This building block captures the iterative research, prototyping, and testing process behind the design and performance optimization of Sparsa's compostable menstrual pads. The goal was to systematically address key challenges such as absorbency, retention, and hygiene using accessible, compostable materials and context-appropriate methods. 
 
During initial trials, the embossing of the word 'Sparsa' into the pad design caused production issues, as the added pressure led to small holes at the site of embossing. This aesthetic feature was removed in future die versions to preserve structural integrity. Material testing revealed that the non-woven cotton selected for the top layer was hydrophobic, preventing fluid from entering the absorbent core. Though soft and natural, it was unsuitable. It was replaced by viscose, a hydrophilic and compostable fiber. However, viscose caused another issue—it spread liquid too effectively toward the wings, where no absorbent material was present, leading to leakage. 
 
To address these problems, internal lab tests were developed and applied. The team created over twenty prototypes, varying in top layers, glue types, layer arrangements, and inclusion of guar gum. Some of these, like guar gum, improved total retention but introduced a gel-like texture that reduced comfort and slowed absorption. Tests showed that glue can either support or hinder fluid transfer depending on how and where it's applied—too much glue acted as a barrier and even left residues. Effective glue bonding improved layer connectivity but required careful quantity control. 
 
One critical hygiene failure revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Investigation found that gloves were not mandatory in the fiber factory, especially after cooking. Human skin was the primary contamination source. The team responded by revising hygiene protocols, making gloves mandatory post-cooking in both pad and fiber factories. This step eliminated the bacterial presence in follow-up tests. 
 
To better understand bacterial presence and reduction strategies, five process variations were developed—each changing the sequence of cooking, beating, and chlorine treatment. These were labeled Sample A to E and tested for bacterial load. The results provided insight into how specific steps and moisture conditions influence microbial contamination. 
 
Leakage from the wings was another key challenge, especially with viscose layers that spread liquid outward. Since wings lacked absorbent material, the team created different prototypes to control this spread. Solutions included modifying top layers, stretching or perforating materials, using starch or wood glue in targeted zones, and bonding absorbent materials more tightly. Some prototypes featured layered configurations with transfer paper. Tests confirmed that fluid distribution and retention improved only when materials were positioned effectively—paper layers under the core performed poorly, while those bonded near the surface aided absorption. 
 
Through every iteration, the team learned to question assumptions, test every new configuration, and document repeatable results. Design improvements were not driven by one-time outcomes but by data-backed testing, careful material selection, and practical lessons from production. 
 

L'atlas en ligne de la faune et de la flore du parc national des Écrins met à disposition l'ensemble des données collectées par ses agents depuis plus de 40 ans.

Agroecology is a holistic approach, often described as a practice, a science and a social movement. Agroecology is the base for all interventions suggested in this solution.

As the initiated mindset change requires a fundamental, global behavioural change, an essential part of the efforts are directed to advocacy and awareness building activities such as information spreading through media houses, social media channels and conducting field visits with stakeholders from government, policy makers, educational entities, NGOs, donors and the private sector. 

Malawi has a population of around 22 million (worldometer 2025), of which almost 18 million are smallhoder farmers. If the initiated grassroot movement can be strengthened, Malawi could act as a leader in the global agroecological movement.

To strengthen the enabling environment for sustainable freshwater aquaculture, state-level Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) were initiated in the states of Assam and Odisha. The platforms were designed to bring together actors from government, the private sector, cooperatives, academia, and civil society to collectively address sector-specific challenges and align efforts across policies and programs.

To foster entrepreneurship in the aquaculture sector, an innovative Aqua Entrepreneurship Development Model was co-created in collaboration with established Aqua Entrepreneurs (AEs), businesses, and professionals across Assam and Odisha. The initiative aimed not only to nurture a new generation of rural entrepreneurs but also to document and systematize the process through a Entrepreneurship Promotion Guidebook (see download section below) enabling other implementers to replicate the model in different regions.

To strengthen mangrove protection and community-based monitoring, twelve community scouts were selected and trained from within the Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA). Equipped with uniforms, patrol skills, communication tools, and basic enforcement knowledge, the scouts actively support restoration, surveillance, and awareness-raising across the 2,550-hectare mangrove area. Scouts conduct regular patrols, detect illegal activities, sensitize local communities about forest conservation, and collaborate with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials for enforcement actions. Their work enhances ground-level presence and helps bridge the gap between formal forest authorities and the community.

MTAKIMAU CFA members, supported by WWF-Kenya and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), took the lead in restoring degraded areas across the 2,550-hectare Mtwapa-Takaungu-Kilifi mangrove landscape. They established a model mangrove nursery in Nzombere Village and received hands-on training in propagating indigenous species, nursery management, and enrichment planting. Using insights from PFMP mapping, they prioritized degraded patches for restoration. In June 2024, the community planted 21,786 seedlings—WWF-Kenya purchased 13,786 while the CFA contributed 8,000. The nursery, now producing over 10,000 seedlings, serves as both a restoration hub and a sustainable income source through seedling sales to restoration partners. Ongoing monthly monitoring ensures nursery health and supports long-term forest regeneration.

The MTAKIMAU Mangrove Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) 2024–2028 guides the sustainable management of approximately 2,550 hectares of mangrove forest across Mtwapa, Takaungu, and Kilifi. Developed under Section 47(1) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016), the plan resulted from a highly participatory process led by the Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA), in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), WWF-Kenya, and other local stakeholders.

The process began with community barazas that restructured and registered the CFA. Stakeholders then formed and trained a Local Planning Review Team (LPRT), which conducted forest assessments, household surveys, participatory mapping, and community dialogues. Together, they designed the PFMP to define sustainable forest use practices, identify conservation priorities, and establish equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. The plan reflects community aspirations, ensures ecological integrity, and builds climate resilience. KFS and the CFA formalized their partnership by signing a legally binding Forest Management Agreement (FMA) based on this plan.

The project has identified some key forest-friendly activities, specifically, beekeeping and agroforestry, which are acceptable to the communities. This provides an avenue for replication in other communities and up-scaling throughout the landscape to provide substantial and sustainable livelihood for communities, while ensuring that the forest is preserved.

Based on the local natural resource conditions, Liziba Village vigorously develops economic forest industries such as walnuts and chestnuts, cultivates and processes tea, fungus, and edible mushrooms, cultivates traditional Chinese medicinal materials such as Tianma and Chonglou, and engages in beekeeping and chicken farming. Some farmers in Liziba Village spontaneously formed a tea cooperative, registered their own tea brand, and built an online trading platform through e-commerce, promoting the vigorous development of the green economy.  Targeted training was provided to village level management and maintenance personnel on fund management, mountain patrol and maintenance, responsibility implementation, safety education, etc., to enhance the villagers' ability and level of independent management and maintenance.