By Lenah Bosibori
A young Kenyan innovator has won the inaugural Youth Conservation Tech Award at the Global Conservation Tech & Drone Forum 2026 recognizing outstanding young leaders who are applying technology to create tangible, field-tested conservation impact.
Cynthia Nekesa was announced the winner on March 3, beating 47 other applicants from across the continent for her groundbreaking digital platform that blends technology with indigenous knowledge to support environmental sustainability and conservation.
“We were looking for technology that is practical and operational, with measurable conservation impact,” said Jonty Slater, co-founder of the forum. “Cynthia and the finalists represent a new generation of conservationists who are not just innovating, but implementing solutions on the ground.”
The award, sponsored by the Mara Elephant Project, recognizes young leaders who are moving beyond ideas to deploy practical, field-ready conservation solutions and Nekesa’s innovation stood out for its real-world application, integrating digital tools to preserve community knowledge while strengthening conservation outcomes.
The award ceremony, held during a plenary session attended by conservationists, technologists, and policymakers, highlighted the growing role of youth in shaping Africa’s conservation future.
The Youth Conservation Tech Award 2026 was designed to spotlight young individuals (aged 25 and under) who are moving beyond conceptual ideas to deploy responsible technology, such as drones, AI, GIS, and sensors in real-world conservation operations.
As the winner, Nekesa received the prestigious Elephant Bronze Award, a tailored internship with the Mara Elephant Project focusing on drone operations, and a one-year membership to the Society for Conservation Biology.
Four other finalists, Catherine Naserian Kiseperi, Brian Omwoyo, Andrew Anyona Mogambi, and Barg’etuny Job Cheruiyot, were also recognized for their innovative contributions. They will participate in a fully funded field immersion programme at the Mara Elephant Project, gaining hands-on experience in conservation operations.
Speaking at the event, Marc Goss, CEO of the Mara Elephant Project, highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent in conservation.
“Conservation today depends on sharing knowledge, building skills, and working together,” he said. “Emerging technologies are most effective when they are grounded in field experience and accessible to the people shaping the future of conservation in Africa.”
Launched as a flagship initiative of GCTDF 2026, the Youth Conservation Tech Award targets innovators aged 25 and under who are applying tools such as drones, artificial intelligence, and data systems in real-world conservation contexts.
The recognition of Nekesa signals a broader shift in conservation across the continent one increasingly driven by youth, technology, and locally grounded solutions.
As this year’s forum theme emphasized, the future of conservation lies at the intersection of innovation and impact, with young Africans like Nekesa leading the charge.