Consumer awareness and label visibility

Transform market demand toward sustainable options. Conscious consumers are key to pushing for changes in supply and legitimizing the label's existence. 

NGOs that support the label and certified commercial partners must implement an awareness strategy, which may include training staff at processing plants and restaurants, displaying the label at affiliated locations, and developing public promotional events and informational campaigns through social media. The label image must be used in accordance with the brand manual, ensuring consistency and recognition.

  • Have clear and accessible communication materials. 
  • The seal itself is an attractive and distinctive graphic identity, to which the names of other interested NGOs can be added. 
  • At points of sale, actions should be developed or visual tools deployed to help educate consumers.
     
  • Informed retailers and consumers become allies for change. 
  • All actions taken must seek to bring about positive behavioral change. 
  • Educational and promotional campaigns must be ongoing, adapting the message to the target audience. 
  • The impact of all these initiatives must be measured.
Community Building – Creating a Globally Adaptable Blueprint Model for Fibre Pad Manufacturing

While Sparśa in Nepal serves as a pilot enterprise, NIDISI’s ambition reaches far beyond one country. Years of networking with practitioners, academics, social entrepreneurs, and NGOs showed us that many projects across the Global South are working with natural fibres — banana, sisal, water hyacinth, bamboo — yet most face similar challenges: how to process fibres efficiently, ensure product quality, secure market access, and build financially sustainable social businesses. To address this, we launched the Sparśa Blueprint Project, which creates a global community of knowledge sharing for compostable pad manufacturing.

The Blueprint is where Sparśa’s technical expertise, R&D, and social business lessons are opened up for replication. It documents machinery CAD files, sourcing strategies, financial planning models, and outreach approaches, but also creates space for dialogue and co-creation. Connecting projects across the globe enables local innovators to learn from each other and adapt the model to their own contexts and fibre plants.

First building block of Journey of Community Building: Creating a Globally Adaptable Blueprint Model for Fibre Pad Manufacturing — will be published on the PANORAMA platform in September 2025, and a full solution page will follow in November 2025There, we will share the accumulated experience of years of building networks across continents, including insights from collaborations with grassroots entrepreneurs, academic partners such as Stanford University’s Prakash Lab and LGP2 from the Grenoble INP-Pagora, NGOs, and local governments. This scaling of our project will serve as the gateway for replication, helping others create their own fibre-based pad enterprises.

  • Strong global partnerships: Years of networking and collaboration with practitioners across the world, building trust and connections.
  • Open-source commitment: All knowledge (CADs, SOPs, lessons) will be shared openly to reduce barriers to entry.
  • Donor support and legitimacy: Backing from institutions like the Kulczyk Foundation, GIZ, PANORAMA platform and IUCN strengthens global visibility.
  • Community of practice: Practitioners, founders, and academics form a living network, exchanging experience beyond documents.
  • Scaling Sparśa into a globally adaptable model requires open knowledge sharing, adaptation to different fiber plants and markets, and building strong networks across countries.
  • Networking is a long-term investment: Building trust across countries and sectors takes years but creates strong foundations for replication.
  • Knowledge must be contextual: Designs and business models need adaptation to local fibres, markets, and cultural norms.
  • Global collaboration fuels innovation: By connecting projects, new solutions emerge that no single initiative could achieve alone.
  • Donor/partner insight: Supporting the Blueprint is not just supporting one project — it is investing in a scalable, global movement for menstrual equity and plastic-free products.
Hybrid sailing catamaran integrating renewable energy for sustainable nautical tourism

The Mundo Marino ECO catamaran demonstrates how hybrid propulsion (sail + electric engines), combined with solar panels and hydrogenerators, can significantly reduce emissions in passenger transport and tourism activities. This building block showcases the integration of renewable technologies into a large-capacity (250 pax) vessel, allowing silent navigation, lower fuel dependency, and direct education of tourists on sustainability. It provides a replicable model for coastal operators seeking to align maritime tourism with decarbonisation and marine conservation goals.

 

  • Access to advanced hybrid propulsion technology (Torqeedo Deep Blue).
  • Regulatory frameworks encouraging low-emission vessels.
  • Collaboration with ports providing infrastructure for hybrid/electric operations.
  • Market demand for sustainable tourism experiences.

 

 

  • Hybrid systems require significant initial investment; financial incentives and partnerships are essential.
  • Crew training on renewable systems is critical for smooth operation and passenger engagement.
  • Public communication (e.g., Blue Flag certification, onboard environmental education) increases acceptance and replicability.
  • Maintenance of battery systems and renewable modules requires new skills not always present in traditional shipyards.

 

Promoting transparency and compliance

Promote from the market the implementation and compliance of responsible fishing practices and supply as a tool to increase transparency in the supply of raw materials aligned with regulatory compliance and good practices of sustainability certifications.

  • Market demand
  • Economic support to implement conceptual model.
  • Guild vision to work on sustainability.
  • Process still under construction.
  • Large-scale changes require gradual implementation processes to reduce resistance to change or cause a collective initiative to fail.
Fisheries research and management

Generate information for informed decision making by the industry participants of the FIPs, in order to foster a science-based management culture that explores the dynamics of fishing with the environment, the ecosystem and its implications for related value chains.

  • Market demand
  • Work and commitment of fishermen to collect data on board.
  • Alliances, union vision and confidence in the process.
  • Economic and human resources available.
  • Participatory governance.
  • More informed fishermen are needed to better understand the proposals of managers and scientists.
  • Involving the fisherman in the research process can improve governance.
Participatory monitoring

Promote the implementation of a conservation program and continuous monitoring system for fisheries that will mitigate their impact on the ecosystem and generate industry data for decision making.

  • Market demand.
  • Commitment of shipowners, captains and crew members to participate. 
  • Processes of feedback and permanent support to fishermen.
  • Visibility and recognition of the work carried out among the companies.
  • Fishermen can be the main ally of researchers and managers to collect data.
  • Ongoing support is important.
  • Determination on the part of the owner is fundamental in setting up this type of system.
  • Visibility and recognition of the fishermen's commitment impacts their intrinsic motivation.
Training and capacity building

Promotes the strengthening of responsible fishing capacities in the crews of the vessels participating in the fishery improvement processes, through training sessions and a support and feedback network by FIP technicians to put this knowledge into practice during fishing operations.

  • Market demand.
  • Vision of sustainability and strategic alliances.
  • Economic resources available.
  • Fishermen with commitment to continuous training.
  • Technical staff with passion for working with fishermen
  • Capacity building is a process that requires constancy and going step by step.
  • Empathizing with the fishermen's reality is important to promote trust.
  • Valuing and incorporating fishermen's knowledge into management.
Facilitating Inclusive and Dialogue-Based Menstrual Health Sessions for Community Adults

This building block outlines how the SPARŚA Ambassador Program engages adult community members in open, respectful, and evidence-based discussions on menstruation. The approach prioritises dialogue over lecture, creating a space where participants can share their beliefs, practices, and lived experiences, while also receiving accurate information. 

Target groups are identified by Ambassadors themselves or in collaboration with ward offices, municipalities, or metropolitan authorities. These often include mothers’ groups, women’s collectives, youth clubs, and mixed community gatherings. Trusted groups like Ama Samuha or Tole Sudhar Samiti are engaged early to help mobilise participants and endorse the sessions, which greatly enhances credibility and attendance. 

Sessions are adapted to the context and needs of adults. Rather than delivering the same content as in schools, Ambassadors focus on myth-busting, stigma reduction, and practical menstrual health knowledge. This includes clarifying biological facts, discussing hygienic practices, exploring environmentally friendly menstrual products, and addressing social norms that restrict women’s and girls’ mobility, participation, or dignity during menstruation. 

Ambassadors begin by establishing safe space agreements and inviting participants to share their own perspectives through Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The facilitator listens actively, acknowledges local knowledge, and then uses visual aids, product demonstrations, and relatable stories to fill knowledge gaps or correct misinformation. Nutrition and self-care during menstruation are also discussed, linking health to overall well-being. 

Preparation is thorough: Ambassadors coordinate with the programme team for materials, set session dates with local leaders, arrange venues in accessible and comfortable locations, and ensure a variety of menstrual products are available for demonstration. Follow-up visits or recurring discussions are encouraged to reinforce learning and track changes in attitudes. 

  • Collaboration with Trusted Local Actors – Engage ward officers, community leaders, and women’s groups early to gain trust and support mobilisation. 
  • Safe and Respectful Dialogue – Begin each session by setting participation rules that promote open, non-judgmental sharing. 
  • Active Listening – Spend more time listening than speaking, allowing participants to voice their experiences and questions before introducing new information. 
  • Tailored Content – Adapt materials and examples to the cultural and generational context of the group. 
  • Hands-On Product Demonstrations – Show different menstrual products, explain pros and cons, and address environmental impacts to support informed choice. 
  • Logistical Planning – Choose venues that are private, comfortable, and easily accessible for the target audience. Ensure all materials and visual aids are ready in advance. 
  • Follow-Up Engagement – Schedule recurring visits or link participants to ongoing programmes for sustained learning. 
  • A single session rarely shifts deep-rooted norms; regular follow-up strengthens retention and attitude change. 
  • Listening respectfully and without judgment encourages participants to share honestly, which opens the door to correcting misinformation. 
  • Local leaders and women’s groups are key allies in building trust and mobilising attendance. 
  • Myths and taboos are often deeply personal; facilitators need patience and cultural sensitivity to address them effectively. 
  • Product demonstrations and environmental discussions help bridge the gap between abstract health messages and practical, daily life decisions. 
Designing and Delivering Age-Appropriate Menstrual Health Education for Schools

This building block details how the SPARŚA Ambassador Program designs and delivers menstrual health education for students aged 11–17 (Grades 6–10) in Nepal, ensuring each session is relevant, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. 

Schools are chosen based on their proximity to the Ambassador’s community to ensure trust and easy access. Ambassadors map their audience and adapt delivery methods to different age groups. For Grades 6–7 (pre-menarche), sessions focus on building a safe and friendly environment through storytelling, interactive games, and art-based activities. For Grades 8–10 (post-menarche), the focus shifts to clear scientific explanations of the menstrual cycle, phases, and bodily changes, while also addressing myths, stigma, and gaps left by incomplete classroom teaching. 

Visual aids such as flip charts, diagrams, presentations, and flex prints help make abstract concepts tangible. Ambassadors also conduct live demonstrations of various menstrual products—disposable pads, reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and tampons—explaining pros and cons, safe usage, disposal methods, and environmental impacts. By linking product choice to environmental awareness, students learn how menstrual health intersects with climate action. 

Nutrition during menstruation is covered to promote physical well-being. Sessions are always inclusive of both boys and girls, which helps normalise menstruation, reduce stigma, and foster empathy among peers. Teachers are encouraged to attend so they can reinforce messages after the session. 

Preparation is key: Ambassadors contact school principals early, establish ground rules for respectful participation, prepare teaching materials, arrange transportation, and ensure all demonstration products are ready. Follow-up is encouraged through take-home leaflets or posters, allowing students to revisit the information later. 

  • Audience Segmentation – Adapt activities for pre- and post-menarche students to match their needs and comfort levels. 
  • Interactive, Hands-On Learning – Use visual aids, role plays, and product demonstrations to engage multiple learning styles. 
  • Safe Participation Rules – Start sessions with simple agreements on respect and confidentiality to encourage open dialogue. 
  • Proactive School Engagement – Approach principals in person to secure support, time slots, and teacher involvement. 
  • Environmental Integration – Include information on how different products affect waste and climate, fostering both health and environmental responsibility. 
  • Teacher Involvement – Invite teachers to join the sessions so they can continue the conversation afterwards. 
  • Follow-Up Materials – Provide schools with leaflets or posters to reinforce key messages after the session. 
  • Younger students respond best to fun, artistic, and emotionally safe methods, while older students value factual clarity and practical detail. 
  • Demonstrating products physically breaks down stigma and makes menstrual care relatable, especially in rural or high-stigma settings. 
  • Including boys in the sessions reduces teasing and builds peer support for menstruating students. 
  • Teacher involvement greatly increases the sustainability of knowledge transfer. 
  • Careful preparation, including early material requests and transport planning, ensures smooth delivery. 
Next Steps: Feedback Based Optimization for outcome-oriented Decisions

Product development does not end with certification. To create menstrual pads that are accepted, trusted, and widely adopted, Sparśa built a structured system to integrate real user experiences into design improvements.

This building block focuses on user feedback surveys and community-based testing of Sparśa pads. The initial questionnaire was co-designed by the team and adapted from international tools, but simplified after field trials revealed that long, technical questions discouraged participation. The refined survey is short, available in both Nepali and English, and structured around everyday experiences of menstruation.

The survey collects both quantitative data (absorbency, leakage, comfort, ease of movement, wearability) and qualitative insights (likes, dislikes, suggestions). It also includes questions about packaging, clarity of information, and first impressions. Importantly, the survey is distributed through Google Forms for easy access and rapid data analysis, but also adapted for offline use where internet is unavailable.

The next stage is scaling up to at least 300 users, ensuring diverse representation across age, geography, and socioeconomic background. By triangulating lab results (Block 3) with user feedback, Sparśa can continuously optimize pad design, packaging, and distribution strategies.

This approach demonstrates that menstrual product development is not only about technical performance, but also about cultural acceptability, dignity, and user trust.

  • Translation of the questionnaire into local languages and simplification of terminology.
  • Structured design linking questions to real-life scenarios (e.g. school, work, travel).
  • Collaboration with schools, NGOs, and local women’s groups to distribute surveys and encourage participation.
  • Use of digital tools (Google Forms) for efficient data collection and analysis.
  • Flexibility to adapt tools for both online and offline contexts.
  • Avoiding complex terminology is essential; many Nepali girls did not understand technical menstrual health vocabulary.
  • Long and complicated questions reduce participation; short and clear formats improve accuracy.
  • Feedback methods should be tested in small pilots before full deployment.
  • User feedback is most reliable when anonymity is respected — especially for adolescents.
  • A dual-language approach (Nepali + English) increases inclusivity and widens data use for local and international partners.
  • Surveys should capture not just performance data, but also perceptions and feelings, which strongly influence adoption.
  • Continuous feedback collection allows for incremental improvements rather than costly redesigns later.
  • Packaging feedback is as important as product feedback, since first impressions influence user trust.