoring wildlife, the Conservation Technology Database can be an invaluable resource. The eBook is user-friendly, allowing you to filter technologies based on various criteria such as conservation issues, geographic locations, and implementing organizations. Simply enter the relevant keywords or apply filters, and the database will display the technologies that match your criteria. Each technology is presented in the form of a “Technology Brief,” which you can read or download for more detailed information.


For those new to the eBook, it’s recommended to start with broader search criteria and then narrow down the options based on your project’s specific needs. If you encounter any challenges, try adjusting the filters or simply clicking “Show All” to explore the full range of available technologies.


Addressing Implementation Challenges

While the Conservation Technology Database provides access to cutting-edge tools, it also acknowledges the challenges and barriers that come with implementing these technologies. Issues such as funding, capacity building, ethical concerns, data privacy, and the need for context-specific solutions are significant factors to consider. Importantly, while technology can play a critical role in conservation, it cannot fully replace the human elements required to interpret data and take actionable steps. The database is intended to complement on-the-ground activities, not replace them.


Additional Resources and Support

For those interested in further exploring conservation technology, several additional resources are available. The State of Conservation Technology Report by Wildlabs.net offers an in-depth analysis of current trends and challenges in the field. You can also learn more about conservation technology and its applications on the Zanza Africa website or explore how technology protects wildlife here.


If you have any questions or would like to recommend a technology for inclusion in the eBook, the GWP team is available at gwp-info@worldbank.org. The database continues to evolve, and contributions from the conservation community are welcomed to ensure it remains a relevant and useful resource for all.


The Conservation Technology Database is more than just an eBook; it is a vital tool for conservationists worldwide. By providing access to a range of technologies that can aid in combating IWT and protecting wildlife, it empowers projects with the information they need to make informed decisions and take impactful actions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current conservation efforts, this resource is designed to guide and support your work, ensuring that the best tools are at your fingertips.



Explore the Conservation Technology Database today and discover how technology can help safeguard our planet’s most vulnerable species.

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Terms Explanation
Algorithm A systematic procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conducting a sequence of a finite number of steps, frequently involving the repetition of an operation. [Ref: TechTarget and Merriam-Webster]
Application Programming Interface Set of programming code that enables data transmission between one software product and another. It also contains the terms of this data exchange. [Ref: Altexsoft]
Artificial Intelligence Ability of computers/machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind. [Ref: IBM]
Convolutional Neural Networks A Deep Learning algorithm which can take in an input image, assign importance (learnable weights and biases) to various aspects/objects in the image, and be able to differentiate one from the other. [Ref: Towards Data Science]
Focused Ultrasound Extraction Focused, high-pressure acoustic pulses are applied to a target tissue in order to generate a dense cavitation ‘bubble cloud’ capable of disintegrating the tissue into an acellular debris [Ref: Holmes et al., 2020].
Global Positioning System A global navigation satellite system that provides location, velocity and time synchronization. [Ref: GEOTAB]
Global System for Mobile communications cellular network A satellite navigation system used to determine the ground position of an object. [Ref: TechTerms.com]
Infrared Radiation Also called infrared light, this is a form of electromagnetic radiation. The infrared spectrum has a wavelength between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter. [Ref: Safeopedia]
Internet-of-Things The network of physical objects - “things” - that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices range from ordinary household objects to sophisticated industrial tools. [Ref: ORACLE]
Iridium satellite network Iridium is a satellite communications company that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. Powered by a unique constellation of 66 cross-linked Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the Iridium® network enables global connections between people, organizations and assets, in real time. [Ref: IMOCA]
Long-Range Wide-Area Network With a range of up to 10 km in rural areas and 2 km in urban areas, the Long Range Wide Area Network is one of the technologies with the highest range for positioning. The low-power wireless network protocol allows battery-operated devices to wirelessly connect and send data over the internet. [Ref: Favendo and Agriculture Victoria]
Machine Learning Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy. It “allows software applications to become more accurate at predicting outcomes without being explicitly programmed to do so”. [Ref: TechTarget and IBM]
Telemetry The automatic recording and transmission of data from remote or inaccessible sources to an IT system in a different location for monitoring and analysis. Telemetry data may be relayed using radio, infrared, ultrasonic, GSM, satellite or cable, depending on the application. [Ref: Stackify]
Tor browser Short for “The Onion Router”, the Tor browser is a free, open-source web browser that anonymizes your web traffic using the Tor network. By erasing your browsing history automatically with every session and keeping all your traffic encrypted, the browser makes it easy to protect your identity online. Tor works by sending your traffic through three random servers (also known as relays) in the Tor network. [Ref: CSO, VPNOverview, and Tor]
Ultraviolet light Oortion of the electromagnetic spectrum extending from the violet, or short-wavelength, end of the visible light range to the X-ray region. Ultraviolet radiation is undetectable by the human eye, although, when it falls on certain materials, it may cause them to fluoresce. [Ref: Britannica]

A glossary of technology-related terms can be found below supplied by the CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY DATABASE

References

  1. Conservation Technology Database. Global Wildlife Program. Accessed at: https://spatialagent.org/CTD/
  2. State of Conservation Technology Report. Wildlabs.net. Accessed at: https://wildlabs.net/state-of-conservation-technology
  3. Zanza Africa. Conservation Technology – An Overview. Accessed at: https://www.zanza-africa.com/conservation-technology-an-overview
  4. Zanza Africa. How Conservation Technology Protects Wildlife. Accessed at: https://www.zanza-africa.com/how-conservation-technology-protects-wildlife


Johann Nortje

About The Author

Johann Nortje

Johann brings two decades of expertise in technology seamlessly interwoven with a passion for conservation and development. His career reflects a drive for the confluence of these ideas through projects across the African continent.

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