NatureEye and Jackson Wild will utilize recent advances in drones and low-latency data connections to inspire schoolchildren around the world to become environmental stewards.
The collaboration was announced at the World Wildlife Day 2024 celebration at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, themed Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.
NatureEye will donate 50 remote drone flights to schools in underserved communities, connecting children to the ecosystems in greatest need of protection in their countries and around the globe.
The drone flights will enable classrooms to embark upon virtual field trips, flying in real-time above endangered dolphins in Cambodia, elephants in Botswana, volcanoes in Iceland, and other iconic locations.
“Our partnership with Jackson Wild represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities to engage with nature,” said Jonathan Duff, interim CEO of NatureEye. “By providing children in underserved communities with the means to explore ecosystems near and far, we aim to inspire environmental conservation and stewardship among the next generation.”
The innovative technology, enabled by recent advances in environmental monitoring drones and low-latency data connections, provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about technology and wildlife in an interactive format. With each flight booked, NatureEye provides revenue to local sites, supporting their conservation efforts.
Jackson Wild, working together with the UN and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), will curate the initiative to nominated schools over the next year working with its extensive network of sponsors and partners.
“We’re excited to collaborate with NatureEye to make cutting-edge conservation technology accessible to schoolchildren around the globe,” said Geoff Daniels, executive director of Jackson Wild. “Together, we are pioneering new ways to connect young minds to the natural world, sparking a passion for conservation and a brighter future for both people and planet.”
Looking ahead, NatureEye and Jackson Wild aim to provide additional drone flights to schools worldwide through the creation of a donor-funded program. These initiatives will be made possible through funding from foundations dedicated to cultivating the next generation of conservationists.
