Evaluating and Disseminating Outcomes for Continuous Improvement and Sustainability

Another key component of the Agroecology Leadership Academy was the regular evaluation of its outcomes. Participants were frequently surveyed about their experiences with the Academy, its content, and their personal progress. This feedback was utilized not only to adapt the Academy's programme flexibly to meet the demands of the participants - an aspect previously identified as a success factor in other building blocks – but also to evaluate the entire programme more effectively and derive lessons learned for potential future academies. After the Academy concluded, these findings were compiled and discussed in an internal workshop involving the implementing organisations. The lessons learned, along with other relevant materials, are shared on various platforms, particularly Agroecology TPP, to assist organisations in planning and implementing similar projects. Additionally, the project was presented in a public webinar upon completion. During this webinar, Academy participants had the opportunity to showcase their transformation initiatives, providing a valuable chance to expand their networks and enhance the sustainability of the Academy.

  • The regular collection of feedback from participants not only allowed for real-time adaptations of the Academy programme but also served as the foundation for the internal evaluation workshop held after the Academy’s conclusion. The feedback addressed a wide range of aspects related to the Academy, including content, formats, logistics, learning experiences, and more, in order to achieve a more comprehensive evaluation at the end.
  • It is important to note that the webinar following the Academy provided a platform not only for the implementing organisations to present the Academy itself, but also, and importantly, for the Academy participants to present the initiatives they had developed. This fostered engagement beyond the Academy’s boundaries and enabled participants to forge new connections that could be beneficial for furthering their initiatives.
  • While some surveys yielded helpful insights, others unfortunately had low response rates. It is therefore advisable to use brief surveys with no more than 10 questions at the beginning of the Academy and after each international learning event.
  • The planning of follow-up activities should include considerations for how this Academy could be adopted by other institutions, follow-ups on the country transformation initiatives, and strategies for further embedding the Academy in the countries involved. It is recommended to develop a clear action plan aimed at maximising the sustainability of the Academy approximately nine months before its conclusion.
Uso de cámaras remotas con carnada

De manera específica, una metodología del Protocolo para la recopilación de información y el ejercicio de monitoreo consiste en la instalación de estaciones en acero inoxidable con cámaras que registran una locación particular durante un tiempo determinado. Junto a la cámara se ubica un contenedor de PVC con carnada para atraer a especies carnívoras, pero sin ofrecerles alimento. 

  • Sin duda, un factor elemental es el recurso económico para la instalación de los equipos. El Protocolo sugiere algunas alternativas en caso de no contar con la financiación necesaria para esta técnica de monitoreo, como la ampliación del área de monitoreo de transectos de peces de arrecife. 

     

  • Al no implicar impactos sobre los hábitos alimenticios de las especies o sobre los ecosistemas en general, se reducen los sesgos y se garantiza que la técnica no es destructiva ni invasiva. 
  • La instalación de cámaras con carnada se ha posicionado como una metodología efectiva y estandarizada, que no atenta contra la integridad de las especies y que se desarrolla de manera independiente a las prácticas de pesca. Esto quiere decir que no implica un impacto ecológico. 
  • A diferencia de otras técnicas como los censos visuales, el monitoreo a través de cámaras genera observaciones más confiables y objetivas, y cubre mayores áreas en términos de profundidad y tiempo de observación. 
  • Es recomendable instalar varias estaciones de manera estratégica, con el fin de cubrir por completo áreas extensas de monitoreo. 
  • De acuerdo con investigaciones, esta técnica está siendo cada vez más utilizada para monitorear especies pelágicas y depredadoras, lo que ha posibilitado comparaciones a nivel global. 

Un aspecto importante para continuar incentivando el uso de esta técnica es la correcta disposición de las carnadas una vez que estas ya han sido utilizadas. 

An immersive experience of “being a researcher for a week”.

Scientific tourism constitutes the primary activity of the initiative. Over several days, visitors from various regions of the country and the world engage in scientific research  focused on data collection for whale shark conservation. A variety of activities are designed to encourage dialogue, reflection, and learning about the experiences of the day,  aiming to raise awareness and inspire attendees to share knowledge within their communities.

A crucial factor in the success of the initiative is the alliance with the local tourism agency, Bahía Solano Me Llama, in terms of logistical organization, activity planning, visitor registration, and other associated activities.

In addition, establishing connections with the local community, particularly those engaged in artisanal fishing, has enabled the expansion of the initiative's scope and the dissemination of sustainable fishing practices, responsible consumption, and responsible tourism.

Adopting a simplified scientific perspective is advantageous for effectively communicating with non-scientific audiences, making academic language more accessible. This approach enables knowledge exchange and promotes understanding of the project as an opportunity for conservation. It is also essential to transform the dissemination of knowledge into an enjoyable, simple, and engaging activity.

Talks include didactic material and use photographs and videos to enhance participation and immersion . These sessions are structured to foster questions, exchange and dialogue, thereby eliminating the conventional instructor-student dynamic. Following the sightings and research sessions, participants share their field observations to enhance collective knowledge. It is important to acknowledge the involvement of fishermen and local community members in the educational process. They act as educators and disseminators of traditional knowledge, particularly regarding best practices and responsible fishing. Consequently, they assume the role of "conservationist leaders".

Operational planning and implementation

Once the committee is officially recognized and its members’ capabilities are clear, it needs to start the creation of a development plan. This development plan includes a clear vision for the future, outlines the course of action and envised outcomes. All committee members should be involved in the creation of this joint picture of the future of their waterbodies and the planned management practices to reach this joint picture.

Such a target could be combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) in the waterbody the committee is managing. Therefore, the management committee assesses the initial status of the waterbody and fishing activities, develops patrol plans, and organises awareness-raising events to inform the community of new regulations. 

When necessary, the management can request assistance from relevant authorities, like commune chiefs, fisheries administrations or provincial departments of agriculture and fisheries. In addition, the supported committee can collect fishing data, document all their patrolling and record or report any IUU fishing incidents that occur within its area. They achieve this by either using paper forms or digitally with tablets or cellphones when trained accordingly.

Next, the committee must learn how to turn its development plan into a monthly action plan. This can be done following the same process as was used to establish their development plan, just for the course of one month at a time. With the help of external assistance, they can determine what they can do over the next thirty days. 

Finally, a simple monitoring and evaluation system needs to be set up. Generally, this involves monitoring the progress of the tasks listed in their action plan. This includes recording any deviations from the plan, documenting any modifications made, and keeping track of the expenses associated with each activity. The committee should meet at the end of each month to review the previous month’s work and schedule the next one. 

A regular review process helps ensure that the committee stays on track and can adjust its strategies as necessary.

Regular monitoring of progress and reviews of the committees’ tasks and objectives was a huge success factor of the already implemented committees in Cambodia.

The project approach

The implementation of these CSA practices has led to significant changes in beneficiary behavior. Minority groups have started adopting appropriate CSA technologies, engaging with local technical advisors, diversifying income sources, and exploring market opportunities. Additionally, knowledge and skills related to CSA techniques have been disseminated to the local community through project partners, including unions and institutions.

Presentation of results

Following from the six monitoring methods, six databases were also created to collect and analyse the data from these activities. The results have been written up into formal reports in English and Portuguese and shared with the national government. 

Each of the three fieldwork coordinators responsible for the data collection, processing and analysis of the data presented the results to other NGOs, the ministry of environment, Câmara Municipal Boa Vista (CMBV) (town council), Society of Tourism Development in Boa Vista and Maio (STDIBVM), Varandinha Association, Port Maritime Institute (IMP) and National Police including Maritime Police 

We are also hoping to submit the data collected during this project to be published in national scientific journals. 

Cooperation of the stakeholders.

Detailed and through databases produced by Dr Dario Cesarini with formulars for automatic calculation of indicators. 

Division of workload.

Sharing data allows for constructive feedback to be given to improve methods in the future. It also brings more meaning to the work and data colelction that was implemented over many months.

Community-Based Forest Management

This involves engaging local communities in forest management and can be effective in any region where local populations depend on forest resources. These initiatives have granted communities secure land tenure and motivated them to manage forest resources effectively. By involving locals in forest stewardship, conditions have improved, and alternative income sources such as agroforestry and eco-tourism have been developed. The programs have increased community control and accountability in forest management, resulting in healthier forests and greater community engagement. Their success is largely due to robust local institutions, favorable policies, and ongoing capacity-building. Community participation in decision-making and resource-sharing has further enhanced forest conservation and improved livelihoods.

Successful Community-Based Forest Management relies on several key enabling factors. Establishing a clear legal and policy framework is crucial to support community management of forests. Empowering local communities through training and education builds their capacity to manage forest resources effectively. Providing economic incentives and ensuring that communities benefit from sustainable forest management encourages active participation. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector can bolster community initiatives. Finally, implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems helps track progress and adapt strategies as needed. By integrating these elements, Community-Based Forest Management can promote sustainable forest management and community development in various contexts.

Empowering local communities and ensuring their active participation in forest management is crucial. When communities have a vested interest in the management and benefits of forest resources, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and protect the forest. Secondly, the establishment of clear and supportive policies and legal frameworks is essential. These frameworks provide the necessary rights and incentives for communities to manage forests sustainably, ensuring their efforts are recognized and supported. Without legal recognition and support, community initiatives can be undermined. Additionally, continuous capacity building and support are vital for the long-term success of Community-Based Forest Management. Providing training, education, and ongoing technical assistance helps communities develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage forests effectively and adapt to changing conditions. These lessons underscore the importance of community involvement, supportive governance, and ongoing capacity development in achieving sustainable forest management.

Information dissemination, communication with customers

The final product's value is created through sustainable development goals. It is essential this message is passed on to the customer through the acquisition of the product, whether it be furniture, a bracelet or ball pen. 

Spending time at the facility, participating in a class or tour gives exposure to the processes in an innovative and creative manner. The facilitators are expert at providing 

Recycling Abandoned nets

The focal point of recycling is a step by step process that transforms waste product into a reusable, valueable substance. The composition of the net is cleaned, crushed and restructured

Abandoned nets are broken down as raw material, the raw material transitions to a Recycler. The rPET is returned in pellet form

a lot of experimentation as to timing, size, application

5. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular engagement allowed for the assessment of impacts and adjustments based on feedback, ensuring the project remained aligned with community needs and goals. Monitoring strengthened relationships between implementers and beneficiaries, building trust and accountability.

 

Continuous evaluation closed the loop by integrating lessons learned back into decision-making, capacity building, and implementation, ensuring the project stayed adaptive and relevant.