At Cisco, we are investing in resilient ecosystems today to help create a stronger and more sustainable future. Research from the World Resources Institute indicates that every US$1 invested in climate adaptation and nature-based resilience can generate an average of US$10.50 in environmental and social benefits over the following decade. Cisco’s approach to ecosystem resilience focuses on helping communities respond to climate challenges, develop skills for evolving economies, and conserve and restore biodiversity and natural habitats.

In 2021, the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over a 10-year period to support a broad range of innovative climate solutions. This commitment is being delivered through several complementary approaches:

Cisco Investments, the company’s venture capital arm, has also expanded its focus to include emerging technology companies whose solutions can advance Cisco’s sustainability ambitions as well as those of its customers. Among the first companies to receive funding were CorPower Ocean, which develops technology for generating clean energy from ocean waves, and DEScycle, which works to address electronic waste at the local level. Together, these investments demonstrate Cisco’s broader effort to support a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Rhinos, elephants, gorillas, pangolins and many other endangered species face growing threats to their survival.

Since 2015, Cisco has worked with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) to help protect vulnerable wildlife. Through this partnership, 46 protected areas in 13 countries have been equipped with IoT and connectivity technologies that enable conservation teams and rangers to monitor areas, respond to threats and combat poaching in real time.

The initiative goes beyond wildlife protection. In 2025, Cisco and CCF introduced the Protected Area Technician Training Program, a free global course delivered through Cisco Networking Academy. The program is designed to equip local communities with technical skills that can lead to careers in conservation technology while strengthening the capacity to protect natural environments.

Healthy communities and ecosystems depend on reliable access to water, making responsible water management an important part of Cisco’s sustainability strategy.

Cisco works to reduce water consumption within its own operations while encouraging responsible stewardship throughout its supply chain. During fiscal 2025, the company reduced water withdrawals associated with its direct operations by 11%.

Cisco also promotes responsible water management among suppliers. As a founding and active member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), Cisco has adopted the RBA Code of Conduct as its Supplier Code of Conduct, including provisions focused specifically on water stewardship. Its approach is also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, as well as the framework developed by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

In fiscal 2025, Cisco continued expanding its supply-chain involvement in the AWS Collective Action Accelerator. The initiative brings organizations operating in the same geographic areas together to collaborate on water stewardship, share costs and achieve greater collective impact.

Cisco’s water-related efforts also extend to customers that use its technologies to improve resource efficiency. Compagnie Intercommunale Liégeoise des Eaux (CILE), a Belgian public water utility serving approximately half a million people, sought to improve operational performance and decision-making by developing a connected sensor network spanning around 3,500 kilometers of pipelines.

Cisco technology helped CILE establish its own IoT telecommunications network. The resulting smart water infrastructure enables more efficient operations, helps reduce costs and contributes to the region’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

Cisco continues to focus on reducing waste across its global facilities while increasing the reuse and recycling of materials.

During fiscal 2025, Cisco generated approximately 5,250 metric tonnes of waste across its operations. Around 85% of this material was diverted from landfills worldwide through activities including reuse, recycling, composting and donations.

These initiatives form part of Cisco’s broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while using technology, investment and partnerships to support more resilient communities and ecosystems.

For the past decade, Cisco has proudly collaborated with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF), uniting innovative technology with dedicated on-the-ground teams to create lasting impact in wildlife protection. This World Rhino Day, we take a moment to honor these remarkable creatures and reflect on our shared mission to safeguard their future and the habitats they depend on.

A Partnership Beyond Technology
From Kenya and South Africa to Uganda and Zambia, our partnership has connected 46 protected areas with the digital tools and infrastructure needed to protect rhinos, elephants, gorillas, pangolins, and many other endangered species. Through close collaboration with CCF and local organizations, Cisco has helped bring advanced technological solutions to wildlife regions across 15 countries.

But this initiative extends far beyond equipment — it’s about empowering rangers, conservationists, and local communities who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife and ecosystems.

How Innovation Drives Conservation
With Cisco Meraki routers, servers, and LoRaWAN networks, conservation teams can track rhinos and other wildlife, monitor ranger movements, detect fence breaches, assess weather conditions, and even manage sustainable livestock grazing. This interconnected network delivers real-time insights, allowing teams to respond faster and plan smarter for long-term protection efforts.

As Sophie Maxwell, Executive Director of CCF, explains: “Real-time tracking of wildlife, patrols, and vehicles gives rangers unprecedented power to safeguard these iconic animals. Together, we’re helping create a future where protected areas are equipped to let rhinos live wild and free once again.”

Meaningful Results on the Ground
By fostering a connected ecosystem for early-warning systems and wildlife monitoring, Cisco and CCF have helped make parks safer. CCF reports that Sabi Sand Nature Reserve has been poaching-free for more than 700 days, while several other reserves have become secure enough to reintroduce rhinos.

Across regions like Mara-Serengeti, Tsavo, and Loisaba, newly released rhinos are equipped with LoRaWAN trackers that transmit live data to central monitoring hubs, enabling real-time health and behavior tracking. These insights are essential for developing stronger and more informed protection strategies.

To date, LoRaWAN connectivity has expanded to 35 locations, with five more sites added in 2024–2025 across Tsavo, Mara, Lewa, and beyond—establishing a scalable model for conservation success. In Kenya alone, Cisco’s LoRaWAN network now covers 17% of national parks, strengthening protection across vast landscapes.

Investing in People and the Future
Beyond technology, Cisco and CCF are nurturing the next generation of conservation technologists. In July 2025, they launched the Protected Area Technician Training Program through the Cisco Networking Academy—a free global initiative offering scholarships, internships, and hands-on training. The program equips local community members with the skills to maintain, expand, and innovate within conservation tech, opening new career paths while strengthening local stewardship of nature.

Hundreds of learners have already earned certifications, using their new digital skills to support environmental protection efforts.

Looking Ahead with Hope
On this World Rhino Day, we celebrate not only the resilience of rhinos but also the dedication of the people, partnerships, and technologies driving their survival. Together, we’re building a future where wildlife and communities thrive side by side, connected by purpose, innovation, and hope.

Click here to know more about CCF.