Ten years ago, we couldn't have imagined how tools like machine learning, eDNA, and satellites would advance and transform conservation work. Now technology is advancing faster than ever, and as tools become smaller, lighter, and more affordable, it's vital to have a space where community members can discuss the next big thing, share ideas, compare tool options, and tell the story of their experiences - positive, negative, and anything in between - while using new technologies.
In 2021, the WILDLABS State of Conservation Tech report detailed what tools show the most promise according to community members, as well as what tools are currently seen as the most effective. And as new tools enter the field, we're excited to see how this data will change over time, and how this group grows over time as well.
Our State of Conservation Tech research also discusses something called the "Hype Cycle" - the pattern that occurs when a new technology bursts onto the scene, promises to be an exciting solution, encounters challenges as new users adopt the tool and put it into practice beyond just theory, and eventually settles into its most effective state as users acquire the right skills to use it to its actual potential. Machine learning, one of the most promising technologies, is currently in the middle of its own hype cycle, and we see community members working through their own hurdles to incorporate ML into their work effectively. Despite what you may think, this Hype Cycle can also be positive for tech development, as it means that users have big ideas for new tools, and with the right resources and skills, they can work toward bringing those ideas to life. And as our community members experiences the Hype Cycle for various tools at their own paces, we hope this group will also serve as a place to discuss that process and overcome hurdles together.
Ready to discover new possibilities? Join our Emerging Tech group now and get to know your forward-thinking conservation tech peers!
Header photo: Internet of Elephants
a technology-led solution to understanding the honeybees of the wasp world
8 December 2022
Rainforest Foundation UK is looking for a FullStack developer with an interest in environmental justice and the development of rainforest monitoring systems
6 December 2022
Conservation partnership launches new award to advance biodiversity conservation from space
5 December 2022
This SPACES paper aims to inspire the audience to use spatial intelligence as an enabler for integrated nature and climate action. It showcases ’emerging’ data sources and digital technology in the nature and climate...
28 October 2022
*New closing date!* WILDLABS and Fauna & Flora International are seeking an early career conservationist for 12-month paid internship position to grow and support the Southeast Asia regional community in our global...
19 October 2022
Apply now for $2,500–$15,000 USD grants for early-stage ideas or projects that address global challenges.
4 October 2022
This paper released by the World Economic Forum and the SPACES coalition shows how businesses can embrace the use of spatial intelligence for action on nature and climate. How can we make sure businesses apply the...
23 September 2022
This role will be employed under Osa Conservation's Movement Ecology Program. Broadly, the project aims to develop and use novel animal tracking technology to increase our understanding of the movement ecology of...
22 September 2022
Explore BOEM data, build analytic tools, and recommend solutions for sea turtle relocation trawling approaches to reduce incidental risk. Prize: $40,000
21 September 2022
From an invasive reptile trapping system to a nucleic acid barcode that identifies poached and trafficked wildlife products anywhere in the world, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Theodore Roosevelt (TR) Genius...
21 September 2022
Amazon Sustainability is welcoming proposals related to climate risk/resilience, life cycle assessment, circular strategies, and more. Selected PIs receive unrestricted funds, no more than $80,000 USD on average
20 September 2022
This technology was recently tested in Kauai, Hawaii, with the National Tropical Botanical Garden and has successfully collected from 5 critically endangered species that were otherwise inaccessible.
16 September 2022
December 2023
event
13th International Symposium on Digital Earth
4 July 2023 2:51pm
The role of low-code Earth observation tools in accelerating the sustainability transition
30 June 2023 2:13pm
We've published a paper on the role of low-code Earth observation tools in the sustainability transition. It covers how different roles in a business like analysts and executives can benefit from this tech and how it can be applied to ESG, Nature Based Solutions and insurance and finance.
Sustained Effort: The Environmentalist’s Dilemma
21 June 2023 9:00am
Information Session: Technology Testing to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict in West Bengal
19 June 2023 11:07pm
Innovation wanted: Technology Testing to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflict in West Bengal
19 June 2023 10:54pm
The Wildlife Society Conference
19 June 2023 5:59am
How tech is changing the way Singapore manages parks and gardens
12 June 2023 5:11am
Discover how Singapore is using technology, including resistographs, drones, mobile apps, and data analytics, to revolutionize the management of parks and gardens, promoting nature conservation and enhancing citizen participation in green initiatives.
Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change Middle East & Africa Program
9 June 2023 1:54pm
Wildlife Monitoring Engineer
8 June 2023 4:54pm
ISO Speakers for Emerging Technologies class.
31 May 2023 4:29pm
2 June 2023 2:08pm
Carly, that would be great! Thanks! I work with soundscapes and love the work of Rainforest Connection! I'll send you an email (@CUNY) to coordinate!
Ashored Innovations: Hardware and Software for Sustainable Fishing
1 June 2023 9:46pm
Climasens: Using technology to understand and respond to climate change
30 May 2023 12:36pm
Climasens’ platform is now being used by Australian Councils to support disaster resilience efforts. It’s inaugural product, HeatSens, is being used to bridge the gap between emergency management and climate change preparedness to better inform efforts and investment towards climate change adaptation, especially in areas where vulnerable populations exist.
AirSeed: Drone planting takes flight to promote reforestation in flood-affected NSW
30 May 2023 12:28pm
AirSeed has developed a unique approach to tackle climate change and restore biodiversity by combining drone technology, machine learning, and seed pod biotechnology to carry out planting that’s 25x faster than traditional hand-planting methods.
Creating digital solutions to help people and nature thrive: Lessons from the frontline
29 May 2023 7:02am
31 May 2023 10:51pm
10 AI for the Planet Projects you should be excited about
25 May 2023 11:07am
FieldKit: Accessible Sensor Technology for All
23 May 2023 10:26pm
Field Surveyor
16 May 2023 4:06pm
Lecturer/Associate Professor of Ecology and Innovative Technologies
16 May 2023 9:25am
Deadline Approaching: Conservation Tech Award
15 May 2023 10:21pm
NERC Digital Gathering 2023
15 May 2023 1:42pm
Women in Tech Festival 2023
12 May 2023 1:43pm
Introducing the 2023 Conservation Tech Showcase
11 May 2023 5:06pm
2023 F5 Tech for Good Grant Application Now Open
10 May 2023 12:28pm
ICCB 2023 WILDLABS Workshop: Bridging Sectors for Movement Ecology Innovation
9 May 2023 8:37pm
Development of average speed devices
GRO is the story of what on Earth is going on
5 May 2023 1:50pm
Machine Learning Researcher - Computer Vision (Remote)
2 May 2023 8:49pm
Silverstrand Capital's Biodiversity Accelerator+ Programme - Deadline Extended to 5th May 2023
2 May 2023 3:24pm
[Recordings Now Available!) EarthRanger User Conference
27 April 2023 5:52am
31 May 2023 10:21pm
Definitely interested! I'm in the ecoacoustics/acoustic monitoring space, working at Rainforest Connection and Arbimon.