New satellite tool extends conservation monitoring

May 25, 2025

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Kelpwatch, a web platform that uses satellites to monitor kelp forests, has expanded its coverage to South Africa and Namibia. The technology could revolutionise not only monitoring of protected marine areas but also other landscapes under threat. The platform offers new insights into ecosystems supporting marine species.

  • Conservationists have long shown interest in using high-resolution satellite imagery to survey large mammals across vast and hard-to-reach areas. Satellite tools offer a less invasive, yet more cost-effective alternative to traditional wildlife surveys and water monitoring systems.

  • The Satellite-Based Water Monitoring and Flow Forecasting System for the Niger Basin demonstrates various ways to utilise satellites for conservation. It improves water resource management, enhances preparedness for floods and droughts, and supports environmental protection throughout the Niger Basin in West Africa.

  • Our take: If conservation leaders overlook the data collection revolution, they risk being less effective guardians of natural habitats…Read more (2 min)

Regional diversity defines Africa’s current conservation job landscape, with East Africa renewing its focus on carbon markets. DGB Group is hiring for Environmental Project Certification roles in Kenya and Uganda, while South Pole seeks candidates for sustainable technologies and carbon project strategy, signalling intensified engagement in carbon financing.

  • To effectively harness the potential of carbon markets in Africa, several needs must be addressed, including developing African-focused marketplaces, building local expertise in validation and verification, and establishing robust regulatory frameworks. 

  • Our analysis of a list of conservation jobs across Africa shows that while East Africa focuses on carbon credits and project validation, Central Africa targets biodiversity and policy integration. Southern and West Africa prioritise fieldwork, research and resilience, linking conservation with education, food security and disaster preparedness across diverse ecological and institutional landscapes.

  • Job Board: Explore conservation opportunities across Africa – or learn who is doing what. Click here to view the latest openings…Read more (2 min)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has outpaced Peace Parks with a 4% increase in senior staff growth over the past month. Our review of the past year indicates that TNC has achieved the highest growth rate, at 18% annually, among large conservation organisations in Africa. TNC is leading a large land restoration initiative in Africa.

  • The Kafue project in Zambia aims to improve natural resource management across 6.8 million hectares of land surrounding Kafue National Park, assisting communities in sustainably managing their resources. TNC serves as a coordinating partner, collaborating with other entities and disbursing funds to achieve the desired outcomes.

  • TNC is also involved in several other community-based conservation projects across Africa. In Angola, the focus is on transitioning to solar energy, while in Tanzania’s Greater Mahale landscape, TNC has helped local communities establish seven new Village Land Forest Reserves, thus protecting vital ecosystems.

  • Our take: In February, TNC distanced itself from the US government's cuts to global conservation funding. While it supported efficient governance, it implicitly criticised the reduction of environmental support and resources…Read more (2 min)

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South Africa's wattled crane is removed from critically endangered on the world’s list of threatened species.

Events

🗓️ Attend the International Congress for Conservation Biology (June 15)

🗓️ Join the webinar on Strengthening African Wildlife Conservation (June 5)

🗓️ Participate in the third UN Ocean Conference (June 3)

Various 

🤝 SADC leaders meet in Zimbabwe to discuss efforts to preserve biodiversity

💰 GTBank sponsors the Ol-Pejeta Conservancy Golf Tournament

Seen on LinkedIn 

Harshita Umrao, a climate consultant, says, “What happens when forest conservation policies unintentionally push communities to cut down the very forests they’ve protected for generations? When conservation is designed without the participation or trust of those who live in and depend on forests, it creates fear—not protection. And fear leads to actions that undermine the very goals of preservation.”

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