Pilot testing of the training materials is an important step in refining and improving the content based on real-world feedback from various stakeholders, especially trainees and trainers. This process is enhanced through practical methods such as field visits and demonstrations, during which trainers showcase specific techniques. Trainees are then encouraged to apply these methods in real-life scenarios, allowing trainers to assess the applicability and relevance of the training content.

Through test training sessions, necessary adjustments and challenges can be identified—supplemented by anecdotal insights and direct feedback from farmers. This iterative approach ensures that the materials remain practical and relevant to local conditions, incorporate new knowledge, and adapt to changing environmental and market dynamics.

The Cooperative provides loans among members to support new income-generating ideas and emergency needs. This internal support system fosters solidarity and economic innovation within the community.

Support from USAID’s PERFORM project helped scale up the partnership between KHP and the Cooperative. The funding strengthened the business model and increased long-term sustainability and impact.

Farmers prune their trees and sell the leaf biomass to KHP for essential oil extraction, creating a sustainable and regular income stream. This reduces the need for environmentally harmful activities like illegal charcoal burning.

Kawandama Hills partnered with local farmers to plant Corymbia citriodora trees on their own farmland, encouraging sustainable land use and reforestation. This model protects the environment while giving communities ownership of the process.

 Featuring black bear science education as an exhibition zone in the Hubei (Wuling Mountains) Wildlife Specimen Museum, externally promoting and popularizing species knowledge and project achievements. Nature educators organized public museum tours, conducted wildlife rescue activities, science lectures, etc., with annual public reception exceeding 35,000 person-times. By displaying spectacular black bear footage captured by the project, publishing science articles, and streaming real-time videos, visitors observed bears without disturbance. In recent years, illicit excavation, deforestation, and poaching have nearly vanished. Local residents now fully recognize the species’ importance; diverse educational approaches fostered comprehensive multidimensional understanding of Asian black bears, acknowledging them as part of the reserve community while avoiding intrusion into bear habitats.

Thoughout the whole process, launch clean energy awareness campaigns, produce educational materials, and promote synergies with focus on sustainable businesses to support Community Scouts and enhance community wellbeing.

Coordinate joint patrols between Community Scouts and relevant departments (DNPW/DF) to monitor and safeguard the forest consistently.

Support communities to identify and organize volunteers committed to protecting the forest and catchment areas. Close collaboration with local authorities and local governmental structures such as the Department of National Parks and Wildlife or Department of Forestry (DNPW/DF).

Assess how many GVHs are located in the critical areas. Visit the local authorities to listen to their needs, concerns, and ideas for sustainable livelihoods linked to forest conservation.