discussion / Open Source Solutions  / 30 June 2023

Catalog of open source conservation projects

Is there a catalog or index of open source conservation projects?  e.g. something like this?  I've done some searching but haven't come up with anything.

I occasionally find interesting open source conservation projects mentioned here on Wildlabs, but it's sporadic and unpredictable.  And unfortunately that short list is further shortened by the fact that many just aren't things I can readily contribute to, whether due to lack of relevant skills or incompatible prerequisites (e.g. requiring use of Linux or Windows).  Having a well-organised and comprehensive catalog greatly increases the chances an enthusiastic volunteer will be able to find a project they can contribute to.

From my own experience in industry over decades, many professional software engineers are interested in contributing to open source projects as a hobby.  But even if they're specifically interested in e.g. wildlife conservation, without a concise list of active and approachable projects it's unlikely they'll end up actually contributing (or they'll instead contribute to projects & domains which are much more beginner friendly, like games).