By Jameson
The Kenya Space Agency has rolled out a satellite supported conservation programme at the Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy aimed at protecting the endangered Mountain Bongo.
The initiative, known as Project Centinela, is also being implemented in the Aberdares and Kakamega forests, which are key habitats for the rare bongo antelope.
Speaking during the official launch at the Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy on Tuesday, conservation stakeholders said the satellite driven approach will enhance monitoring and protection of Mountain Bongo habitats.
The project is being implemented in partnership with Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and Planet Labs and seeks to strengthen conservation planning through the use of high resolution satellite imagery to monitor forest ecosystems and Bongo habitats. It will also leverage archived satellite data to establish historical baselines and guide restoration efforts, use current imagery to assess land cover and habitat conditions, and provide a basis for predicting future land cover changes to support long term conservation planning.
Kenya Space Agency Director Charles Mwangi emphasized the role of space science in advancing national conservation priorities.
“Project Centinela demonstrates the Kenya Space Agency’s mandate to apply satellite technologies to real world challenges. Through earth observation data, we are supporting evidence based environmental management and strengthening institutional capacity for biodiversity conservation” ~ Mwangi
Planet Labs Chief Impact Officer Andrew Zolli said the project underscores the importance of timely and accessible satellite data for conservation outcomes.
“Daily earth observation enables conservation partners to detect change as it occurs and respond with greater precision. Through Project Centinela, satellite imagery is enhancing habitat monitoring and helping translate data into practical conservation action” ~ Andrew Zolli
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Director Robert Aruho said the use of satellite imagery will significantly boost the Mountain Bongo breeding and rewilding programme.
“Project Centinela is critical for Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy as it enables highly precise monitoring of bongo habitats through satellite imagery” ~ Dr Robert Aruho
He added that the approach supports the measurement of restoration efforts, deepens understanding of historical changes affecting the species, and guides ongoing and future strategies for breeding, rewilding, and the long term survival of the Mountain Bongo.
Scientists involved in the project said the initiative demonstrates how partnerships between government agencies, conservation institutions, and technology partners can advance the use of satellite based data for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in Kenya.
