Use of Data for Decision-making
Patrol team in the field and using Survey 123 Mobile Data Collector
Southern Tanzania Elephant Elephant (STEP)
The building block emphasized the importance of using data for informed decision-making in conservation efforts. To facilitate this, the solution promoted the adoption of conservation technologies such as Survey 123, camera traps, and GIS software. The use of these technologies enabled more efficient and effective data collection and improved the planning of strategic patrols, while also incorporating intelligence data from community members. The adoption of GIS software and the Protected Areas Management System (PAMS) using the Survey 123 Mobile Data Collector provided tools to create hotspot maps, tables, and charts, making it easier to identify priority areas and plan targeted interventions. The use of data resulted in targeted conservation efforts, which improved the overall conservation strategy and highlighted the critical role of data in conservation efforts, and increased joint protection activities.
Enabling factors of the Use of Data for Decision-making include:
- Readiness of the actors in the adoption of conservation technologies such as Survey 123, camera traps, and GIS software
- The willingness of the adjacent local communities to share the intelligence data that really improve the protection activities
- Improved planning of strategic patrols (use of intelligence information, hotspot maps, tables, and charts to identify priority areas and plan targeted interventions)
- Commitment to using data for informed decision-making
This building block emphasized the importance of using data for informed decision-making in conservation efforts. Some key lessons learned include establishing feedback mechanisms and community involvement were key to success. While technology significantly improved data collection and analysis, it also posed some challenges regarding equipment maintenance and data management. Adequate resources and technical support were essential to overcome these challenges. Overall, this approach resulted in a more effective conservation strategy, highlighting the critical role of data and community involvement in conservation efforts.
