Vodafone’s Internet of Things(IoT) Solution for Wildlife Conservation.

Vodafone has taken a proactive approach in addressing the escalating issue of human-wildlife conflict by leveraging technology as a means to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By harnessing the power of technology, offering innovative services, and collaborating with various partners, Vodafone is dedicated to making tangible progress across the SDGs.

According to Joe Griffin, the Project Co-lead and Senior Manager of Sustainability Strategy at Vodafone, the UN's Global Biodiversity Framework, which was agreed upon in December 2022, includes a goal to reduce human-wildlife conflict for harmonious coexistence. Griffin emphasized that Vodafone believes technology can play a vital role in achieving this objective and fostering positive transformations for communities and wildlife confronted with these difficult issues. Vodafone aims to collaborate with WWF to explore additional avenues for utilizing technology in tackling conservation and sustainability challenges.

Understanding Human-Wildlife Conflict.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), human-wildlife conflict refers to situations where encounters between humans and wildlife result in negative outcomes such as property damage, loss of livelihood, and even loss of life. Defensive and retaliatory killings can further exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to the extinction of certain species.

The increasing human population and the demand for space have intensified the interaction between humans and wildlife, leading to a rise in human-wildlife conflict. This conflict, coupled with other threats, has already caused the extinction of species that were once abundant and pushed others to the brink of extinction.

The consequences of human-wildlife conflict extend beyond the immediate impact on wildlife and affected communities. Since human-wildlife conflict revolves around the interaction between humans and wildlife, the coexistence of these two is crucial for sustainable development initiatives. If not effectively managed, human-wildlife conflict has the potential to significantly hinder these activities and undermine broader conservation efforts.

Vodafone remains steadfast in its pursuit of utilizing technology to effectively tackle conservation and sustainability challenges. In regions like Kenya, where smallholder farmers rely on their crops and livestock, the presence of roaming elephants or lions can result in devastating losses. These situations frequently give rise to perilous conflicts between humans and wildlife, jeopardizing the safety and livelihoods of rural communities in Africa, as well as hindering the conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable species.?

Human-wildlife conflict is not limited to Africa but is apparent in various regions around the world, underscoring the diverse range of challenges it poses. For instance, in Canada, the fragmentation of habitats caused by land use practices has contributed to an increase in conflicts between humans and bears. In India, a study revealed that more than half of the widows affected by tiger and crocodile attacks suffer from physical and mental health issues. Furthermore, in Norway, the contentious matter of wolf conservation has become a symbol of the divide between rural and urban communities. These examples highlight the complex and far-reaching nature of human-wildlife conflict across different parts of the globe.

Vodafone recognizes the significance of these issues and remains dedicated to finding innovative technological solutions to address and mitigate the challenges associated with human-wildlife conflict.

Vodafone’s Intervention

Vodafone is a leading technology communications company in Europe and Africa recently announced a new technology driven by IoT for wildlife conservation as a way of reducing human-wildlife conflict.?

The company noted it’s in the early stages of creating this new technology that is sure to promote the peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife.?

The proposed solution is designed to operate continuously, 24/7, utilizing a combination of solar power and rechargeable batteries for sustainability. This technology, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), incorporates three to four cameras strategically placed to cover the entire perimeter of a designated area. These cameras are equipped with infrared lights to detect approaching animals. By employing deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and other computer vision algorithms, the system can accurately detect and identify different animal species, subsequently activating an appropriate deterrent mechanism such as flashing lights or specific sounds. For instance, the sound of a swarm of African bees has been found to effectively deter elephants.

Simultaneously, IoT connectivity is utilized to send SMS alerts to the local community, while broader alerts and reports are transmitted through a cloud server. These alerts contain crucial information, including the timestamp, location, identified species, and the deterrent method that was triggered.

The AI processing is executed on a Raspberry Pi, and the entire system is securely enclosed in a robust and weatherproof housing to ensure its durability and functionality in various environmental conditions.