Strengthening Conservation Through Technology

Hailu’s Insights from the EarthRanger Regional Workshop in Entebbe

In September, I had the privilege of attending the regional EarthRanger Workshop held in Entebbe, Uganda. EarthRanger is a software system that collates data to help rangers improve the conservation of wildlife and protected landscapes. As a human-wildlife conflict and coexistence expert with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), and with support from the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation, I participated in both learning from others and sharing EWCA’s experience in implementing Elephant Ranges (protected areas, such as Babile Elephant Sanctuary and Chebera-Churchura National Park). The event brought together conservation professionals, technologists, and field practitioners from across Africa, all united by a shared goal: to strengthen wildlife monitoring and protection through the improved use of EarthRanger. Over several days, participants engaged in training sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and collaborative discussions focused on enhancing the platform’s effectiveness and exploring strategies to scale its impact across the region.

Understanding the EarthRanger Ecosystem

The workshop opened with an overview of the EarthRanger ecosystem, illustrating how its interconnected components support real-time data collection, analysis, and informed decision-making in conservation landscapes. A key focus was EarthRanger Mobile, where we explored its advanced capabilities, from offline data entry and incident reporting to GPS-based patrol tracking. These features are vital for field teams working in remote areas, helping to bridge the gap between on-the-ground observations and centralised data management.

Beyond the technology itself, the workshop delved into the broader conservation landscape in Uganda. Presentations underscored the urgent need for data-driven strategies to tackle challenges such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. A standout session led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) showcased their evolving digital strategy, highlighting how platforms like EarthRanger are being integrated into national park operations and long-term conservation planning. It was inspiring to see how digital transformation is reshaping conservation management at a national level.

Tools for Smarter Data

Participants received practical training on EarthRanger’s Form Editor, a tool that enables the creation and customisation of digital data collection forms. This feature plays a crucial role in standardising field data, improving accuracy, and streamlining reporting workflows. Another exciting highlight was the introduction of Gundi, a complementary tool designed to enhance data flow and integration across multiple systems. Although still in its exploratory phase, Gundi shows significant promise for improving data interoperability and collaboration within the conservation technology ecosystem. A particularly insightful session featured a case study from Ethiopia, where EarthRanger has been deployed at a national scale. The presentation offered valuable lessons on stakeholder engagement, infrastructure development, and sustainability planning, demonstrating what it takes to implement a digital conservation platform across diverse landscapes and institutions.

We also had the opportunity to explore Ecoscope, a complementary tool that enhances data visualisation and exploration. Through a hands-on session, participants learnt how Ecoscope integrates seamlessly with EarthRanger data, enabling deeper insights into ecological trends, spatial dynamics, and monitoring indicators. This session stood out for its practical approach, allowing us to apply visualisation tools directly to real-world conservation scenarios.

Reporting and analysis were central themes throughout the workshop. We examined how EarthRanger’s dashboards, visualisations, and custom reports transform raw data into actionable intelligence, empowering both field teams and decision-makers. In addition, system administrators received specialised training on platform configuration, user management, and data governance, ensuring that each organisation can manage its systems securely and efficiently.

Conclusion

The EarthRanger Regional Workshop in Entebbe was an inspiring and knowledge-rich experience. It was encouraging to see conservation in Africa at the very forefront of technological progress. It strengthened our technical skills, fostered regional collaboration, and reaffirmed the pivotal role of technology in advancing conservation outcomes. I return from the workshop with renewed enthusiasm and practical insights that I look forward to sharing and applying within our team, helping to drive data-informed conservation efforts that make a lasting impact.