Our oceans are at the heart of our planet. They cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface and play a critical role in fighting climate change by releasing oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. But decades of overfishing, illegal and unregulated practices, and the impact of climate change and pollution have left our oceans in peril and many species completely depleted.
“Preserving our oceans is critically important. Not only is fishing a crucial source of food and employment in coastal towns, but the ocean also plays a significant role in combatting climate change and promoting tourism in South Africa,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, chief officer for External Affairs at Vodacom SA.
“Unfortunately, our oceans are at serious risk due to illegal and unregulated fishing, pollution and climate change. Through our partnership with WWF, we are finding ways to use technology to combat these issues and create a more sustainable and healthier marine future for all.”
Sustainability through AI technology
The first of Vodacom SA’s partner projects are well underway, with Vodacom further investing in providing technological support. This project involves the development and growth of innovative technologies, digital decision-making tools, and platforms designed to drive change in the seafood value chain. These tools will be deployed through the Vodacom network, including tapping into the existing Vodacom Foundation schools network, starting with schools in coastal areas, with the aim of enhancing awareness among the youth, shifting behaviour among young influencers, consumers, and role models to create a generation well versed in ocean literacy and sustainable seafood.
The second project, which is still in production, involves utilising AI technology to protect the whale population while simultaneously reducing the negative impacts of sustainable farming practices like rope mussel farming, which has the potential to entangle marine mammals. The AI-powered early warning system that has been co-created with the help of Vodacom technology uses cameras and hydrophones to alert aquafarmers to detect the presence of whales in the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (SBADZ).
The system will have the power to automatically activate the ADZ incident and emergency response protocol in case of entanglement, ensuring a timely response and mitigating the impact of any incident. This project demonstrates how technology can be used to solve sustainability challenges and help preserve marine life and livelihoods. As people, the planet and prosperity are all intertwined.
“For the WWF, success means creating meaningful ways in which people and communities can help conserve the world’s biological diversity,” says Pavs Pillay, WWF South Africa Behaviour Change Lead and WWF-SASSI Manager.
“The oceans surrounding our country are extremely rich and hold the power to benefit sectors across the board. However, finding ways to leverage this potential sustainably is complex and requires a multi-pronged collaborative approach. Partnerships such as this are a shining example of how technology can be used to make a difference.”
