Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, teeming with diverse wildlife, have long been a source of wonder and fascination for people around the world. However, the very existence of these incredible natural treasures is under threat from various factors including poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change. To combat these challenges and ensure survival of Africa’s protected areas and wildlife, a holistic strategy is essential. Space for Giants, a conservation organization, exemplifies this holistic approach, leveraging GIS technology to protect and preserve Africa’s natural heritage.

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Leveraging GIS technology

Since its inception in 2011, Space for Giants has been at the forefront of using GIS to gain crucial insights into elephant behavior, track poaching activities, and protect key elephant corridors. This technology allows them to collect and analyze data from various sources, including satellites and GPS tracking collars. By mapping out elephant movements and identifying areas of high poaching activity, Space for Giants can strategically deploy resources to safeguard these magnificent creatures.

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Mitigating impacts of climate change

Furthermore, Space for Giants recognizes the pressing need to address climate change, which poses a significant threat to Africa’s ecosystems. Leveraging their monitoring expertise, they are now channeling their efforts into generating carbon credits. This innovative approach helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and provides essential financial support for ongoing conservation efforts.

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Providing evidence for wildlife trafficking prosecution

One of the most significant challenges in wildlife conservation is bringing perpetrators of wildlife crimes to justice. Space for Giants’ wildlife law and justice program plays a pivotal role in this arena. They use GIS technology to gather and present critical evidence in wildlife trafficking cases. By mapping out the movement of illegally traded wildlife and identifying trafficking routes, they empower prosecutors with the data they need to build strong cases against wildlife criminals.

Protecting Africa’s protected areas and wildlife demands a multifaceted approach that considers the ecological, social, and economic aspects of conservation. Space for Giants exemplifies this holistic strategy by leveraging GIS technology to gain insights, protect habitats, combat climate change, and bring wildlife criminals to justice. Their tireless efforts serve as a beacon of hope for preserving Africa’s natural heritage for generations to come.

This story was first published by David Gadsden. View full story here