Ten years ago, we couldn't have imagined how tools like machine learning, eDNA, and satellites would advance and transform conservation work. Now technology is advancing faster than ever, and as tools become smaller, lighter, and more affordable, it's vital to have a space where community members can discuss the next big thing, share ideas, compare tool options, and tell the story of their experiences - positive, negative, and anything in between - while using new technologies.
In 2021, the WILDLABS State of Conservation Tech report detailed what tools show the most promise according to community members, as well as what tools are currently seen as the most effective. And as new tools enter the field, we're excited to see how this data will change over time, and how this group grows over time as well.
Our State of Conservation Tech research also discusses something called the "Hype Cycle" - the pattern that occurs when a new technology bursts onto the scene, promises to be an exciting solution, encounters challenges as new users adopt the tool and put it into practice beyond just theory, and eventually settles into its most effective state as users acquire the right skills to use it to its actual potential. Machine learning, one of the most promising technologies, is currently in the middle of its own hype cycle, and we see community members working through their own hurdles to incorporate ML into their work effectively. Despite what you may think, this Hype Cycle can also be positive for tech development, as it means that users have big ideas for new tools, and with the right resources and skills, they can work toward bringing those ideas to life. And as our community members experiences the Hype Cycle for various tools at their own paces, we hope this group will also serve as a place to discuss that process and overcome hurdles together.
Ready to discover new possibilities? Join our Emerging Tech group now and get to know your forward-thinking conservation tech peers!
Header photo: Internet of Elephants
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- @LisaG
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Critter Earth
Web and mobile app developer for critter.earth
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- @annie2
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An enthusiastic technology conservationist!
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- @organicjo
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Program Strategist for the Conservation Dogs Collective and founder of Nose No Limit
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- @nora.gourmelon
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PhD candidate in Computer Science working on Computer Vision for glacier front delineation in synthetic aperture radar satellite images
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- @shahselbe
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Conservify
Conservation Technologist, National Geographic Explorer, and Founder of Conservify and FieldKit
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- @WakioMwandoe
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I am a GIS Analyst currently working at Center for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya, a non-profit whose vision is to restore resilient and thriving ecosystems. I have a Bachelor's degree in Geoinformation Technology and I am looking to explore applications of GIS in Conservation.
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Fauna & Flora
Senior Technical Specialist, Wildlife Trade
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Article
Nature Tech for Biodiversity Sector Map launched!
Carly Batist and 1 more
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1 April 2025
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Customer Support and Marketing Specialist
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Link
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Conservationists use tools like drones, satellites, and camera traps to monitor ecosystems and scale their impact. But new challenges like transparency, funding gaps, and engagement remain. Web 3.0 technologies offer...
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Link
Professor Ed Mitchard, to discuss the role of remote sensing in forest conservation to monitor land-use change, estimate a forest carbon stock, detect forest fires, and report upon other key forest indicators.
1 November 2024
Link
Podcast: The State of Nature Tech with Gilad Goren
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In this episode join Gilad Goren, as we discuss the state of nature tech around the world ranging from nature fintech to artificial intelligence and remote sensing. We also discuss the role of NatureTech in...
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The Marine Innovation Lab for Leading-edge Oceanography develops hardware and software to expand the ocean observing network and for the sustainable management of natural resources. For Fall 2025, we are actively...
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event
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November 2023
| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Really interesting, I will take a look |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech | 9 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Thank you so much! Now everything is in the hands of amazing organizations and companies! But the first results of the Disaster Management cohort are bringing a very optimistic... |
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AI for Conservation, Climate Change, Early Career, East Africa Community, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions | 9 months 3 weeks ago | |
| @cmwainaina please take a look |
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Animal Movement, AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Connectivity, Data management and processing tools, East Africa Community, Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Geospatial, Sensors, Software Development | 10 months ago | |
| Thank you very much for this Esther. I also came across Trade in Wildlife Information Exchange (TWIX) which is a enforcement tool for international wildlife trade. |
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Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT), Citizen Science, Emerging Tech, East Africa Community | 1 year ago | |
| Hi Steph, We appreciate the support! Thanks for the tag and your help managing the community!Patrick |
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Sensors, Acoustics, Conservation Dogs, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions | 1 year ago | |
| Hi Sol,If the maximum depth is 30m, it would be worth experimenting with HydroMoth in this application especially if the deployment time is short. As Matt says, the air-filed case... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech, Sustainable Fishing Challenges | 1 year ago | |
| Congratulations! My first hydromoth was just arrived yesterday and so excited! Looking forward for the update from your project!!! |
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Acoustics, Animal Movement, Climate Change, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Protected Area Management Tools, Sensors, Software Development, Latin America Community | 1 year ago | |
| Gotcha, well I look forward to seeing future iterations and following along with your progress!! |
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Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, AI for Conservation, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Latin America Community | 1 year 1 month ago | |
| 'Most importantly, we have to make it play a MIDI version of the DoctorWho theme song when you arm the device. That has to be the #1 feature if you ask me!' Seconded! |
+9
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Acoustics, Animal Movement, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Sensors | 1 year 1 month ago | |
| Hi @Alasdair Great to hear from you! Thanks for the comment and for those very useful links (very interesting). And for letting @Rob_Appleby know. I can't wait to hear... |
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Emerging Tech, Camera Traps, Conservation Tech Training and Education | 1 year 1 month ago | |
| Hello everyone, I'm interested in gathering insights on how the behavior of different species impacts the development and efficacy of... |
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Animal Movement, Acoustics, Camera Traps, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Marine Conservation | 1 year 2 months ago | |
| Hi @timbirdweather I've now got them up and running and winding how I can provide feedback on species ID to improve the accuracy over time. It would be really powerful to have a... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Citizen Science, Emerging Tech | 1 year 2 months ago |
