Participatory Sensing Platform Concept for Wildlife Animals in the Himalaya Region, Nepal

Human Computer Biosphere Interaction (HCBI) is a relatively new academic discipline that acts as a critical juncture between the conservation biology and the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). HCBI domain exploits the capabilities of the repertoire of available technological tools to remotely sense data from difficult geographical terrains in a secure and cost-effective manner. In this perspective paper, we highlight some of the bio-acoustic technologies that we have been using for our research in Fukushima prefecture, Japan. Learning from our experience in Fukushima, we provide our preliminary viewpoint on the possibility of incorporating HCBI research in Manang, Nepal. Our impressions are largely based on the site visit to Manang and informal interaction with locals and conservation specialists. The preliminary feasibility study will prove useful in future as we plan a full-fledged ICT based animal conservation study to assess how the application of ICT tools for wildlife monitoring can contribute to the economic empowerment of locals in Manang who depend on subsistence farming. In summary, this paper provides a preliminary overview of the potentiality of technology transfer from Japan to the remote hilly areas in Nepal for wildlife conservation by employing ICT tools and participatory sensing approach.