Karibu to the WILDLABS East Africa Community!
Why WE Exist
After 7 years of strategically building the global WILDLABS community, it was now time for our team to venture into the next phase of our programme: creating regional virtual hubs. The very first regional hub to go live is the East Africa community, a space that will create opportunities for members to build their knowledge, skills, expertise and reach. The idea behind creating the EA community spanned from the need to foster connections and collaborations of conservation and technology players in EA as well as make a true positive impact by tailoring resources and opportunities that will help solve conservation challenges in the region. Learn more
All we do at WILDLABS is firmly grounded on the community we serve and hope to serve! As part of this commitment, time and resources have been dedicated to ensure that this platform will be a reliable and credible resource to advance one’s knowledge, skills and be a step towards solving some of the most pressing conservation issues WE face in East Africa.
WE exist to fulfill the needs of conservation technology players in East Africa through resources & opportunities, to add value to their work, to inspire innovation & collaboration and most importantly, to contribute towards making the world a better place!
What WE Hope To Achieve
Purposefully designed to connect conservation technology practitioners and experts based in East Africa, the WILDLABS EA community will be a great space to access and share conservation technology resources, ask and answer questions unique to the landscape, collaborate and generate new and innovative ideas.
This platform is a great space for members to collaboratively fill in regional conservation tech knowledge and skills gaps present and share their work and other resources, reducing and/or eliminating replication and leading to more streamlined and effective solutions. Through the conversations taking place within the community, members will be able to connect with each other and get advice to advance their work, careers, and innovative ideas.
The community hopes to encourage level interactions that will generate new ideas on solving regional conservation tech challenges, encourage innovation, introduce members to new applications of tech in conservation, as well as spark new questions on Conservation tech in EA.
How To Get Involved
Are you keen on getting involved and understanding the intersection of conservation and technology in East Africa? This community offers an exceptional space where you can join us and get involved; to learn, share, collaborate and support one another on matters regarding conservation technology in East Africa. From posting articles, engaging in discussions, attending virtual and in-person events to supporting, applying or taking part in Programmes and opportunities in the community, these are some of the ways for you to get involved.
The first thing you can do when joining our community is to jump into our welcome thread and introduce yourself to our community. Get started here
Resources
The WILDLABS team is dedicated to making conservation tech resources accessible to the whole community in a strategic and equitable manner. With a myriad of engaging events, programmes, weekly conversations and opportunities lined up, the East Africa community will be a great virtual place to build one’s skills, knowledge, and networks. Growing a vibrant and diverse community will be made possible by the collaborative efforts of all members through their interactions and their active participation in regional activities organized/supported by WILDLABS.
Some of the resources that will give you a feel of Conservation technology tools and systems implemented in East Africa include:
- Using IoT and Machine Learning to Protect Kenya's Rivers.
- Learning Resource: Exploring Species Interactions with Snapshot Serengeti.
- Mobile Phone Reporting for Rapid Wildlife Health Response in Uganda
Members of the East Africa community are invited to share their projects, organizations, experiences, failures, and ideas in their Conservation Tech work, to support the development of tools that will form part of the resources made available to other members.
Programmes
Women in Conservation Technology Programme
With a cohort of 15 talented and emerging female conservationists, our inaugural Women in Conservation Technology Programme, is the first of many Programmes organized for the community. WILDLABS, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Fauna & Flora International partnered to run this programme as the very first opportunity organized for the East Africa community.
This programme is designed for early career Kenyan women in conservation who are looking to explore emerging conservation technologies. In addition to in-person and virtual training on foundational skills and knowledge on conservation technologies to overcome conservation and wildlife challenges in Kenya, participants have an opportunity to network with a strong cohort of other women leaders in the field and gain professional development skills. Through this unique blend of training and networking, we hope to empower Kenyan women in conservation who are often underrepresented in the sector. It is an avenue to encourage the group to generate innovative ideas, novel solutions, and diverse perspectives that engender conservation success.
We received close to 200 outstanding applications for the Programme this year, and this reminded us of the collaborative conservation efforts, implemented through great projects running, exceptional conservation and technology organizations and visionary conservationists in East Africa. We hope to reach more conservation technologists to build their knowledge and skills through such trainings and capacity building Programmes.
'Women in Science are often underrepresented in Kenya. Intentionally creating this training Programme for Women in Conservation Technology goes a long way to show that well-thought out initiatives are currently being put in place to empower women in the field. This Programme will not only benefit me, but will be a motivation to upcoming Women in Conservation Technology.'~ Consolata Gathoni Gitau
With the knowledge and skills garnered from this programme, participants will be able to spread awareness of novel conservation technology solutions to their home organizations and empower other female conservationists. We believe that this Programme is a great strategic direction towards empowering early career female conservationists!
Events
From in-person and virtual events, this hub is a great place tailored for conservationists and technologists in East Africa to support each other in creating novel solutions to complex regional conservation challenges. The East Africa community will be part of already established virtual events such as Tech Tutors and Virtual meetups, where topics covered will answer questions related to conservation challenges unique to East Africa. The virtual events will bring together members and participants to learn new skills, get expert advice, ask questions, gain knowledge and foster existing knowledge and skills.
The East Africa community exists because of each of you, and we hope you are happy to join and use the platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and networking. You can join the community and interact with other members here. To get in touch with Netty Cheruto, our WILDLABS East Africa Community Coordinator, email her at: [email protected].
Header Image: @Dylan Habil
Group curators
- @EstherGithinji
- | She/Her
WILDLABS & Fauna & Flora
I am the WILDLABS East Africa Conservation Technology Coordinator
- 101 Resources
- 31 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- @rachelpool
- | She/Her
Early-career researcher interested in marine conservation
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
Movement Ecologist studying the where, why, and how animals move throughout our world. Current work is investigating the movement and energetics of large neotropical bats in a changing environment with ephemeral resources.
- 0 Resources
- 23 Discussions
- 22 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- @snapshot_serengeti
- | she/her
Fauna & Flora
Conservation, Innovation, Education
- 7 Resources
- 21 Discussions
- 9 Groups
- @mareesaislam
- | she/her
Conservation and Innovation Undergraduate Fellow
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 2 Groups
- @Fatuma
- | She/Her
I aim to transition my career towards conservation technology after gaining two years of experience in the tech industry.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 14 Groups
- @Gathoni
- | Her/she
PhD Candidate at Nottingham Trent University, UK. Ecologist with a passion for wildlife conservation and conservation technology with foundational training in BSc and MSc Rangeland Management (Ecology option). Current project: Use of acoustics to monitor ecosystem restoration.
- 3 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 7 Groups
I am a Software Engineer by profession. I have great interest in nature conservation and I am always on the lookout for opportunities to make my contribution.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 1 Groups
Wildlife Drones
Wildlife Drones has developed the world’s most innovative radio animal-tracking system using drones so you can track your radio-tagged animals like never before.
- 11 Resources
- 8 Discussions
- 32 Groups
- @Cathrine
- | She
Ocean Conservationist
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 5 Groups
Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF)
Director (Conservation) and Co-Founder of GCF
- 1 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 1 Groups
- @Lekato
- | He
Founder of Enduata Emaa community based organisation , Conservationist and advocate of climate action
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 2 Groups
CBE is recruiting a full-time Senior Wind Engineering Manager to drive the development and implementation of their existing and future wind portfolio.
27 June 2023
Climate Impact Partners are looking for a Due Diligence Technical Specialist to join their supply-side team for an opportunity to carry out DD on projects, at a leading provider of high-quality carbon credit programmes.
27 June 2023
We are excited to announce the commencement of our second Women in Conservation Technology Programme! This year, we’re partnering with the Grumeti Fund and Fauna & Flora to bring the programme to Tanzania. Our first...
23 June 2023
If you have a strong background in GIS, a passion for environmental sustainability, and the desire to contribute to the world's carbon neutrality, this is a great opportunity for you!
15 June 2023
Non-profit organizations addressing issues related to climate justice such as (but not limited to) climate change mitigation/resilience, pollution, hazardous waste, wildlife conservation/restoration or environmental...
10 May 2023
Careers
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is seeking a dynamic and resourceful Programme Officer to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The focus of this position is to support the GCF East Africa Coordinator in the...
9 May 2023
Why you should know about Kenya-founded data analytics company - Gro Intelligence, arguably the largest funded tech startup within the African startup ecosystem and the only platform that brings together live, global...
5 May 2023
The Women in Conservation Technology Programme was launched in 2022 with the overarching goal of supporting East African women in the field of conservation technology. As we open applications for the 2023 Programme, we...
3 April 2023
Are you an early career Tanzanian conservationist looking to explore emerging conservation technologies while networking with a strong cohort of other female leaders? Apply now for our Women in Conservation Tech...
3 April 2023
FFI is offering a paid internship with the WILDLABS Programme for a 12 month period from March 2023-Feb 2024. This internship will grow and support the WILDLABS East Africa regional community in our global conservation...
9 March 2023
Article
Assessing the Efficacy of a Novel Olfactory Approach to Mitigating Elephant Crop Raiding in Uganda and Kenya
24 February 2023
Scholarships available for training courses focussing on nature restoration in East Africa
21 February 2023
June 2024
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Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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Thank you very much for this Esther. I also came across Trade in Wildlife Information Exchange (TWIX) which is a enforcement tool for international wildlife trade. |
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Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT), Citizen Science, Emerging Tech, East Africa Community | 4 days 14 hours ago | |
Hello Ms Esther👋Thank you for taking your time to reply to me with such helpful response.I'm interested in conservation technology such as camera traps, GIS and Remote sensing,... |
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Early Career, East Africa Community, Community Base | 3 weeks 6 days ago | |
I got assistance. super grateful! |
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Climate Change, Community Base, East Africa Community, Conservation Tech Training and Education | 1 month ago | |
Hi Rokshana,Maybe you can try this product from India called ANIDERS - I think this product would help you a lot. This is their website - |
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Human-Wildlife Conflict, East Africa Community | 2 months 1 week ago | |
Hi, I have used a commercial company for drone work for my PhD and they were willing to give me a significant discount for research purposes. One thing to consider is that in SA a... |
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Drones, East Africa Community | 3 months 3 weeks ago | |
I dont have anything written up but I can tell what parts we used and how we tested.Its pretty straightforward, we used this M10 Enclosure Vent from Blue Robotics: Along with... |
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Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Acoustics, Camera Traps, Climate Change, East Africa Community, Marine Conservation, Open Source Solutions, Protected Area Management Tools | 4 months ago | |
Thank you for this! Will take a look. |
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Climate Change, Conservation Tech Training and Education, East Africa Community, Remote Sensing & GIS | 4 months 1 week ago | |
Hi folks! Happy 2024 and thanks in advance for your patience in case I over-used tags. If you’re using any form of natural language... |
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AI for Conservation, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Data management and processing tools, Early Career, East Africa Community, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions, Software and Mobile Apps, Wildlife Crime, Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT) | 4 months 1 week ago | |
Hi Zach,Our organization (SEE Turtles) has a campaign working on the illegal tortoiseshell trade around the world called Too Rare To Wear. We are going to be updating our Global... |
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Community Base, Conservation Dogs, Early Career, East Africa Community, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Wildlife Crime | 5 months ago | |
Digital Earth Africa are doing fantastic work to make Earth Observation data free and accessible, delivering decision-ready products to the... |
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East Africa Community, Remote Sensing & GIS | 7 months 2 weeks ago | |
Alina has been a longtime friend of WILDLABS, and has been incredibly generous about sharing her knowledge as a Tech Tutor, an expert... |
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East Africa Community, Protected Area Management Tools | 8 months 1 week ago | |
Am helping a conservation project use iNaturalist for their work in bio-diversity monitoring and also citizen science, STEM program with... |
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Community Base, Citizen Science, East Africa Community | 8 months 3 weeks ago |
As an East African woman in the field of Conservation Technology, what resources have been the most useful for you?
21 June 2023 8:23am
25 July 2023 9:39am
Thanks @Drue_Freeman It really is important to empower young women across East Africa who have so much potential - through upskilling and training for skills that will be vital for the green jobs of the future - one being in conservation technology!
3 August 2023 3:02pm
Conservation Training Programs:
Training conservation leaders and giving them the skills and support they need to be effective on the ground. TBA programmes work on the ground in Africa and Asia, empowering students to make a positive, physical impact on the natural environment.
1. Field Courses: TBA month-long courses in tropical ecology and conservation. These courses are for students at advanced undergraduate or early postgraduate level who have a keen interest, but little experience, in tropical biology.
2. Specialist Courses: These courses provide tailor-made training for individuals, teams and organisations and target specific areas for professional growth.
3. Online Courses: TBA has made training more accessible with online courses.
TRCO Hiring Research Assistant
2 August 2023 7:07am
What Technologies are you using to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict across East Africa?
1 August 2023 8:29am
How are the Arts intersecting with Conservation Technology in a rapidly changing world?
2 June 2023 10:30am
1 August 2023 8:27am
Using an AI-based Warning System to Protect Whales in South Africa
28 July 2023 11:01am
Working with WWF, Vodacom is using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) technology and infrared cameras to help minimise whale entanglements in mussel farming ropes off the southwest coast of South Africa in Saldanha Bay.
Interested in being part of the Enduata Emaa CBO's Green Planet Ambassadors Project in Amboseli?
5 July 2023 10:28am
25 July 2023 1:14pm
@richardturere Hello :) and a warm welcome to WILDLABS! Here is the link to @Lekato Samuel Lekato - Founder and Chairman, Enduata Emaa CBO. Sam is interested in conservation technology focused on how to keep wild animals away from community homesteads in Amboseli and I reckon your Lion Lights could help. I'll let you two take on the conversation from here. Thanks!
Want to learn how to report on #ClimateChange? Here's a Free BBC Media Action Course
21 July 2023 11:46am
Gender4Climate Africa Challenge
21 July 2023 11:40am
Renew Capital launches Renew Venture Lab
19 July 2023 1:58pm
KCDF's Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge Fund (YEIC)
19 July 2023 1:04pm
Discover Landsat data available through Digital Earth Africa
12 July 2023 7:30am
Landsat data is accessible to all users, regardless of your level of technical competency. The new ARD can be used to map and mitigate a number of challenges, such as monitoring rangelands which will help to preserve this essential terrain and could provide a key input for wildlife conservation efforts.
Visit Digital Earth Africa Docs for more information on Landsat Surface Reflectance and Landsat Surface Temperature. Digital Earth Africa provides a free self-paced training course, making Earth observation data accessible to problem-solvers worldwide.
Deadline Approaching: WE Africa Leadership Program 2024
7 July 2023 12:54pm
Africa Climate Week (ACW) 2023
6 July 2023 11:25am
Africa Climate Summit 2023
6 July 2023 10:37am
New Add-ons for Mbaza AI
4 July 2023 12:00pm
River Monitoring Sensors
6 June 2023 1:06pm
30 June 2023 7:05pm
Hi Kennedy, this is Ben from the USGS. There are many ways to monitor stream flow, but most are expensive and time-consuming. We have recently come up with an alternative that uses cameras and images combined with AI to estimate relative flow. There is a growing database here:
Feel free to get in touch if this seems like it could help, Ben at [email protected]
3 July 2023 4:05pm
Would you consider using LoRaWAN technology?
LoRaWAN features super low power consumption and ultra-long-range communication, very suitable for the wild :)
One LoRaWAN gateway can connect to up to 200 sensors within the range of 2km to 10km (depending on the environment and antenna etc.)
You can check out the combination of the following:
3 July 2023 6:18pm
Ben Letcher from the comment below will be able to provide much more in-depth info, but feel free to email me at [email protected]
Senior Wind Engineering Manager: CrossBoundary Energy
27 June 2023 1:10pm
Due Diligence Technical Specialist - Climate Impact Partners
27 June 2023 11:31am
Women in Conservation Technology, Tanzania: Unveiling Our Cohort
23 June 2023 2:13pm
The Wildlife Society Conference
19 June 2023 5:59am
GIS Application Specialist in Nairobi, DGB Group
15 June 2023 3:23pm
Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change Middle East & Africa Program
9 June 2023 1:54pm
UNEP Executive Director - Inger Andersen's take on why African nations have the power & tools to re-design a plastic pollution-free future
5 June 2023 1:28pm
Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) explains how the innovative approaches towards curbing plastic pollution witnessed across African nations can help in pivoting to a plastics-free future through pioneering innovative manufacturing, packaging and design solutions.
This opinion first appeared in The Nation Africa
How lights help keep lions and livestock alive in Kenya
31 May 2023 3:31pm
Richard Turere from Kitengela, invents flashing lights to mitigate human wildlife conflict. He came up with “Lion Lights,” a system that deters predators such as lions from attacking livestock using flashing lights. Operating predominantly on solar energy, with the ability to harness wind power during cloudy weather or low sunlight, Turere’s invention provides a sustainable eco-friendly approach to conservation.
The Business of Conservation Conference 2023
17 May 2023 8:29am
How do I get started with collecting mobile digital data to combat Illegal Wildlife Trade?
16 May 2023 11:59pm
2023 F5 Tech for Good Grant Application Now Open
10 May 2023 12:28pm
How do I create an aerial survey flight plan for wildlife monitoring?
9 May 2023 9:24am
East Africa Programme Officer
9 May 2023 9:22am
GRO is the story of what on Earth is going on
5 May 2023 1:50pm
24 July 2023 6:56pm
@EstherGithinji These are some of the coolest programs! Thanks for sharing these. You are addressing 3 critical topics at once: (1) Wildlife Conservation; (2) Economic Opportunity at the Local Level in a sustainable manner that benefits from Wildlife Conservation; and (3) helping to create economic opportunities for women in Africa.
Many of the problems in Africa are the direct result of the economic/power imbalance between men and women. Many women in East Africa (I don't believe in Kenya or Tanzania, but for sure in Uganda where I witnessed it with my own eyes), are going off into "modern slavery" with "labor companies" who subcontract them out as domestic help or factory workers, but then take their passports once they land overseas and then don't pay the wages the women are due. The young women do this because they don't enough opportunities at home.
These programs that you are promoting make a huge difference!