The objective of the project is to increase the ability of SAERI to undertake on the ground research to feed into policy and decision-making in the Falkland Islands by purchasing a thermal imaging Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) i.e. a DJI Matrice 300 RTK UAV with an attachable Zenmuse H20T Thermal Camera.

Recently a thermal UAV was present for a short time on the island, it had been brought to the Falkland Islands by an academic for specific seabird research, and SAERI was able to undertake some short flights with the UAV. When the imagery from the drone flights was captured and demonstrated to colleagues in the Falkland Islands Government, there was lots of enthusiasm and interest in the possibilities for capturing and using thermal imagery. Some of the ideas generated are outlined below:

It is not envisaged that these activities will happen during the lifespan of the Darwin Plus local project, but the purchase of the thermal imaging UAV will make an important contribution to the long term ability of SAERI and FIG to address the areas identified above, and an action plan for post project implementation will be developed.

Overall, success will be demonstrated in the longer term by the implementation of the ideas above such as improved agricultural practices, enhanced energy efficiency, better wildlife management, effective environmental monitoring, and timely response to oil spill incidents.