Tech watch: Conservation turning to satellite for data

From the newsletter

Major gaps in data are surfacing in monitoring where and how nature is changing at the local level. This often limits conservation enforcement. In our tech watch this month, we analyse how conservationists are turning to satellites to produce consistent and locally relevant indicators to inform on-the-ground conservation decisions.

• The latest is the expansion of a satellite-based wildfire intelligence in Africa by OroraTech and the Earth Fire Alliance to protect wildlife. Some areas of priority include Kruger National Park in South Africa among others. 

• Global Fishing Watch and Global Forest Watch are also being used in monitoring large scale conservation areas like fishing grounds and forests.

More details

• The collaboration will combine OroraTech’s FOREST satellite network with data from the Earth Fire Alliance’s FireSat constellation. Both systems are built to detect thermal anomalies, predict wildfires, track fire movement and provide frequent updates. Integrating these datasets is expected to create a more comprehensive picture of fire behaviour across remote ecosystems and wildlife areas.

• According to the organisations, improved access to satellite-derived alerts can support more efficient deployment of ranger units and fire teams. The partners stated that the initiative is meant to complement existing national systems while providing additional data to regions without domestic satellite capabilities.

• Global Fishing Watch, founded by Oceana, SkyTruth and Google, uses satellite data to track industrial fishing activity worldwide. It makes this information accessible and helps governments and conservationists to detect illegal or harmful fishing. This transparency directly supports marine conservation, protecting biodiversity, sustaining fish stocks and securing the livelihoods of millions who depend on healthy oceans.

• A key part of this work is Vessel Viewer. It combines satellite data, public registries, vessel monitoring systems and automatic identification system records to present a vessel’s identity and compliance history dating back to 2012. Its search function covers more than 750,000 vessels, while detailed profiles and downloadable reports give authorities and companies a clear picture of fishing activity.

• Global Forest Watch is another satellite tool used in African conservation by providing satellite data and alerts for near-real-time monitoring of deforestation and fires. This empowers conservationists to detect illegal activities like logging and mining and track forest changes for prompt action. It also supports community-based monitoring and helps organizations analyse land-use trends to protect ecosystems like the Maasai Mara. 

Our take

• Satellite data is important for conservation in Africa. It monitors vast and inaccessible areas and guides sustainable conservation interventions. 

• It is a cost-effective and efficient way to collect large-scale, consistent conservation data and enables conservationists to manage natural resources effectively and respond promptly to emerging environmental threats.