Sophie Maxwell
Executive Director, The Connected Conservation Foundation
By 2030, the United Nations has called for 30% of our planet to be protected.* Yet, most countries are far from reaching this goal.
The Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) enables connectivity and innovative technologies to strengthen protected area management, help local people conserve biodiversity, create jobs and empower local management of natural resources.
Technology’s role in conservation targets
From satellite imagery to smart sensors, technology empowers rangers, scientists and communities to track species, detect poaching in real time and monitor ecosystems with precision.
CCF is at the forefront of this movement, helping developing countries build digital infrastructure to combat nature loss and strengthen communities. Since 2015, we’ve pioneered a holistic digital approach — integrating IoT, big data, analytics and remote sensing with training and community-led conservation.
Sponsored IoT systems support 35
protected areas, driving real-world impact.
Strategic partnerships boost conservation teams
Through strategic partnerships with companies including Cisco, Actility, Airbus and AI2, we are equipping conservation teams with the crucial tools needed to establish wide-area satellite monitoring, deploy sensor networks and empower local communities to take an active role in managing and benefiting from protected areas.
From Bazaruto’s waters to Rwanda’s forests, we’ve provided internet connectivity to 19 parks across 10 African countries, enabling access to remote ecosystems. Our IoT networks enhance wildlife protection and support community-led conservation — and it’s working.
IoT systems-driven wildlife conservation
Sponsored IoT systems support 35 protected areas, driving real-world impact. In Kenya, black rhino populations are rebounding while Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa, now a sanctuary, has safeguarded 32 rewilded rhinos and remained poaching-free for 500+ days.
Degraded landscapes are regenerating, and human-wildlife coexistence is improving, with 600+ LoRa sensors providing real-time data for better planning. These low-cost, long-range devices track animals, vehicles, rangers and infrastructure across vast areas with minimal power.
While we’ve made great strides, scaling our impact for new species and geographies requires bold, innovative partnerships. We invite forward-thinking collaborators to join us in designing, fundraising and implementing transformational solutions that drive lasting change for people and the planet.
*Source: UN Environment Programme. 2024. World must act faster to protect 30% of the planet by 2030.
