First, communities identify prospective livelihood options. Discussion and agreement then takes place among the community on priorities that are sustainable and therefore correspond best to the community’s management capacities. Training is provided to build additional capacity for the identified livelihoods to ensure sustainability, and resources are provided to operationalize alternative livelihood options. Continuous mentoring helps ensure success.
- Active support, buy-in and commitment from the community.
- Technical support to ensure funding for development of income alternatives.
- Technical support for capacity building.
Ecosystem-based approaches should inherently incorporate alternative sustainable livelihood packages that highlight the value of conserving ecosystems. Benefits should respond to immediate livelihood needs to encourage active community engagement. To be effective, community capacity building should be continuous and regularly updated to provide access, knowledge and skills of relevant innovations and new technologies. The nomination of a champion, or champions, helps promote the initiative and encourages more community members and organisations to engage.