Second phase of jaguar conservation project launched in Mexico!

Second phase of jaguar conservation project launched in Mexico!

On April 14, 2025, the Tech4Nature Summit took place in Mérida, Mexico. At this event, Huawei, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and local partners launched the second phase of the “Tech4Nature” project, dedicated to the conservation of jaguars in the Dzilam de Bravo Nature Reserve. The aim of this initiative is to study the effects of climate change on biodiversity and develop innovative solutions for nature conservation, especially in a country where 42% of ecosystems are considered to be at risk of degradation, as Dr. Marina Robles García, the Undersecretary of State for Biodiversity, highlighted.

The two-year partnership was launched in 2020 and aims to advance conservation through technological innovation. As part of the first phase of the project, 60 audio devices and more than 20 camera traps have already been installed in the reserve, resulting in the identification of 147 species and confirmation of the presence of nine jaguars. The jaguar is classified as “Near Endangered” according to the IUCN Red List and the new phase aims to gather data-driven insights to support decisions and improve reserve management. Work is also underway to create a biological corridor to provide the jaguars with a safe habitat.

Goals of the second phase

The second phase of the project focuses on collecting and analyzing data on the jaguar population. The information obtained should be incorporated into strategic planning to improve the management of the reserve. Huawei's Tao Jingwen emphasized the role of digital technologies in conservation, emphasizing that these technologies can increase efficiency and accelerate targeted actions.

The Summit brought together experts and conservationists from around the world to discuss new opportunities for collaboration between technology, NGOs, governments and local communities. In addition, projects that are running in parallel in Brazil, China, Spain, Kenya and Turkey were presented. Brazil is studying the impact of climate change on the mangrove crab, while China is using digital solutions to reintroduce the Hainan gibbon.

Global perspectives and challenges

The Tech4Nature initiative has established itself as a global network that strengthens nature conservation in a wide variety of regions. For example, Spain is studying the impact of park visitors on Bonelli's eagles, while Kenya is improving monitoring of its marine protected areas and coral reefs. Turkey cooperates with NGOs and the private sector to assess biodiversity protection.

In a broader context, the JAGUAR project, which focuses on cultural landscapes in industrialized countries, addresses strategies for the sustainable management of landscapes shaped by human use. The concepts of biodiversity and ecosystem services are crucial to optimize food and raw material supply, climate regulation, and cultural and aesthetic aspects.

The results of the research projects are presented to the public and discussed with decision-makers in order to enable a dialogue between research and practice. The aim is to contribute to the long-term preservation of livelihoods and to promote innovative solutions in nature conservation.

In summary, the second phase of the Tech4Nature project not only represents a significant initiative to protect jaguars, but also contributes to addressing global conservation challenges. Close collaboration between technology companies, government agencies and local communities is crucial to the success of such programs.

For further information, please visit the respective initiative websites: OTS, IUCN and University of Giessen.