Women in Conservation to take center stage at The Global Conservation Tech and Drone Forum 2026

The WiCF marks a major milestone in advancing gender-inclusive conservation leadership across Kenya and Africa. The initiative is backed by leading government and conservation partners, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Action Labs, with funding support from The Wildlife Society and Island Foundation.

The Forum underscores GCTDF’s commitment to amplifying the indispensable role women play in conservation. Across Kenya and the continent, women are at the forefront as community conservancy leaders, wildlife rangers, researchers, and advocates—bringing perspectives that are essential for effective, inclusive, and sustainable conservation outcomes.

Designed as a dedicated platform for collaboration, the WiCF will bring together women practitioners, policymakers, researchers, private-sector leaders, and global partners to strengthen networks, share expertise, and influence conservation policy and practice.

The event will feature keynote addresses from distinguished leaders, including Arnolda Shiundu, Chair of the Kenya Wildlife Trust, who emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in conservation decision-making.

“Having a seat at the table and influencing decisions isn’t just a conservation issue, it’s a life issue. This conference matters because it creates space for that leadership,” she said.

The programme is structured to foster deep engagement, beginning with mentorship workshops and culminating in a networking cocktail designed to promote peer learning, partnership-building, and problem-solving.

The Forum has attracted conservation partners including the Mara Elephant Project, Connected Conservation Foundation, and Leopard Ecology and Conservation, alongside technology allies wilddrone.eu and Nature Drones CiC.

“The Women in Conservation Forum is a catalyst for building a stronger, more unified community of practice,” said Ms. Macayle Rose Guerin, Lead Organiser of the Forum.

The WiCF forms part of the wider GCTDF coalition, which brings together drone and innovation partners including GIZ, Robonation, WeRobotics and Flying Labs, Kenya Flying Labs, the African Drone Forum, and the Drone Association of Kenya, with in-kind support from Phantom Technologies.

“The scale of biodiversity loss demands that we move beyond isolated projects. The GCTDF exists to build the coalitions necessary to scale what works,” said Mr. Jonty Slater, Co-Founder of GCTDF.

Speaking on community-led innovation, Mr. David Guerin, Co-Founder of GCTDF, highlighted the central role of people in conservation technology.

“Technology in conservation is only as powerful as the community it serves. This is where we shift from deploying tools to empowering stewards,” he said.

The WiCF agenda will feature keynote addresses, professional development workshops, and networking sessions, positioning the Forum as a strategic platform for advancing women’s leadership and innovation in conservation across Africa.