NTT and its subsidiary Dimension Data utilized advanced technologies to significantly enhance wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in protecting endangered rhinos in South Africa. By focusing on tracking human intruders rather than animals, the project aimed to mitigate the threat of poaching in the private Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
Key Technologies Deployed:
- Secure Operations Center: A state-of-the-art facility equipped with redundant power supplies, computing, storage, visualization, networking, and communications equipment.
- High-Speed Communications Network: Solar-powered for self-sustainability, providing a backbone for digital radios and cameras across the reserve.
- Point-to-Multipoint Coverage: Ensuring blanket surveillance across the protected area.
- Wi-Fi and Local Area Networks: Enhancing access control and remote monitoring at entry points.
- Secure Connectivity: Facilitating remote support and sensitive data exchange.
- Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN): Supporting applications like intrusion detection, asset tracking, ecological monitoring, and water management.
- Mobile Masts: Increasing operational flexibility within the reserve.
Impact:
- Reduction in Incursions: Achieved a 96% decrease in illegal entries into the reserve since the pilot project began in 2016. Prior to this, one rhino was poached weekly.
- Zero Poaching: No rhinos were poached in 2017 and 2018.
- Counter-Poaching Efforts: Successfully thwarted 12 poaching attempts in 2022 alone.
Expansion:
- Kenya's Kafue National Park and Northern Rangelands Trust were targeted next, following the success at Sabi Sand.
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya saw improvements in operational infrastructure and real-time software integration.
- Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) played a pivotal role in scaling the initiative across South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Indonesia, and India.
Broader Impact:
- Conservation Area Expansion: Protected over 5 million hectares for wildlife.
- Species Protection: Assisted in safeguarding more than 30 threatened species, including black rhinos, African elephants, pangolins, lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, and giraffes.
- Enhanced Ranger Capabilities: Over 150 rangers were equipped with technology for improved communication and situational awareness.
- Global Collaboration: Facilitated remote participation in biodiversity projects by specialists and researchers worldwide.
- AI in Conservation: Utilized AI on high-resolution satellite imagery for biodiversity management and wildlife population tracking.
NTT's involvement in this program exemplifies the application of technology for environmental conservation, contributing to sustainable development goals and showcasing the potential of technology in addressing global environmental challenges.
