The fight to protect endangered wildlife faces a significant challenge: the reluctance of Ugandan rangers to embrace modern technology. While technology has become a cornerstone in global wildlife conservation efforts, there is a notable gap in its adoption among Ugandan rangers, primarily due to a lack of support from development partners in funding technology-led initiatives.
Sam Mwandha, the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, alongside other conservationists, has voiced concerns about this issue, especially as Uganda gears up to celebrate World Wildlife Day. The theme for 2024, “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” underscores the pivotal role digital innovation plays in safeguarding wildlife.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, Mwandha highlighted the disconnect between the availability of technology and its utilization on the ground. Despite investments in training personnel, many rangers fail to effectively deploy the technology, often abandoning its use after just a few days without proper follow-up.
Moreover, the high cost associated with acquiring and maintaining these technologies poses another barrier. Each piece of equipment requires frequent upgrades and operates within its own specialized system, resulting in additional expenses for licenses, accessories, and staff retraining.
Globally, digital technologies are increasingly integrated into wildlife conservation efforts as a cost-effective means of monitoring threats to protected areas. However, in Uganda, the lack of coordination within civil society exacerbates issues such as duplication of technology and the need for continual training of new rangers.
Despite these challenges, there is a consensus among conservationists that the adoption of digital technologies must continue. Achilles Byaruhanga, Executive Director of Nature Uganda, emphasizes that in today’s world, digital technology is not a luxury but a necessity for effectively monitoring protected areas and wildlife.
World Wildlife Day 2024, hosted in Kabarole with a global theme, will spotlight the latest applications of digital technologies in wildlife conservation and trade. The celebrations aim to raise awareness about the transformative impact of digital interventions on ecosystems and communities worldwide, emphasizing the importance of digital innovation in fostering human-wildlife coexistence for future generations.
