If you’re reading this, welcome to the WESSA Western Cape Friends Groups Geolocation Project. It’s authored by Trevor Davies, a WESSA member in Cape Town. WESSA in the Western Cape supports many activities, amongst them, Citizen Science. This project is Trevor’s contribution to that activism.

Trevor is also an active member of the Africa GeoPortal Community.

GeoPortal Initatives are focused on country and organizational GeoPortals, where data, examples, and stories are more tightly arranged around specific needs and objectives. These initatives are developed for people to go on and build localized solutions—whether that be local to their geographic problem or local to their particular thematic area—based on the authoritative data assembled on the Africa GeoPortal.

This project is in development, on a staging platform, so go ahead, experiment and let me know what you think. This will all help at the production launch.

This pilot project aims to:

• Give a wealth of information about WESSA life and local WESSA Friends Groups that can be easily shared between them;
• Encourage information and activity sharing between all WESSA activists in the two provinces;
• Provide links between schools involved in the WESSA Eco Schools and the Young Reporters For Environment in the Western Cape with active members and Friends Groups.
• Bring our information about our WESSA activism together in the two provinces, Northern Cape and Western Cape;
• Help us with media opportunities and potential donor support by giving them expert and local contacts in WESSA for their stories.
• Help in linkages such as the WESSA Western Cape co-operation between us and the City of Cape Town.

Some goals:

• Help WESSA and Friends Groups to recruit new members easily, these may be non-paying subscribers initially, but could be easily converted into paying memberships for Groups and WESSA;
• Be scaleable, so it can be transferred from the staging platform to an official WESSA platform, and upscaled nationally.
• Build local pride and ownership in WESSA actions and achievements;
• Open up new avenues for WESSA to engage with our donors and beneficiaries.

As we navigate this exciting frontier, the call to action for non-profits such as WESSA is clear: Use Geodirectory.

Understanding Geolocation and Its Impact on Non-Profits such as WESSA

In today’s digitally-driven world, geolocation technology stands as a beacon of innovation, transforming the way organisations connect with their audience.

For non-profits, particularly those with a mission that spans across diverse geographical boundaries such as WESSA, geolocation offers a unique opportunity to enhance engagement, streamline operations, and amplify their impact.

At its core, geolocation involves the use of technology to pinpoint the geographical location of a person, a group, or a device. This capability can be leveraged in myriad ways, from tailoring content to specific

Examples of Successful Non-Profits Using Geolocation

Several non-profits have already tapped into the power of geolocation, setting inspiring examples of how this technology can be used to drive social change. One notable instance is a disaster relief organisation that utilises geolocation services, provided by a GIS company FULCRUM, to coordinate aid delivery in crisis-hit areas. By mapping affected zones and tracking the movement of supplies in real-time, they can swiftly direct resources to where they are most needed, enhancing the effectiveness of their response efforts.

Some examples with particular relevance to WESSA follow.

Flora and Fauna

An environmental non-profit, Flora and Fauna, employs geolocation to engage the public in flora and fauna conservation efforts.

In Southern Africa, through a mobile app, users can report sightings of endangered species or environmental violations, providing valuable data that helps the organisation monitor conservation areas and mobilise rapid responses to threats.

Peace Parks Foundation

The objective of the training is to expose students to GIS and to empower them to do their field work more effectively. The first module is an introduction to GIS software, which lasts two weeks, followed by a week-long module that focuses more on the application of the GIS tool for land-use planning.

This is ‘low-hanging fruit’ for a co-operation agreement between WESSA and Peace Parks Foundation. We could, for example, ask Peace Parks Foundation to host a WESSA Training Event on GIS and Geolocation.

Such a workshop could have generic sessions aimed at everyone. We could then have focus sessions on, for example, Geolocation and membership services, geolocation for eco schools and YRE – aimed at schools, teachers and Western and Northern Cape Education Departments and geolocation and WESSA Projects – such as the Pangolin Project.

I would hope that this pilot project could be developed a lot further through such an event and further processes using the expertise of Peace Parks Foundation.

Africa Wildlife Foundation – an example of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use

In its Africa Apes Initiative uses geolocation to map habitat encroachment and protection. The WESSA Pangolin Project could use similar technology to great effect.

Africa Wildlife Foundationhas its own Geographic Information Services. With support from the Rockefeller Foundation and USAID, AWF created GIS laboratories in Nairobi, Kenya and Kasane, Botswana in 2002.

AWF can implement conservation strategies with greater speed and precision. By juxtaposing conservation targets and threats such as community crop failures and sustenance using GIS, land managers and planners have refined their understanding of conservation challenges. This enables them to target interventions more effectively.

These examples underscore the versatility of geolocation technology and its potential to revolutionise the way non-profits operate. Whether it’s in disaster response, conservation, health, or education, geolocation offers a powerful tool for enhancing the reach and impact of non-profit initiatives.

The above is way beyond the framework of this project. Trevor hopes that this project will be adopted as an official WESSA Project activity and that WESSA will then join the Africa GeoPortal Community.

Benefits of Harnessing Geolocation for Non-Profits like WESSA

The benefits of integrating geolocation into our operations are multifaceted.

• First and foremost, it enables a deeper understanding of the community served. By mapping the demographics and needs of a population based on location, non-profits can identify underserved areas and tailor their programs accordingly. This level of insight is invaluable for developing targeted interventions that address the specific needs of different communities.
• Secondly, geolocation enhances the efficiency of resource allocation. With a clear picture of where services are most needed, WESSA can optimise outreach and intervention efforts, ensuring that resources are not wasted on low-impact areas. This strategic approach to resource deployment not only maximises impact but also strengthens the case for support when engaging with donors, demonstrating a commitment to operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lastly, geolocation technology fosters innovation in WESSA program delivery. From mobile apps that guide users to the nearest support service (such as Friends Groups) to interactive maps that visualise the impact of work such as Eco Schools, the possibilities are endless. This innovative edge can set WESSA apart, attracting both funding and attention in a crowded sector.

Embracing geolocation technology, therefore, not only amplifies the impact of WESSA but also positions t as forward-thinking organisations at the forefront of technological adoption.

Conclusion: The Future of Geolocation for WESSA in the Non-Profit Sector

The integration of geolocation technology represents a paradigm shift in the non-profit sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for engagement, innovation, and impact. As technological capabilities continue to evolve, the potential applications of geolocation will expand, further enhancing the ability of non-profits to serve their communities.

Looking ahead, the future of geolocation in non-profits is bright, with continued innovation and adoption poised to drive transformative change. By embracing geolocation, non-profits can not only enhance their current operations but also unlock new avenues for growth and impact.

By leveraging this powerful tool, organisations can harness the full potential of geolocation, transforming their reach and impact in the process. The journey towards a more connected, efficient, and impactful non-profit sector begins with embracing the power of geolocation technology.

As we navigate this exciting frontier, the call to action for non-profits such as WESSA is clear: Use Geodirectory.