The Global Conservation Tech & Drone Forum (GCTDF 2026) has announced the inclusion of the Women in Conservation Forum (WiCF), set for Monday, 2 March 2026, in Nairobi. The initiative not only highlights the growing role of women in conservation across Kenya and Africa but also the importance of leaving no one behind.
The Women in Conservation Forum initiative is supported by key government and conservation partners, like the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Action Labs, and funded by The Wildlife Society and Island Foundation.
WiCF is designed to create a dedicated platform for women practitioners, researchers, policymakers, private-sector leaders, and global partners to connect, share knowledge, and explore solutions for biodiversity conservation.
It’s evident in Kenya and across the continent that women are leading in community conservancies, wildlife research, policy advocacy, and environmental education, yet little is known about these efforts.
Their perspectives being critical are effective conservation strategies that are inclusive, locally grounded, and sustainable; hence, WiCF aims to recognize this contribution and strengthen networks for women working in conservation.
The program will feature mentorship workshops, keynote addresses, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities, culminating in a cocktail reception.
Arnolda Shiundu, Chair of Kenya Wildlife Trust, remarked that having a seat at the table and influencing decisions isn’t just a conservation issue but a life issue.
“This conference matters because it creates space for that leadership,” said Shiundu.
The event has attracted conservation partners including Mara Elephant Project, Connected Conservation Foundation, Leopard Ecology and Conservation, and technology allies WildDrone.eu and Nature Drones CiC. These organizations aim at supporting a dynamic platform for peer learning, practical demonstrations, and collaborative problem-solving.
“The Women in Conservation Forum is a catalyst for building a stronger, more unified community of practice,” said WiCF Lead Organiser Macayle Rose Guerin.
Technology and innovation partners supporting the forum include GIZ, Robonation, WeRobotics, Kenya Flying Labs, the African Drone Forum, the Drone Association of Kenya, and in-kind supporters Phantom Technologies.
GCTDF Co-Founder Jonty Slater pointed out that the scale of biodiversity loss demands that we move beyond isolated projects. GCTDF exists to build the coalitions necessary to scale solutions.
Through the combination of conservation expertise, technology innovation, and community engagement, WiCF aims to strengthen the capacity of women leaders and support the long-term sustainability of conservation initiatives.
Co-Founder David Guerin added, “Technology in conservation is only as powerful as the communities it serves. This is where we shift from deploying tools to empowering local stewards.”
Through mentorship, networking, and collaboration, the forum seeks to create actionable solutions and foster a generation of women who can shape the future of conservation in Kenya and Africa.
