Monitoring protected areas, wildlife and Illegal activity

Monitoring protected areas, wildlife, and illegal activities through satellite imagery revolutionises environmental conservation efforts by providing a comprehensive view of remote and inaccessible regions worldwide. From vantage points in space, satellites capture crucial data that would otherwise be challenging to obtain, enabling the detection and measurement of various human activities with unprecedented accuracy.

One significant application of satellite imagery is in identifying illegal logging and mining operations hidden deep within remote forests. These activities, often obscured from ground view, can cause substantial environmental damage but are detectable from space through changes in forest cover and terrain. Similarly, satellite observations can pinpoint oil spills and shipwreck-related slicks in oceans, facilitating prompt response and mitigation efforts.

Moreover, satellite technology helps monitor forest degradation—a gradual decline in forest health due to factors like low-intensity logging and small-scale agriculture. Unlike outright forest loss, which is easier to identify, degradation requires consistent monitoring to assess its impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services over time.

A prime example of the challenges overcome by satellite monitoring is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where vast and inaccessible regions present formidable barriers to traditional data collection methods. The sheer size and rugged terrain of the DRC make it impractical to survey comprehensively on the ground. Satellite remote sensing offers a solution by providing wide-area coverage, allowing conservationists to monitor and protect critical habitats and wildlife corridors across the country.