WWF, Ukraine - Advancing wildlife monitoring, human-wildlife conflict prevention, and habitat management through technology and collaboration

In the diverse landscapes of the Ukrainian Carpathians and Polissya, WWF Ukraine has been making significant strides in biodiversity conservation. Through its participation in the Nature FIRST project and with the support of Sensing Clues’ conservation technologies and habitat or land use mapping by 3edata, WWF-Ukraine has modernised its approach to wildlife monitoring, human-wildlife conflict prevention, and habitat management. These efforts are already yielding measurable successes, from actionable insights to on-the-ground interventions.

Revolutionising conservation practices

One of the most transformative elements of WWF Ukraine’s participation in the project has been the introduction of the Sensing Clues platform. These data-driven technological solutions — including the data collection app Cluey, Focus 360 Situational Awareness, and the Analytical Toolbox — have modernised WWF Ukraine’s approach to data collection and analysis. Up until recently, WWF field partners recorded observations in the field on paper, which then required manual input into their databases. This method caused delays, limited data accuracy, and made collaboration across teams difficult, not to mention the risk of losing all the gathered data. With the Cluey app, their partners now collect and synchronise data in real time, enabling immediate collaboration among scientists and foresters. Focus 360 has allowed WWF Ukraine to upload and analyse historical data dating back to 2018, offering new insights into patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and large carnivore behaviour. These insights have directly informed strategic decisions, including the deployment of interventions in high-conflict areas. Roman Cherepanyn, Project Officer Wildlife of WWF-Ukraine, emphasises the impact:

“These tools have completely changed how we work in the field. Real-time data collection and synchronisation save time and ensure our actions are based on accurate, up-to-date information.”

Scientific contributions with real-world impact

WWF Ukraine’s participation in Nature FIRST as well as use of Sensing Clues tools has not only streamlined operations but also bolstered scientific research. Two key publications have emerged from this collaboration:  

• Population dynamics and spatial distribution of large carnivores in the Ukrainian Carpathians and Polissya (2023), which formed part of the basis for the European Commission and LCIE report Large Carnivore Distribution Maps and Population Updates 2017–2022/23. This study provided essential data on carnivore populations and their distribution across Europe.  

• Conflicts between large carnivores and farmers/beekeepers in the Ukrainian Carpathians: Structure, dynamics, spatial distribution and effective coexistence measures, a second article analysed human-wildlife conflicts , detailing livestock predation patterns and identifying hotspots. These findings directly shape WWF-Ukraine’s mitigation strategies and inform conservation policy discussions.

Mitigating conflicts through practical solutions

The actionable insights gained from these tools have translated into practical, on-the-ground solutions. Using conflict data collected within the project through the Sensing Clues platform, WWF Ukraine identified high-risk areas for livestock predation and deployed electric fencing in collaboration with local farmers and beekeepers. These fences have already proven effective in reducing conflicts, safeguarding both livestock and local livelihoods. Roman highlights this success:

“By using electric fences in the right places, we’ve seen a significant decrease in conflicts. This is a practical, cost-effective solution that benefits both people and wildlife.” 

Mapping habitats to European standards

Another milestone achieved through the Nature FIRST project is the habitat mapping initiative, conducted in partnership with the consortium partners 3edata and Sensing Clues. Using satellite imagery and adhering to European Union classification standards (EUNIS), WWF Ukraine now has maps that align local conservation efforts with EU frameworks. These maps are being used to manage critical habitats for species protected under the Bern Convention and Habitat Directive. The Verkhovyna National Nature Park is already utilising these maps to enhance habitat management, and there are plans to expand this work to additional territories in the future.

Expanding the reach of Nature FIRST

WWF Ukraine’s work with Nature FIRST initially focused on two territories: Yasinia Forestry and Verkhovyna National Nature Park, both located in the Carpathians. The project's success, however, has led to its knowledge sharing with and consequent addition of Rivne Nature Reserve in Polissya as a project area. This addition underscores the tools' scalability and the growing interest among other conservation stakeholders. Roman explains the significance of this development:

“What began with just two territories has grown to include Rivne Nature Reserve, showing how adaptable and impactful these tools are across different regions.” 

Looking ahead

WWF Ukraine’s collaboration with Sensing Clues and 3edata, as part of the Nature FIRST project,  showcases how cutting-edge technology and international partnerships can transform conservation efforts. By enabling real-time data collection, synchronizing historical and current data, and fostering collaboration across regions, these tools have not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the organisation’s scientific output and practical interventions. As the project nears its conclusion, WWF Ukraine remains committed to using Sensing Clues tools and continuing the impactful work initiated through Nature FIRST. With its achievements in habitat mapping, scientific research, and conflict resolution, WWF Ukraine is setting a benchmark for how conservation can adapt and thrive in the face of modern challenges, as Roman states:

“Combining technical solutions and traditional methods can bring better results.”