Lusaka: State Minister John Mwale highlighted the importance of digitally monitored wildlife protection as a crucial factor in boosting the tourism industry. Addressing a conference on sustainable tourism, Mwale emphasized the role of technology in conserving wildlife and enhancing the experience for tourists.According to Ethiopian News Agency Newsthe minister detailed how the integration of digital monitoring systems in wildlife conservation efforts can lead to better protection of endangered species and attract more visitors. Mwale explained that technology allows for real-time tracking of animal movements and can significantly reduce instances of poaching.Furthermore, Mwale mentioned the potential economic benefits of increased tourism resulting from successful wildlife conservation. He noted that tourists are more likely to visit regions where they can witness well-preserved natural habitats and diverse wildlife. The minister also encouraged collaboration between government agencies and private tech c ompanies to advance these monitoring systems.In conclusion, Mwale reiterated the government's commitment to investing in digital solutions for wildlife protection, underscoring the long-term advantages for the tourism sector. He called on stakeholders to support initiatives that leverage technology for conservation and economic growth.Digitally monitored wildlife protection plays a crucial role not only in wildlife conservation but also in promoting the tourism sector by providing information on wildlife populations and destination landscapes, Tourism State Minister Seleshi Girma said.The state minister noted that information technology is receiving growing attention for data collection, organization, and technology-driven information distribution, with wildlife management, tourism satellite accounts, and tourist management among the sectors undergoing digitalization.Speaking at a validation workshop on a digital platform piloted for managing protected areas at Bale Mountains National Park and Senkele Swa yne's Hartebeest Sanctuary today, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority Director-General, Kumera Wakjira, said the project piloted in 106 protected areas will serve as a springboard for expanding digital management across the country's remaining protected wildlife areas.The platform offers predictive capabilities that can help address overlapping land-use interests and support long-term planning, he added. He added that it also serves as an early-warning tool to help authorities prepare for changing environmental conditions that could affect biodiversity.The Director-General further highlighted the platform's contribution to tourism destination development, scientific research, and evidence-based decision-making, noting that it enables more effective management of Ethiopia's protected wildlife areas.Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute Director-General, Abdissa Yilma, said on his part the project integrates digital, satellite, geospatial, and drone technologies to strengthen wildlife managemen t.The technologies will support the management of Ethiopia's rich biodiversity resources, which serve as pillars of the economy and tourism development, he added. According to the Director-General, wildlife management had previously been largely manual and unstructured, with limited coverage due to inadequate technological capacity, a gap the project seeks to address.
Friday, July 03, 2026