Ethiopia's rich biodiversity is under constant threat from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict (HWC). In response, the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) has been funding capacity building of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) in an effort to improve wildlife conservation through innovative technology and data management. EarthRanger technology is used to collect, analyze, and manage conservation data, including HWC incidents, poaching and wildlife sightings. On the roadmap to achieve Ethiopia’s biodiversity vision by 2030 (BIODEV2030), innovative conservation technology is considered one of the key catalysts. Through a Darwin Initiative funded project, the EPIF have been supporting the implementation of EarthRanger, through provision of equipment and most recently by training selected EWCA staff in its use.
To advance the EarthRanger program in Ethiopia, EWCA, supported by the EPIF, is focusing on several key areas for expansion. First, they plan to broaden the data model to encompass additional critical areas such as veterinary services, logistics, tourism activities, human rights compliance, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This expansion will help improve wildlife health monitoring, enhance park management, support sustainable tourism, and ensure that conservation efforts respect local communities. The goal is to create a comprehensive and standardized data system across all protected areas.
In addition to expanding the data model, EWCA recognizes the importance of building internal capacity to ensure the program’s long-term success. This includes developing in-house expertise for platform administration, training staff to optimize the EarthRanger system, and fostering continuous professional development. EWCA also plans to strengthen the technology infrastructure by improving data transmission within parks, enhancing network connectivity, and establishing a governance framework aligned with Ethiopia's 2030 biodiversity vision (BIODEV2030). These steps are essential for ensuring real-time data flow as feedback for the adaptive management system, facilitating sound decision-making.
The EarthRanger in use in Ethiopia
Finally, we are working with EWCA to create centralized operations rooms in key locations, starting with their Headquarters in Addis and a prototype at Nechisar National Park (NNP). The objective is to develop custom data dashboards to provide relevant, real-time insights to departments like law enforcement, ecology, and veterinary services. To ensure nationwide implementation, EWCA has outlined a phased integration of parks, beginning with NNP as the pilot site. Over the next few years, the system will be gradually scaled to include 20 protected areas by 2030, allowing for a comprehensive and data-driven approach to wildlife conservation across Ethiopia.
The EarthRanger Technology is amplifying conservation efforts in Ethiopia, but there’s still much work to be done. By expanding data sets, building internal capacity, strengthening technology infrastructure, and ensuring seamless integration across parks, EWCA can create a centralized system that drives informed decision-making and helps safeguard Ethiopia’s biodiversity for generations to come. The roadmap for 2030 provides a clear vision for how technology can play a vital role in the future of conservation—and Ethiopia is poised to lead the way.
Ethiopia’s 2030 vision for biodiversity is ambitious, and the EPIF believes that EarthRanger is a key tool in achieving it. By integrating data from 20 parks, EWCA will be able to monitor progress, identify challenges, and adapt strategies to meet national conservation goals. As the implementation of EarthRanger technology grows, it will not only protect Ethiopia’s diverse wildlife but also set a powerful example for other countries to follow in the fight against biodiversity loss. Together, we are hopeful for a smarter, more sustainable future for conservation in Ethiopia and beyond.
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