This is where a groundbreaking partnership between NASA and the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) is stepping in, working to close the divide and empower those on the front lines of conservation. The goal? To turn data into action, ensuring that the tools needed to protect biodiversity are not only available, but accessible, effective, and ready to tackle the evolving landscape of wildlife management.

NASA’s Earth Sciences Division collects valuable satellite data that can be crucial for monitoring and managing the Earth’s ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife. These data, when applied to conservation efforts, could improve the outcomes of organizations working to protect biodiversity in North America. It can also help agencies make more informed decisions, reduce costs, and improve public safety by guiding effective conservation strategies.

In the United States, state wildlife agencies, federal land management agencies, and Tribal Nations have the authority to manage and protect wildlife. However, they rely on partnerships with various nongovernmental organizations and industries to achieve their goals. A growing realization is emerging that managing wildlife and habitats across borders—beyond specific jurisdictional areas—is necessary for long-term conservation success. Understanding the complexities of ecosystems and how they are changing over time is crucial for these organizations. NASA satellite data systems could be a significant source of information to help tease apart these complexities.

However, there is a significant gap between the powerful data NASA provides and the organizations that could use it. A 2023 survey by WMI found that nearly half of state wildlife agencies struggle to use NASA’s satellite data for conservation efforts. Many agencies are unaware of the available NASA tools and resources, and there is a lack of understanding between NASA data specialists and conservation groups about how to apply this information effectively.

These gaps are likely why NASA’s remote sensing data is underutilized in wildlife conservation. To date, no research has fully explored these challenges or suggested ways to bridge the gap between NASA’s data and the conservation agencies’ needs.

To understand these gaps and challenges, WMI will conduct a comprehensive assessment involving both qualitative (interviews, discussions) and quantitative (surveys, data analysis) research. This will help identify the gaps in knowledge, barriers to data usage, and potential opportunities for better collaboration between NASA and conservation groups.

Based on the assessment, WMI will host a workshop to develop solutions for improving the integration of NASA’s data into conservation efforts. A final report will outline the barriers, suggested solutions, and future action steps. Additionally, WMI will develop case studies to demonstrate how NASA data can be effectively applied in wildlife conservation, potentially inspiring new ideas for future projects.

WMI will also form an Advisory Group consisting of experts from wildlife agencies, NGOs, Tribal Nations, and NASA to provide guidance and feedback throughout the project.

“The results of this project will be a game changer for state fish and wildlife agencies and partners that are implementing on-the-ground conservation projects,” says WMI’s western conservation coordinator Jen Newmark. “Practitioners are drinking from the fire hose in terms of needed knowledge. Connecting NASA data to conservation projects implemented by agencies will provide them with critical information they currently don’t have access to and support their efforts to address wildlife habitat improvement on a landscape level in environments that are rapidly changing.”

WMI’s long history in supporting science-based conservation efforts places it in a unique position to bridge the gap between NASA’s Earth observation data and the needs of wildlife conservation agencies. This project aims to create practical solutions that will help use NASA’s data more effectively, supporting better management and conservation of North America’s natural resources.