What is Zoohackathon?
Zoohackathon is a computer coding and technology intensive event that brings together developers, designers, project managers, and subject matter experts to create applications, systems, and tools to help reduce demand for trafficked wildlife products.
Zoohackathon (coding to end wildlife trafficking) is one great tool that we can use to fight the issue of wildlife trafficking and promote conservation. The Zoohackathon volunteer participants are hosted by zoos (wildlife conservation areas) and collaborate in teams to develop technology solutions for real wildlife conservation problems within their region.
Why is Uganda hosting the Zoohackathon event?
Christened the pearl of Africa, Uganda is blessed with a lot of diversity ranging from flora, fauna and cultures. Uganda is host to over 1,050 bird species, more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, the world’s longest river, the best African wilderness and a lot more. The number of tourists on Uganda gorilla safaris and birding Uganda safaris increase annually because of the diverse numbers. On top of that, Uganda is home to endangered species like the African elephant, rhinoceros, chimpanzees, lions, and the elusive shoebill stork.
However, over the past decade, Uganda has become one of the most important transit hubs in the international illegal wildlife trade. Uganda’s diverse wildlife has declined greatly and this is because of the human-wildlife conflicts like poaching and opportunistic killings.
Wildlife trafficking is a threat to wildlife conservation, and economic development of the country. Each animal lost is beauty lost and the more you lose then the country will lose being the pearl of Africa.
When is the Zoohackathon event happening?
September 2018, the 3rd annual (it started in 2016) Zoohackathon will take place in San Diego, Madrid, Mumbai, and New Delhi. From the 15th of September 2018 to 16th of September 2018 Zoohackathon Uganda will be held. The event starts at 8:00 AM – 6:00PM each day.
This will be the first ever Zoohackathon event on the African continent. The U.S. Mission Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre hope that participants bring in their creativity and technological expertise to code to an end in wildlife trafficking and increase Uganda safari tourist numbers.
At the end of the Zoohackathon event, teams will present their ideas to a panel of judges who will select those who can deploy their solutions practically.
Where is the Zoohackathon event going to be held?
The event will be held at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre formerly known as the Zoo on Plot 56/7 Lugard Avenue in Entebbe.
What to carry for the event
Carry your own laptop and internet gadgets. If you come from a place a bit distant and are planning to spend the night here, carry your sleeping bag and beddings. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the weekend. For meals, UWEC’s restaurant will be open throughout the weekend.
In case of any queries contact
e-mail: KampalaZoohackathon@state.gov.
Uganda is worth conserving because its unique don’t let the beauty of our mother nature get lost when you can still do something. Come for the Zoohackathon event and bring your idea forward, you could be the savior of this country.
