Guest Post — Soaring to New Heights, by Winston Mwale
Tech-Savvy Conservationist Tadala Makuluni Soars to New Heights, Unlocking Drone Potential for Africa’s Wildlife at #AIJC23
This following guest post by Winston Mwale was originally featured here.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — At the recently concluded African Investigative Journalism Conference in South Africa, a young Malawian female expert took centre stage, showcasing how drone technology and mapping techniques can equip journalists and environmentalists on the frontlines of climate change, deforestation, and wildlife protection efforts across Africa, writes Winston Mwale.
Speaking at the Investigative Journalism Conference, drone specialist Tadala Makuluni said unmanned aerial vehicles help advocates overcome geographical barriers inhibiting conservation work, like challenging terrain or infrastructure gaps.
Drones provide real-time, wide-area visibility for identifying threats and targeting responses.
“Her ability to cover expansive terrains swiftly aids in monitoring endangered species, safeguarding habitats, and detecting potential threats, fostering more efficient and proactive conservation efforts,” Makuluni told attendees during her drone mapping presentation on Wednesday, November 22nd.
Her presentation was aptly titled Drone Mapping for Environmental and Conservation Investigations.
She displayed multiple visualizations of degraded lands and decimated woodlands in her southern African homeland, captured with the help of drones.
The stark “before and after” aerial images spotlighted threats like illegal logging and encroaching farms.
Makuluni also covered techniques honed through her networks like Code for Africa and AfricanDrone, which train drone pilots for civic missions across the continent struggling with deforestation and wildlife trafficking.
But she noted that laws regulating drone flights are still developing in many nations, requiring aviators to take steps to secure local permissions first.
“You can’t fly without the chief’s notice [in Malawi]. A drone is an attention seeker — gathers crowds,” Makuluni said, underscoring drones remain novel to many communities.
“Aerial photography (raises) misconceptions in Africa especially land issues. People think you want to steal their lands.”
With climate shocks intensifying and development racing to cut Africa’s remaining woodlands, she argued conservation demands would benefit most from the expanded deployment of drone mapping patrols and monitoring.
Makuluni said the environmental forensics made possible by real-time positioning and data gathering permit responding before the damage becomes irreversible.
Tadala
Tadala, a professional at the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability, has significantly impacted the field of drone mapping.
An instructor at the African Drone and Data Academy, she’s been instrumental in shaping the next generation of drone technology professionals.
Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, with hands-on experience as a drone pilot at Farming and Engineering Services, contributing to sustainable agriculture practises.
Tadala co-founded Nyasa Aerial Data Solutions, a tech company leveraging drones and GIS technology for environmental management, and also works within the International Alliance for Restoration of Forest Landscapes and Ecosystems in Africa (AREECA) in Malawi.
