t4cd currently uses mobile phones in its project called SMS Communities.
References / Past Projects
The “Technologies for Conservation and Development” project, t4cd, is a joint initiative of the international conservation charity Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the South African-based development charity Resource Africa (RA). Initiated in April 2004 with core funding from the Vodafone Group Foundation, t4cd's fundamental objective is to assist conservation and development practitioners to identify and implement technologies that can aid them in their work and, in doing so, drive tangible conservation and livelihoods benefits.
From an initial focus on the appropriate application of mobile phone technology for conservation and development gains, the project’s remit has since expanded to include the following technology areas:
- data management and information sharing (e.g. GIS software, OpenSource & freeware)
- remote power supply
- wildlife tracking
In response to stakeholder demand, t4cd has broadened its strategy to encompass a central role in information dissemination and networking. It increasingly acts as a broker or "Hub" identifying, adapting, pilot testing and communicating on the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to support conservation and sustainable development initiatives - a need identified from conservation practitioners.
This website forms an important component of this information-sharing strategy. Within the ICT Resource section is a comprehensive database of communications, data management and information sharing, power, and tracking technologies. Also included are details of dozens of projects already benefiting from such technologies, plus funding, support and training tips.
In addition to this, t4cd continues to work on its field level projects, working with in-country partners to implement appropriate technologies to drive delivery of concrete conservation and development gains. Details of t4cd's current projects are shown on the Current Projects page.
