WCT has been selected as one of the 2025 Satellites for Biodiversity Award Winners! In partnership with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF), UK, and the Airbus Foundation, WCT is harnessing high-resolution satellite imagery, on-the-ground data, and ecological research to conserve and monitor gharial and turtle habitat in the Gangetic Basin.
WCT’s team of researchers comprising Tarun Nair, Nachiket Kelkar, Madhura Niphadkar, and Ramya Roopa S., was declared as one of the winners for their project that focuses on river ecosystem protection. The team will be granted access to current and archival high-resolution satellite imagery, related technical assistance, and supporting funds for identification and fine-scale mapping of sand-mining and agriculture-linked threats to the conservation of crocodilian and freshwater turtle nesting habitats in rivers of the Gangetic plains in north-central India.
Through this project WCT is striving to conserve the last nesting habitats for endangered crocodilians and river turtles by pinpointing and preserving their dwindling nesting sites.
Ariel view of Gharials. © Wildlife Conservation Trust
CCF and Airbus Foundation have launched the Ecosystem Insight Hub to accelerate innovative conservation methods that integrate very high-resolution satellite imagery, AI, and field data to monitor and protect nature for people and the planet.
To mark the launch, six pioneering new projects have been awarded the 2025 Satellites for Biodiversity Award, totalling 15 active initiatives across 13 countries, all supported through the ‘Satellites for Biodiversity’ grant scheme. The Hub helps practitioners learn how to replicate successful AI-driven approaches while spotlighting scalable solutions with the potential for far-reaching impact.
Once completed, the insights and findings from all Satellites for Biodiversity award-winning projects will be added to the Ecosystem Insight Hub, providing a steady stream of new applications and knowledge for the conservation and Earth Observation community year after year.
You can visit the Ecosystem Insight Hub at:
https://connectedconservation.foundation/ecosystem-insights-hub/
This year’s award winners can be found at:
https://connectedconservation.foundation/satellite-monitoring/
Your donations support our on-ground operations, helping us meet our conservation goals.
Related Links
- Gharials: Living on the Riverine Edge
- WCT’s Dr. Nachiket Kelkar Honoured with NDTV True Legend (Environment) Award
- The Bumbb Story
- Preserving the White-bellied Heron and the White-winged Duck