WildLandscapes International and 51 Degrees, in collaboration with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), are embarking on a crucial conservation initiative to address pressing ecological challenges in the Seychelles. The Seychelles archipelago, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, faces threats from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, and insufficient monitoring. This project aims to enhance SPGA’s capabilities by leveraging advanced technology to streamline data collection, improve monitoring, and enable data-driven decision-making, ensuring the long-term survival of Seychelles' unique flora and fauna.

Central to this initiative is the implementation of EarthRanger (ER) and LoRaWAN technology. ER, an advanced software system, provides real-time visualization of field reports, asset tracking, and comprehensive management capabilities by integrating diverse data sources into a unified platform. The addition of a mobile app further improves accessibility and responsiveness. LoRaWAN technology establishes a low-power, wireless network across the parks and gardens, significantly enhancing real-time observational capabilities for environmental conditions, wildlife movements, and tourism management. Several of our partners in Kenya have implemented this technology and, in conjunction with other security measures, significantly reduced or eliminated poaching. 

This technological approach will modernize SPGA’s ability to monitor and protect the Seychelles’ nine marine and terrestrial parks, covering a combined area of 55,769 hectares. By integrating Tableau with ER, SPGA will benefit from robust data analysis capabilities, standardizing management reporting structures, and ensuring a systematic approach to data interpretation and strategic guidance. The project also includes extensive training for SPGA personnel to ensure proficient use of these technologies, complemented by the establishment of a National Operations Centre and smaller technical hubs for centralized monitoring and swift responses to emerging challenges.

The urgency of this campaign cannot be overstated, as the challenges facing the Seychelles' ecosystems grow more severe with each passing day.