BLCK IoT at Nairobi Design
We participated in this hackathon, initiated by Sovereign Nature Initiative (SNI) October 2022. Web3 teams from around the world were building tech in the service of life on our planet.
Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) is an NGO committed to the protection and conservation of predators and their ecology, situated in the Maasai Mara National park in southwestern Kenya.
The challenge to tackle was: how to protect predators --keystone species in the Maasai Mara who play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystems's resilience.
Aligning goals for 2023
The subsequent day, we engaged in an in-depth conversation with park rangers and other stakeholders to explore the potential impact and prospects of building Helium - LoRaWAN coverage and implementing different technologies in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park.
In the coming weeks, our team members at BLCK IoT will visit the Mara region. To gain a deeper understanding of the reality in the park and establish vital connections with local communities. By engaging with residents living in the bordering conservation areas, we aim to foster a strong collaborative spirit that will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our ambitious project.
The first step is constructing a robust network within the park to lay the foundation for a series of transformative initiatives. We believe in the power of technology to make a positive impact. By harnessing its potential, we can play a pivotal role in safeguarding our planet's precious wildlife and combating climate change. Together with our partners in the Mara, we will leverage cutting-edge innovations to create a more sustainable future for all.
Tracing The Wildlife
I was particularly captivated by the innovative Tracing the Wild project, which emerged from the invaluable lion data collected by KWT. By transforming this information into mesmerising art, SNI has pioneered a novel approach to generating funds for conservation efforts. This ingenious fusion of creativity and technology not only raises awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife but also opens up new avenues for supporting the vital work of conservationists.