This group is for anyone interested in open source technologies for ecology and conservation. We welcome contributions from both makers and users, whether active or prospective. Here, we believe that open source hardware, software, and data are key to conducting both rigorous and honorable science and research. It is a place to share novel or existing technologies, exchange resources, discuss new projects, ask for advice, find collaborators, advocate for adopting open source technologies, and share strategies for making them sustainable. Open Source Solutions naturally overlaps with existing WILDLABS groups, and we aim to embrace this overlap while maintaining our unique space for growth of Open Source Solutions as a priority in conservation science.

The number one problem in nature conservation is the need for more money or access to funding. This group aims to help all WILDLABS community members with funding and financing their projects. The group is called Funding and Finance to draw attention to the possibilities of funding (i.e., grants, awards, and other gifts)  and finance (loans and venture capital investment in nature conservation projects and start-ups). These topics should be seen in their wider contexts, including that of a project or organisation’s income or business model.