This New App Takes Users To The ‘Frontlines Of Wildlife Conservation’ In Real-Time

While many of us see animal and wildlife conservation as important issues, it’s not always clear what the actionable steps exist to make a difference. Now, a new app is being developed to do exactly that, taking users onto the “frontlines” from the comfort of their homes, showing them real-time nearby opportunities individuals can sign up for to contribute directly to the cause. 

Created by San Diego-based tech nonprofit Key Conservation, the new Key App is designed to bring users a feed of new conservation events that are happening all over the world, taking them to real-life opportunities by simply scrolling, clicking and signing up. The inspiration for the app first began when Key Conservation and wildlife biologist director Megan Cromp found a disconnect between people who wanted to help make a difference, but didn’t know how to contribute to work being done on the field and actionable steps to take. 

“The idea for Key came from my own experiences in the field,” Cromp told Green Queen. “I designed the app but our team is made up of people from all backgrounds who have a passion for changing the world and conservation.”

Read: Scientists warn over 500 wildlife species now on brink of extinction

The idea for Key came from my own experiences in the field.

Megan Cromp, Director of Key Conservation

On the app, users will be able to gain insights and pointers from trusted conservation organisations and receive push notifications about volunteering opportunities that are happening around their area, such as rehabilitation releases or helping to patrol vehicles from the mud. These notifications continue to update even when users travel, providing a live-feed of direct actions that can be taken nearby. 

“Users will also be able to give their professional skills, give funds to itemised requests,” explained Cromp. Mechanics and graphic designers, for instance, can lend their toolkit to specific causes, while any individual can choose to contribute money to projects of their liking, such as paying for the trip to get cars to the beach to save turtles. 

To ensure transparency, donors will also receive video updates to showcase how their support made a difference in real-time.

Currently, the app is in its final stages of development, and Key Conservation has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the creation of its initial mobile version before rolling out a desktop platform. 

Read: Browse online through world’s largest botanical and animal digital archive 

We have been working on this for over seven years and have over 75 conservation organisations signed up ready to use it once we go live. If we get the funds we need we can launch to the world in less than 4 months.

Megan Cromp, Director of Key Conservation

Among some of the NGOs based in Asia that have already pledged to join the platform include Turtle Survival Alliance, The Corbett Foundation, Association Anoulak, Centre for Wildlife Studies, and the Blue Resources Trust, and the Key App team have also partnered with the IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership to ensure that the most critical projects are being supported. 

“We have been working on this for over seven years and have over 75 conservation organisations signed up ready to use it once we go live. If we get the funds we need we can launch to the world in less than 4 months,” said Cromp. 

Lead image courtesy of Key Conservation / designed by Green Queen Media.