Ecosystem restoration takes a leap forward with new tech

• Seagrasses and mangroves, like corals, can be fragmented and replanted to restore degraded coastal ecosystems. Microfragmentation, which involves using smaller pieces, may accelerate the restoration process. The restoration of seagrass and mangroves aims to recover degraded habitats and reinstate lost coastal ecosystem functions.

• Controlled sexual reproduction techniques are essential for wildlife conservation in Africa, where the risk of extinction is high. These methods enhance reproductive success and genetic diversity in managed populations. Techniques such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation, and cryopreservation are examples of these methods. Currently, advanced assisted reproductive technologies are being explored for species such as the northern white rhinoceros and African wild dogs.

• Our take: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) are crucial for wildlife conservation in Africa, extending beyond coral reefs to include critically endangered terrestrial species…Read more (2 min)

Op-Ed: Are carbon credits an economic goldmine or missed opportunity?

• Challenges such as high certification costs, unclear policies, and limited technical capacity hinder Africa’s progress. Nevertheless, early leaders like Kenya, Gabon, Mozambique and Rwanda demonstrate what can be achieved.

• Mr Aluko says Africa must take decisive action: Establish national frameworks, enhance technical capacity, ensure fair revenue-sharing, and foster regional collaboration. While carbon credits won't solve every issue, they can stimulate climate adaptation and promote green investment.

• Click the link to read the full op-ed…Read more (2 min)

Tech Watch: AI night vision tech halts rhino poaching

• The system has helped halt poaching in key areas such as Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Solio Game Reserve. Its primary advantage lies in its night-time surveillance capabilities. Since its implementation, Ol Pejeta has reported zero poaching incidents since 2017, and Solio has maintained this record since late 2023.

• Other technologies featured in our quarterly Tech Watch include a DNA tool developed by researchers in Namibia. It utilises faecal samples and mini-barcodes to identify elusive African carnivores with 95% accuracy for non-invasive tracking. Additionally, Nigerian teens have created Reforest AI, a solar-powered tool that employs sound recognition and mesh networks to detect chainsaw activity in forests.

• Our take: Africa’s conservation future is being engineered locally. From teenagers developing AI tools to scientists designing DNA trackers, these innovations demonstrate that effective solutions do not need to be imported…Read more (2 min)

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