Identifying the ROI of remote monitoring with The Nature Conservancy

Monitoring conservation properties is a big job, but new technology makes it easier.

In 2019, The Nature Conservancy in California (TNC CA) integrated remote monitoring into their stewardship practice using Lens. The organization was looking for a way to utilize technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their annual conservation easement and fee lands monitoring. After experimenting with other forms of remote monitoring, they became a bold early adopter of Lens. Lens provided access to a range of imagery suitable for monitoring, a robust platform for visual and analytical monitoring techniques, and tools for documenting and recording observations. It helped TNC CA monitor their portfolio of properties remotely by comparing current and historical imagery, and in return, TNC generously provided feedback that shaped the product and set new standards for remote monitoring in the land trust community.

In 2020 and 2021, TNC expanded Lens to other TNC state and national chapters. The results recorded by the organization are impressive. TNC chapters have reported that remote monitoring with Lens resulted in an average of 62% savings in staff time and up to 81% in cost savings. These savings can be redeployed towards more strategic conservation work.

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Additional benefits the TNC team experienced when incorporating remote monitoring include: 

• More comprehensive monitoring efforts through increased observation of large remote properties, many of which had never been visited on the ground.
• Limiting travel to rugged, difficult-to-survey properties, making monitoring safer.
• New changes and violations detected and documented that had been missed with in-person monitoring.
• Greater flexibility for monitors’ workloads and reduced time invested in monitoring.

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The Nature Conservancy has shared this success story on their website. Check out the case studies to learn how TNC chapters are leveraging technological innovations to scale up their conservation impacts. Additional details about the partnership between Lens and TNC CA can be found in a detailed whitepaper published by the organization. We’re proud to partner with TNC and support their work protecting land and water, preserving biodiversity, tackling climate change, and building healthy communities. 

Have a question about Lens? You can reach us at lens@upstream.tech to learn what Lens can do for you or visit our plans page to get started today.

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