Cisco’s Commitment To Saving Endangered Species Through Technology
In an age where technology and conservation intersect, Cisco Systems Inc. is making significant strides in protecting endangered species. Partnering with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) for a decade, Cisco has aimed to utilize digital innovations to safeguard some of the world's most vulnerable wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, and gorillas.
The urgency of this mission was underscored in 2015 when the rhinos of South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve faced an existential threat. Poachers ravaged the area nightly, driven by the lucrative black-market demand for rhino horns, which are often mistakenly attributed with medicinal properties. With local law enforcement outmatched, it was clear that immediate action was essential to prevent these magnificent creatures from sliding into extinction.
Sophie Maxwell, CEO of CCF, reflected on the dire circumstances of that period, stating, "Forty-five rhinos had been recently poached in Sabi Sands. That’s when Cisco and its partners stepped in to help counter the poaching crisis in South Africa." Their response involved deploying state-of-the-art technologies, including LoRaWan networks, IoT sensors, advanced thermal cameras, and automated alarm systems around reserves. These measures yielded rapid results; by 2019, poaching in Sabi Sand had plummeted by an impressive 96 percent.
However, the impact of this partnership transcended Sabi Sand, expanding to 35 protected areas across 15 nations, from the savannas of Kenya to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. The CCF has broadened its scope to safeguard a variety of species including tree kangaroos, pangolins, leopards, and even the elusive Andean bear, while also promoting local community development through education and career opportunities.
Fran Katsoudas, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, underscored the significance of this collaboration, stating, "For 10 years, Cisco and the Connected Conservation Foundation have been united in the belief that we can leverage technology to leave our planet better than we found it." This perspective signals a hopeful future where technology plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation.
As we watch this innovative approach unfold, one can’t help but marvel at the potential for further advancements in conservation technology. Can this partnership inspire similar frameworks across the globe to combat the fight against endangered species? The success witnessed so far is not just a milestone; it’s a clarion call for others to harness technology in the pursuit of preserving the intricate web of life on Earth.
