There is need for governments to prioritize investments in space technology to enhance wildlife and ecosystems management, policymakers and experts said in Nairobi on Monday.

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Professor Judi Wakhungu opened the five day forum that will discuss the role of space technology and applications to strengthen protection of iconic wildlife species.

In her opening remarks, Wakhungu hailed the power of space science to revitalize the war against poaching and other threats to wildlife species.

"Space applications are fundamental tools for enhancing wildlife and biodiversity conservation which in turn will hasten sustainable development globally," said Wakhungu.

An estimated 250 delegates drawn from governments, industry and academia are attending the Nairobi forum on space technology for wildlife management hosted by the Kenyan government and multilateral agencies.

Wakhungu said the conference will discuss how governments and partners in industry and civil society can harness space technology to boost wildlife conservation.

"Many space technology solutions exist to support wildlife and ecosystems management. The unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs) commonly known as drones have revolutionized monitoring of activities in wildlife sanctuaries," said Wakhungu.

She noted that several African elephant range states have invested in satellite technology to track movement of the giant mammals.

Robust partnerships among governments, industry and academia are key to support development and deployment of space technology to wildlife protected areas.

Wakhungu stressed that investment in research, human capital and infrastructure is an imperative in order to scale up application of space technology in wildlife conservation.

Multilateral institutions have supported prudent application of space science to help reinvent wildlife and ecosystems protection in the face of human and climate induced threats.

Ibrahim Thiaw, the Deputy Executive Director, UNEP said innovative approaches were required to reverse the loss of iconic wildlife species due to poaching and climatic shocks.

"Space technology can help stem the catastrophic loss of flora and fauna," Thiaw remarked adding that remote sensing has revolutionized protection of endangered species like elephants and tigers.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2016)