Nature Seychelles is set to launch a groundbreaking tool to bolster conservation efforts on Cousin Island in October this year.
Funded by the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT), the App for Reserve Management (ARM) aims to streamline data collection, enhance monitoring, and improve enforcement within the protected area.
The software is built on open-source software and represents a significant step forward in utilizing technology for environmental preservation. This means that Nature Seychelles does not have to pay for proprietary software and as a result, troubleshooting issues is relatively easy.
Dr Nirmal Shah, chief executive of Nature Seychelles, explained that ARM will digitise and centralise numerous conservation tasks currently done on paper. “The entire monitoring programs of the turtles, which is quite complicated, will now be on this app,” Dr Shah said. He highlighted how the app automates reporting and analysis, reducing manual workload and improving accuracy. “For example, with the turtle data, you press report, and it gives you the number of nests on this beach compared to last year and the year before.”
ARM is designed to handle various aspects of reserve management. From tracking illegal fishing to monitoring litter and seabird populations, the app integrates multiple functions into a single platform. A key feature is its GPS-enabled capabilities, which allow wardens to document violations and collect evidence, such as photographs, complete with location data. This makes it a powerful tool for legal proceedings, should cases go to court.
The development of the app is led by a data scientist consultant who spent months on Cousin Island to ensure that the app meets the specific needs of its users. “She understands what we are doing, the limitations, and the staffing realities,” Dr Shah noted. Designed for ease of use, the app combines free components like pedometers and tachometers into an integrated, user-friendly system.
The functionality of the application extends beyond data collections as it generates reports and graphs automatically, enabling comparison across years and providing actionable insights for management. This innovation marks a departure from labor-intensive, paper-based methods, with the added benefit of increased accountability. “The app has features to confirm tasks are being carried out, such as pedometer to verify distances walked by wardens.”
Nature Seychelles is currently procuring rugged outdoor tablets to host the app, which will undergo testing in April and June before its full launch. Once operational, ARM will provide a digital backbone for conservation on Cousin Island, potentially setting a benchmark for similar initiative worldwide. The capabilities of the app align seamlessly with the mission of promoting sustainable conservation practices through innovative solutions.
As conservation efforts increasingly intersect with technology, ARM exemplifies how digital tools can enhance environmental stewardship. With its October debut, this app promises to be a game-changer, offering an “extra arm” to those working tirelessly to protect Seychelles’ rich biodiversity.
Source: Seychelles Nation 29.01.2025