Drones to save wildlife in Angola
Innovation in landmine clearance in the Okavango headwaters

3rd March 2021 | Angola | Story | Protecting the environment

The Okavango Delta is an idyllic expanse home to thousands of species. Its vast watershed runs from the highlands of Angola, and across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip before flowing into land-locked Botswana to create a natural oasis. The basin is the main source of water and economic livelihood for more than a million people, thousands of species, and home to the world’s largest remaining elephant population.

But the headwaters of this endangered Eden hold a secret. More than 80,000 Angolans have been killed or injured by landmines, but the tragedy doesn’t end there. Landmines cut off the natural migration route for Botswana’s growing elephant herd, separating Angolan communities from Africa’s multibillion dollar sustainable tourism economy.

How do you protect this endangered species from these deadly explosives?

You clear the way

HALO is testing drones with sensors to help locate these deadly devices. Landmines often give off a different heat signal to that of the surrounding earth.
It is hoped that by deploying drones with thermal sensors, our teams in Angola will be able to quickly search hard to reach places and find potential landmines and other hazards. SC Johnson helped to fund HALO's first drone innovation project and now an anonymous donor has stepped in to take the research to the next level. Together, HALO's donors can help us to properly protect one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.
Our life-saving innovations have been made possible with the generous support of: