Technology in Service of Nature.
Protecting Wildlife, Supporting People, Restoring Ecosystems
GCTDF 2026 is a five-day forum focused on practical, field-grounded conservation outcomes. Join rangers, conservation practitioners, community leaders, researchers, technologists, and policymakers for talks, workshops, hands-on sessions, and live demonstrations.
2 – 6 March 2026
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Nairobi & Konza Technopolis
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2 – 6 March 2026 ⬘ Nairobi & Konza Technopolis ⬘
What to Expect
Three conference tracks covering drones, conservation intelligence (AI and GIS), and connected environments (sensors, satellites, and marine technologies).
Women in Conservation Forum (WiCF) on Monday 2 March, focused on leadership, mentoring, and skills.
Conservation Intelligence Systems Summit (CISS) on Thursday 5 March, focused on ethical, interoperable data systems.
Expo, posters, and applied sessions designed to help teams move from pilots to programmes.
Field day at Konza Technopolis on Friday 6 March, including live drone flight demonstrations in a real-world setting.
Featured:
Women in Conservation Forum (WiCF)
WiCF is a core part of GCTDF 2026. It is a full-day forum that centres women’s voices in conservation, with practical workshops, mentoring circles, and space for students and early-career professionals.
Date:
Monday 2 March 2026
Venue:
Trademark Hotel and Conference Centre, Nairobi
WiCF registration is USD $50 to cover catering and logistics. Paid GCTDF delegates may attend WiCF at no additional cost, but must register to confirm attendance. Fee waivers are available for students, early-career professionals, and community representatives.
Our Three Pillars:
Why It Matters
Biodiversity Protection
Safeguarding species and habitats through better monitoring, restoration, and coexistence
Community Benefit
Elevating local knowledge, livelihoods, and equity in conservation decision-making
Climate & Ecosystem Resilience
Supporting landscapes, waters, and coasts facing fires, droughts, and biodiversity loss
Youth Conservation Tech Award 2026
Sponsored by Mara Elephant Project (MEP)
Young people across Africa are using drones, sensors, mapping tools (GIS), and AI to protect wildlife and habitats. The Youth Conservation Tech Award 2026 recognises those who are already putting responsible technology to work in real conservation operations.
Nominations are open for individuals and teams. To be eligible, nominees must be 25 or under on 1 March 2026, and their work must be implemented in Africa. You can nominate yourself or nominate someone else. A multi-stakeholder panel will review entries based on real-world impact, field-tested use, responsible practice (ethics, safety, permissions, and good data practice), and leadership that others can learn from.
Award sponsor
The Youth Conservation Tech Award 2026 is proudly sponsored by Mara Elephant Project (MEP), supporting youth-led, field-tested conservation technology and practical impact on the ground.
Awardees will be spotlighted at GCTDF 2026 on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, receive a certificate of recognition, and be featured across official GCTDF communications.
Deadline: 28th February, 2026
Trusted Partners
GCTDF 2026 is coordinated by Nature Drones CIC in collaboration with African Drone Forum, WildDrone.eu, universities, and regional partners.
Confirmed government partners include Kenya Wildlife Service (main partner), Konza Technopolis, and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD). Additional partners and co-hosts will be announced as the programme is finalised.
Youth Conservation Tech Award sponsor: Mara Elephant Project (MEP).
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