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Tech4Nature Summit to Promote Innovation in Nature Conservation Hosted by Huawei and IUCN

Johann Nortje • June 8, 2024

Tech4Nature: A Leap Forward in Conservation Innovation

Some exciting developments from the Tech4Nature Summit, hosted by Huawei and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This summit marks the start of Phase 2 of the Tech4Nature global partnership, a groundbreaking initiative that unites cutting-edge technology and nature conservation.

Phase 1 Achievements

Phase 1 of Tech4Nature, which ran from 2020 to 2023, achieved incredible milestones across five Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs) in China, Mauritius, Mexico, Spain, and Switzerland. Here are some of the standout successes:


  • Acoustic Monitoring of the Hainan Gibbon: In China, tech was used to acoustically monitor the world's rarest ape, the Hainan gibbon, helping identify individual animals and aiding in the species' repopulation efforts. With just 37 individuals left, every bit of data is crucial.
  • AI Tracking of Jaguars in Mexico: In Mexico's Dzilam State Reserve, AI pattern recognition identified and tracked seven jaguars, confirming their presence for the first time last year. This technology is vital for protecting these majestic creatures.
  • Live Monitoring of Coral Reefs in Mauritius: Advanced systems enabled live viewing and monitoring of local coral reef conservation projects, leading to the transplantation of 25,000 healthy coral fragments to degraded areas of the Indian Ocean reef.


These successes demonstrate the powerful impact of integrating technology with conservation efforts. As Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, aptly put it, “The natural world faces unprecedented challenges, and technology and digital solutions can be a powerful force for good to protect our planet's biodiversity”


Launching Phase 2 with Ambition

Phase 2 of Tech4Nature (2023–2026) aims to expand this innovative approach to six flagship projects in China, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Kenya, and Turkey. This phase aligns with the global 30x30 target and aims to prevent extinction, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).


This next phase will see deeper collaboration and broader participation, bringing more partners, countries, and communities into the fold. Workshops at the summit focused on building capacity among partners, exploring action plans for fair and effective conservation, discussing ethical considerations, and enabling peer-to-peer learning.


Tao Jingwen, Board Member and Chairman of the CSD Committee for Huawei, emphasized Huawei’s commitment to environmental protection through digital innovation. He highlighted Huawei’s four sustainable development strategies and the S.H.A.R.E concept, which aims to create a sustainable, harmonious, and inclusive digital future.



Excitement for Southern Africa

I can't help but  think about the parallels in Southern Africa and the super interesting work happening here. It is exciting to think about how these projects through Tech4Nature might soon come to Southern Africa. The potential to protect our unique biodiversity, support local communities, and create a more sustainable future is immense.


To learn more about this pioneering initiative, download the Tech4Nature flagship publication, Partnership for our Planet, from the Tech4Nature website. This publication highlights the vital role of technological solutions in addressing modern conservation challenges.


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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