The Future of Conservation: Where Technology and Sustainability Converge

By Gibendi

Industrialization has fueled technological advancements that would have been inconceivable to early man during the dawn of evolution. Take, for instance, the invention of smart toilets. Imagine my astonishment when I first stumbled upon one—a moment that plunged me into utter disbelief. To say I was astonished would be an understatement. Imagine this: with just a simple sit and the press of a button, you could orchestrate a full suite of actions. Warm water sprays, gentle air drying, and even a massage function combined with soothing steam. How incredible is it to know that with a mere touch, your body’s not-so-exterior could receive a spa-like treatment? Who would have thought that even our most mundane routines could be elevated to such luxury?

And it doesn’t stop there. Think about voice-controlled virtual assistants like Siri, responding to our every command as if we had a personal concierge at our beck and call. Consider tools like Google Maps, guiding us with turn-by-turn directions like a personal navigator. Not to mention how artificial intelligence has become so ingrained in society that it sparks discussions at every gathering.

In the distant past, prior to the global spread of industrialization, nature thrived in glaring colors. Even the harshest deserts cradled life. Observing a solitary leaf clinging to a dying Acacia tree served as a poignant reminder of nature's unwavering resilience amid the intrusion of industrialization. This delicate balance persisted until humanity's quest for progress paved the way for industrialization to take root. Rivers ran dry, forests disappeared, and countless species faced extinction. Industrialization, despite its undeniable advancements, has taken a toll—a cost that the Earth's ecosystems still bear today.

In a world grappling with the effects of rapid industrialization, climate change, and biodiversity loss, the concept of sustainability shines as a beacon of hope, offering solutions to alleviate these global challenges. Hillary Atinda exemplifies the spirit of a sustainability champion, viewing every interaction through a sustainable lens. “I always believe that I’m a sustainability champion." Hillary told me with palpable pride. “I don’t just see things in my line of work; I recognize the sustainable aspects of everything I interact with—my networks included. So when a network doesn’t seem sustainable, I simply say, ‘adios.’” He continued in a tone that captured my attention

So, what is sustainability??

Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or preserve resources and systems over the long term, ensuring that they can continue to function without depleting or permanently damaging them. It encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions, often described as the "triple bottom line" (people, planet, profit). Sustainable practices aim to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainability is essential for conservation as it promotes responsible resource management, ensuring that ecosystems remain healthy and biodiversity is preserved. This approach maintains ecological balance and supports various species. Sustainable practices safeguard critical ecosystem services—such as clean water, pollination, and carbon sequestration—that are needed for human well-being. Additionally, sustainability enhances climate resilience through habitat restoration and the protection of wildlife corridors.

Hillary, a dedicated sustainability champion and conservationist, developed his passion for sustainability after witnessing the stark reality of scarcity in three crucial areas: knowledge, resources, and opportunities—particularly for young people. This scarcity fosters a reliance on others for well-being, creating a cycle of dependence that stifles independent thought and perpetuates the need for constant aid.

Considering these three aspects, he recognized the urgent need to break the cycle of dependency. With technology making information more accessible than ever, even those with limited resources and knowledge can find ways to leverage what they have to seize new opportunities. This realization drove him to explore how technology could be integrated into this approach, acting as an enabler that simplifies processes and connects underserved communities.

In collaboration with Watoto Go Green, a biodiversity-focused organization, Hillary contributes to their mission of equipping young people with the knowledge needed to discuss conservation, environmental issues, and climate change. Their innovative approach employs the arts as a medium for advocacy and education, encouraging storytelling, painting, and filmmaking. Learners actively engage in community-based conservation activities, ensuring that their education is both meaningful and interactive.

To further enrich school initiatives, 4K clubs were established, focusing on environmental initiatives and allowing students to participate in hands-on learning experiences. Together with these partners, they have positively impacted nearly 5,000 learners, achieving around 80% climate literacy—a remarkable milestone that underscores the effectiveness of their approach. Through initiatives like model farms in schools, students learn to grow their own food organically, gaining invaluable skills and fostering a deep respect for the environment.?

Additionally, their partnership with Ubongo Kids has been instrumental in reaching young audiences effectively. Children are naturally drawn to animations and catchy songs, and when they encounter lessons addressing the effects of soil erosion or pollution, it resonates with them. These lessons become ingrained, creating lasting impressions that inspire a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Despite their extensive efforts to leverage technology for positive change, they face a significant obstacle: insufficient resources for digital devices and delivery methods. This challenge is exacerbated by the low literacy levels among both children and teachers, necessitating an initial focus on enhancing literacy before fully implementing their programs. However, they view these challenges as opportunities for growth, adopting a stakeholder approach to collaboratively find effective solutions.?

In addition to addressing these challenges, they are introducing a unique model to integrate technology in schools located in Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru County, areas adjacent to Mount Kenya National Park, and various conservancies. These communities often grapple with human-wildlife conflict, and through innovative technology solutions, they aim to improve interactions and support land restoration efforts, ultimately fostering a more harmonious relationship between the communities and their natural environment.

Their approach includes using drones for predictive analytics to study climate change patterns in these regions. Many local communities are pastoralists, and understanding their migration patterns can help prevent conflicts, such as those reported between the Borana and Pokot over pasture or cattle rustling among the Samburu due to scarce resources.

By creating a sustainable cycle, as communities migrate with their livestock, they can return to previously grazed areas and find pastures that have naturally recovered, contributing to the larger goal of carbon credits. They utilize drones and a GIS platform called Earth Ranger, which enables geofencing to map their areas of operation and track all activities within defined proximities.?

But this is merely the kickoff! Seed Balls Kenya, a visionary organization that has taken reforestation to the next level. They’ve mastered the art of creating seed balls—little orbs packed with climate-resistant seeds and nutrients. These vibrant balls are flung from planes like a rain of green hope, landing in the most barren and parched landscapes.

As they descend from the sky, each seed ball acts as a tiny miracle, sustaining its precious cargo for six to nine months without a single drop of rain. Imagine an entire forest springing to life from these aerial deliveries, transforming desolate areas into lush, thriving ecosystems—doesn't that blow your mind?

Another remarkable innovation is the use of technology for tracking endangered species, such as the white and black rhinos. Each rhino is equipped with a chip that monitors its movements via GPS, allowing for close observation. In a similar vein, the head of the elephant herd wears a GPS collar, enabling conservationists to keep tabs on its location—especially if it strays outside the conservancy and into nearby villages. This technological advancement not only aids in protecting these magnificent creatures but also fosters coexistence between wildlife and local communities.?

Technology plays a crucial role in transforming biodiversity conservation by introducing tools like social media advocacy, artificial intelligence, and robotics that enhance conservation strategies, which will take conservation to the next level. Imagine a future where drone-controlled robot rangers help reduce human-wildlife conflicts, benefiting both communities and wildlife.?

However, conservation must involve local communities in meaningful discussions rather than imposing policies for sustainable solutions. With champions like Hillary Atinda leading the way, we envision a vibrant future where technology bridges human progress and environmental stewardship. Hillary dreams of a world where communities thrive independently, free from the constraints of skin color or social status.

Let’s champion biodiversity conservation as passionately as we embrace technological progress. Join us in this vital mission to ensure a sustainable future—because we don’t have another planet to call home.

Hillary Atindah

Seedballs.in

EarthRanger

Watoto Go Green

Conservation International

Kenya Wildlife Service KWS

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)

The Nature Conservancy