Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) poses a significant threat to biodiversity, with global syndicates targeting wildlife for high-value products like ivory and tiger skins. In response to this challenge, NTT DATA partnered with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to develop the Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK). This centralized, smart, and real-time system aims to revolutionize wildlife crime management by digitizing data collection and analysis, enhancing the capabilities of state forest departments in combating wildlife crimes.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a trusted global innovator in business and technology services, with a revenue exceeding $30 billion. The company serves 75% of the Fortune Global 100, providing solutions in business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, and more. With a robust partner ecosystem and a diverse team of experts in over 50 countries and an annual R&D investment of over $3.6 billion, the company focuses on developing and enhancing technologies that drive sustainable progress. Headquartered in Tokyo, NTT DATA is part of the NTT Group, a leading provider of digital and AI infrastructure globally.
Project Objectives
Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a critical conservation challenge in India, with global syndicates targeting the country's rich biodiversity for high-value products. The primary objective of the HAWK project is to counter wildlife crime by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of forest departments in managing wildlife crime data. By providing real-time information and analysis, HAWK aims to increase transparency, reduce human effort, and enable informed management actions to prevent poaching and other wildlife crimes.
Project Details
The HAWK system represents a pioneering achievement in wildlife crime management. It is a centralized data management system designed to digitize data collection, analysis, and reporting processes within state forest departments. The implementation strategy involves several key steps:
- Need Assessment: Understanding the specific requirements of the state forest departments to tailor the HAWK system accordingly.
- Customization: Modifying the HAWK system to meet the unique needs of each state, ensuring it can handle diverse and complex wildlife crime scenarios.
- Implementation: Integrating the HAWK system into the existing infrastructure of state forest departments.
- Training: Providing extensive training to forest officials and frontline workers, equipping them with the skills to effectively use and manage the system.
- Exit Strategy: Ensuring the state departments can independently operate the HAWK system, allowing NTT DATA to replicate the model in other regions.
Innovations
The HAWK system incorporates several innovative features:
- Customizability and Scalability: Designed to be easily replicated and customized, HAWK can be adapted for use at both national and global levels, addressing a wide range of wildlife crime scenarios.
- User-Friendly Interface: The system's intuitive interface allows users with limited technical expertise to input and access data efficiently.
- Advanced Technologies: HAWK leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial data analysis, database management systems for handling large volumes of data, and potentially AI for predictive analytics.
Project Impact
Since its implementation, HAWK has demonstrated significant impact across thirteen forest circles in Karnataka. Key statistics include:
- Training: Approximately 750 forest officials and frontline workers trained in using HAWK.
- Crime Management: Handling around 38,000 forest wildlife crime cases.
- Suspect Database: Maintaining a comprehensive database of 54,000 individuals.
- Wildlife Deaths: Documenting 5,846 wildlife death cases that might have otherwise gone unreported.
The data collected through HAWK enables authorities to identify critical wildlife habitats, understand patterns in wildlife crimes, and implement effective conservation strategies. The system's success has led to its planned expansion in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with the Kerala State Forest Department set to fully adopt HAWK this year.
Approach to Challenges
Implementing HAWK required careful consideration of several challenges. One of the primary obstacles was gaining the trust and cooperation of the state forest department staff, who were accustomed to traditional methods of data management. Transitioning to a digital platform necessitated comprehensive training and a shift in mindset, which initially met with resistance due to apprehensions about the complexity and reliability of the new system.
The project had to address the sensitive nature of wildlife crime investigations. This involved meticulous planning to handle suspected wildlife offenders and ensuring that the data collected through HAWK was used ethically and effectively. Clear protocols were established to manage the information securely and transparently, mitigating concerns about misuse or corruption.
Logistical challenges such as ensuring consistent internet connectivity in remote forest areas and providing continuous technical support to the users were also significant. Addressing these challenges required a robust support system and strategic planning to ensure the smooth functioning of the HAWK system across various forest circles.
Community Involvement
Community engagement was a critical component of the HAWK project. Educating local communities about the benefits of HAWK and involving them in conservation efforts helped in garnering support for the project. This was achieved through workshops, awareness campaigns, and collaborative activities that highlighted the importance of protecting wildlife and the role of HAWK in these efforts.
Involving the community also meant addressing their concerns and ensuring their active participation. Workshops and training sessions were organized to educate them about the importance of wildlife conservation and how HAWK could aid in these efforts. This participatory approach helped in building a sense of ownership among the community members, encouraging them to support and cooperate with the forest department.
Additionally, the project included initiatives to involve local schools and educational institutions in conservation activities. By fostering a sense of responsibility towards wildlife among the younger generation, the project aimed to create a long-term impact on conservation efforts.
Takeaways
The HAWK project offers valuable insights for the social sector:
Sustainable Strategy: The Build-Operate-Train-Transfer model ensures long-term viability by promoting digital literacy and reducing reliance on external funding.
Continuous Innovation: Engaging employees through hackathons fosters ongoing innovation and improvement.
Scalability: The modular design and phased rollout strategy allow for scalable and adaptable solutions that can be replicated globally.
In conclusion, NTT DATA's HAWK project showcases the power of technology in addressing critical conservation challenges. By transforming wildlife crime management through innovative digital solutions, HAWK is making a significant impact on biodiversity and wildlife conservation in India, setting a precedent for future initiatives worldwide.
