Transforming the Landscape of Data Collection with EarthRanger

In late October, a comprehensive one-week training session was organized for staff members of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) working in the Marine Operations, Forestry, National Park, and Research Section. This training aimed to familiarize participants with the functionalities of the EarthRanger Software, a pivotal tool in enhancing the effectiveness of SPGA's conservation initiatives.

The session was led by Mr. Neil Davidson from 51 Degrees, the pioneering company behind EarthRanger, based in Kenya. EarthRanger is a state-of-the-art software solution designed to empower protected area managers, ecologists, and conservationists to make informed operational decisions. It seamlessly integrates and displays a vast array of historical and real-time data from protected areas, encompassing wildlife movements, ranger patrols, spatial data, enforcement assets, infrastructure, and observed threats.

Despite their protected status, the wildlife within national parks faces numerous challenges, including poaching, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. This underscores the critical need for park managers to monitor wildlife and natural habitats in real-time, even in remote locations with limited connectivity. Mr. Davidson emphasized that while EarthRanger significantly enhances operational efficiency in the field, it cannot replace the indispensable human element in conservation efforts.

SPGA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Cedras, remarked, “This initiative will bolster our organization’s capabilities in scientific data collection, operational activities, and security-related functions. Our collaboration with the EarthRanger team, which began in 2022, has enabled us to digitally log all our data, including turtle monitoring, megafauna sightings, and various incidents.”

The Authority is committed to fully implementing the EarthRanger software by the end of the year, establishing an Operational Centre equipped with all necessary technology at the Marine Operations base in Perseverance. This initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing conservation strategies and protecting Seychelles' unique biodiversity.