NoArk's Building Blocks

The building blocks of NoArk's solution are interconnected to create a comprehensive, efficient system for conservation and environmental management. Bio-acoustic and chemical sensors collect critical ecological data, while Edge AI processing ensures rapid, on-site analysis, enabling immediate detection and response. These components are supported by LoRaWAN connectivity, which facilitates reliable, long-range communication in remote areas. The processed data is centralized on the PAMS dashboard, where it is visualized and analyzed for actionable insights, fostering better decision-making.

This system is strengthened by hyperlocal climate data, which enhances precision in risk assessments and planning. Finally, community and stakeholder engagement ensures the data and tools are effectively utilized, promoting collaboration and adaptability. Together, these elements form an integrated solution that empowers conservation efforts, addresses ecological threats, and supports sustainable development.

The purpose of the building blocks in NoArk’s solution is to create an integrated and scalable system for addressing ecological, social, and economic challenges. Each building block plays a unique role and works in harmony with the others to deliver impactful outcomes.

How Each Building Block Works  

1. Bio-Acoustic and Chemical Sensors
  - Purpose: To monitor ecological and environmental health.  
  - How it Works: These sensors detect specific sounds (chainsaws, wildlife movement) and measure air and water quality, providing real-time data on biodiversity and pollution levels.  

2. Edge AI and IoT Integration
  - Purpose: To process data locally for faster decision-making.  
  - How it Works: Edge AI analyzes data directly on the devices, reducing reliance on cloud processing. IoT connectivity ensures data is transmitted securely and efficiently.  

3. LoraWAN Connectivity
  - Purpose: To enable cost-efficient, long-range communication.  
  - How it Works: LoraWAN ensures sensor data is transmitted over long distances with minimal power consumption, making it suitable for remote deployment.  

4. PAMS Dashboard
  - Purpose: To centralize and visualize data for actionable insights.  
  - How it Works: The dashboard aggregates data from all devices, providing tools for predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and decision support.  

5. Hyperlocal Climate Data
  - Purpose: To support precise, localized interventions.  
  - How it Works: Sensors generate accurate, auditable data that informs risk assessments, conservation planning, and disaster management.  

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
  - Purpose: To ensure effective implementation and adoption of the system.  
  - How it Works: Partnerships with local communities, researchers, and decision-makers foster collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term sustainability.

Enabling Factors


- Technological Infrastructure: Reliable sensors, robust AI, and IoT technologies enable seamless data collection and processing.  
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Engagement with local communities, governments, and research organizations ensures the system is tailored to specific needs.  
- Scalability: LoraWAN and modular design allow deployment in diverse ecosystems and scaling to larger projects.  
- Sustainability: The system’s low power requirements and stakeholder involvement ensure long-term functionality and impact.  

These enabling factors ensure the building blocks work cohesively to deliver a holistic, impactful solution for conservation and environmental management.

Conditions Important for Success  

1. Reliable Technological Infrastructure  
  - High-quality sensors, robust Edge AI, and IoT systems are essential for accurate and timely data collection and processing.  

2. Strong Connectivity
  - LoraWAN or similar long-range, low-power communication systems are critical to ensure seamless data transmission in remote or challenging environments.  

3. Stakeholder Engagement  
  - Collaboration with local communities, governments, and researchers ensures the solution is contextually relevant, widely accepted, and effectively implemented.  

4. Scalability and Modularity
  - Designing systems that can scale and adapt to various ecosystems and environmental challenges is key to broader impact and replication.  

5. Sustainability Planning  
  - Developing low-power solutions, clear funding strategies, and community-driven maintenance plans ensures long-term functionality.  

6. Capacity Building
  - Training stakeholders, including local communities and enforcement agencies, to utilize and interpret the system’s data enhances the effectiveness of the solution.  

Lessons Learned

1. Adaptability is Critical
  - Each deployment requires customization to address local ecological, social, and economic conditions effectively.  

2. Community Involvement Drives Success
  - Engaging local stakeholders early fosters ownership, increases trust, and enhances adoption.  

3. Robust Data Systems Improve Decision-Making
  - Providing accurate, auditable, and traceable data builds credibility with decision-makers and supports informed interventions.  

4. Connectivity Challenges Must Be Addressed
  - Remote deployments need reliable communication systems like LoraWAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow.  

5. Integration of Multi-Sensor Inputs Enhances Impact
  - Combining bio-acoustic and chemical sensors with climate data creates a comprehensive understanding of ecological challenges, enabling holistic solutions.  

6. Continuous Feedback Loops Improve Performance  
  - Iterative updates based on field experience and stakeholder feedback optimize system performance and impact.  

By meeting these conditions and applying lessons learned, NoArk’s solution ensures effective implementation and significant positive outcomes for conservation and environmental management.

Planning phase
Inception phase
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subnational
PAMS Dashboard
Building Block 3. Community Engagement and Capacity Building
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Lime mortar
Mercy Mbogelah
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Stairs
Mercy Mbogelah
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Mangrove Plantation
Mercy Mbogelah

In the third Building Block, there was emphasis on the training the local community through capacity-building initiatives that involved locals in restoration work using traditional and local materials, fostering community ownership and long-term sustainability. This included support from UNESCO Climate Change Champions who provided external expertise and support while empowering local stakeholders.

The enabling factors for this approach include support from experts in local knowledge who use lime for building; collaboration with local (local communities), national (government) and international (UNESCO) partners and stakeholders; and access to local materials and funding for training ensured that community members had the necessary resources to participate actively in the restoration efforts.

This approach not only empowered the community but also provided benefits to various groups, including women. The concept can be expanded to the wider community, encompassing fishermen and schoolchildren, who can also acquire valuable skills and knowledge in heritage preservation.

Documentation and dissemination of results
Review phase
National
Action research on impact on mangroves and human well-being

In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, and Kenyatta University, a research study was initiated to quantify the impact of ICS on pollution reduction, health outcomes, and deforestation. The study aims to assess social implications related to health and savings, evaluate the contribution of efficient stoves to mangrove conservation, analyse the role of fuelwood in carbon emissions at both county and national levels, and provide actionable recommendations for short- and mid-term strategies at national and local levels.

Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subnational
District Pasture Commission-platform for involving stakeholders to discuss pasture issues
Discussion of pasture problems by the District Pasture Commission with the involvement of stakeholders
District Pasture Commission with the involvement of stakeholders
CAMP Alatoo

In the framework of the project, in terms of achieving sustainable management of forest pastures, a District Pasture Commission (DPC) was established to discuss and make necessary decisions at the level of the administrative territory of Bazar-Korgon district. The Commission consists of directors of forestry services, heads of pasture committees, representatives of the district state administration, district department of agrarian development, and members of the district association of pasture committees.

The main task of the committee is to regulate the sustainable management of pasture resources at the level of one district. 

Meetings of the District Pasture Commission(DPC) are held as needed, but at least three times a year.

In the meetings of the District Pasture Commission at the district level, there are discussed urgent issues on pasture use, interaction between forest services, pasture committees and rural municipalities.

Decisions of the district pasture commission are recorded in the protocols and are required for all members of the commission.

Since the existence of the district pasture commission, many issues were discussed and decisions were made. The agenda of the DPC meeting mainly includes such pressing issues on pastures as:

The main issues of discussion at the DPC were the following:

  • Information on pasture capacity and grazing rates
  • Access to new pastures
  • Timing of moving cattle to SLF pastures
  • DPC's contribution to infrastructure development
  • Provision of information on pasture users by pasture committees
  • Allocation of pastures within forestry farms
  • Procedures for issuing pasture tickets
  • Collection and payment for pasture use
  • Control of animal diseases
  • Organization of resting places for livestock when moving to pastures
  • Review of the implementation of the tasks to identify problems

All decisions of the District Pasture Commission are accompanied by relevant orders from the District State Administration, which gives the activities legal status and efficiency in the implementation of the decisions. 

Formally, the legal status of commission decisions is that of a ‘recommendation’, but the District Administration can issue an order to implement the DPC decisions, and that order is legally binding. The DPC therefore plays a consultative role, involving diverse stakeholders to (a) facilitate the flow of information among stakeholders, (b) represent stakeholders’ interests in consultations on the allocation of grazing rights to different communities and on pasture management plans, (c) generate consensus on allocation of grazing rights and pasture management plans, (d) resolve disputes, and (e) enable stakeholders to have oversight of the management of SFF pasture resources by the FMUs and PCs.

The District pasture commission also has limitations. First and foremost, the commission cannot significantly reduce demand for pastures in the forest areas. This is because livestock numbers and increases in livestock overall are driven by economic factors that cannot be addressed by the DPC, and there is limited opportunity to increase the supply of pastures. 

At national level, there is agreement that the DPC should be effective in conflict management, demonstrate ability to make and implement decisions, and have added value in comparison to existing institutions or mechanisms. Based on the expectations of national partners for the DPC, as well as feedback from the local stakeholders, the commission has added value because:

(1) The DPC is able to convene multiple stakeholders to coordinate, negotiate, generate consensus and make decisions, whereas no other actor has the same convening power;

(2) The decisions of the DPC and orders of the district administration are mandatory for all actors to implement on district level;

(3) The DPC is able to make decisions on numerous aspects of the annual grazing cycle that require coordinated action among stakeholders. 

Planning phase
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subnational
National
Testing the environmental education manual

The schools in the pilot area of Jalal-Abad oblast tested the preliminary version of the environmental education manual. During the testing the quality of material presentation, the capacity of teachers and pupils to understand and absorb the new information was identified.

In addition to informational and educational content, project specialists from “CAMP Alatoo” PF and “Lesik Ug” association practiced practical exercises together with pupils in 6 schools. High school students performed tasks to understand different processes, such as climate change, as well as the functions of ecosystems and natural resources specific to Kyrgyzstan.

After the pilot testing, adjustments and modifications were made to the manual as exercises, at the same time the teaching methodology of the teaching material was studied.

  • Assistance from the district education center.
  • Provision of free TOT facilities.
  • Support for teachers and their willingness to learn ESD

testing of the learning materials with the targeted audience is highly important

Implementation
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subnational
ESD Manual offers Biology and Geography teachers additional teaching methods adapted to Kyrgyzystan that are in sync with the curricula

Modern teaching methods and materials are often adapted to a European context and setting, making it hard to impossible to integrate them into a system that works differently. The ESD Manual offers Biology and Geography teachers additional teaching methods adapted to Kyrgyzystan that are in sync with the curricula. Teachers can use more interesting material to enhance their classes. Education is the basis towards a healthier planet, only by knowing how to act more sustainably, behavior can be adapted. 

The educational standards and the curriculum are showing access points for ESD, but they are not reflected in the school-books, because they are outdated.

Another weak link exists between the educational standards and the school curriculum on the one hand and the implementation through the teachers training institutions on the other hand.

  • Integration of sustainable development and ESD approaches and principles in Kyrgyzstan is experiencing some difficulties due to low interest of the Ministry of Education. Today, most of the teaching staff is ready for this work, as evidenced by the results of numerous trainings conducted by the NGO "CAMP Alatoo".
  • Low interest and capacity of specialists of educational institutions in the development of ESD standards and programmes;
  • Lack of optimization of pedagogical workload (a teacher with a high workload is not able to prepare for classes and improve his/her professional skills).
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subnational
National
https://camp.kg/uploads/default/publications/MANUAL_RU_Oct_2021_3_wc_3_(1).pdf
5. Adaptive Pathway Plan
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Scenario visualisation
Kassandra Srl
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Scenario visualisation
Kassandra Srl

An Adaptive Pathway Plan is a strategic framework designed to enhance resilience and adapt to long-term changes, particularly in the context of climate change. It involves identifying adaptation challenges and evaluating the effectiveness of various interventions over time. The key components include:

  • Pathways Mapping: The plan illustrates sequences of measures or investments to achieve defined objectives, allowing for adjustments as conditions change.
  • Thresholds and Tipping Points: The approach uses indicators to signal when a change in strategy is needed, ensuring flexibility in decision-making.
  • Removal of Uncertainty: The uncertainty with using climate risk prediction models for decision making has led us to use Resilience instead, therefore removing uncertainty from the decision-making process.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involvement of diverse stakeholders ensures that the pathways are context-sensitive and reflect local needs.

Key enabling factors include:

  • Flexibility: The plan must adapt to changing conditions and uncertainties, allowing timely adjustments as new information arises.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures the plan addresses various needs, fostering broader support.
  • Clear Triggers: Establishing specific signposts for when to adjust strategies enhances decision-making and responsiveness.
  • Integrated Approach: Aligning the plan with existing policies creates a cohesive strategy that is easier to implement.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous evaluation of the plan's effectiveness is crucial for informed adjustments and long-term success.

Key lessons learned include:

  • Contextual Adaptation: Tailoring the analysis to specific contexts and needs enhances effectiveness and addresses complexity.
  • Visualization Tools: Diverse visual representations, like metro maps and decision trees, improve understanding and communication of pathways.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving multiple actors is crucial for addressing varied values and objectives, requiring robust governance structures to support ongoing monitoring.
  • Shared Experiences: Documenting and sharing experiences can facilitate wider adoption and application of adaptive pathways in practice.
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Review phase
Local
Subnational
Multi-national
Conception of one action plan with the Regional Directorate of Fisheries and Blue Economy (DRPEB) of Diana

In close collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Fishing and the Blue Economy of Diana, with whom we developed an action plan for the implementation of all the activity, mutually approved and signed.

It is always necessary to establish synergy with the partners concerned in order to be able to implement the planned activities effectively and efficiently.

Planning phase
Inception phase
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Entirety
Local
Capacity Development: Knowledge Products and Information, Education & Communication material
Women learning with SAFAL material
Women learning with the help of SAFAL Knowledge Products and IEC material
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Men learning with SAFAL material
Aquaculture farmer capacity building in Odisha
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Man measuring Fish weight
Measuring Fish Weight in Odisha
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd

When SAFAL started reaching out to aquaculture farmers in 2021,  two of the key aspects to enhancing the availability of fish and income through sustainable aquaculture became apparent: the gap on technical knowledge and financial literacy on aquaculture operations and the difficulty of accessing financial support through existing schemes. 

For farmers, harnessing the potential for expansion of their practises required acquiring new technical skills, proper planning as well as investments into their operations. SAFAL set up an inclusive community-based training cascade (see building block: CRP model) which required the development of quality course materials, tailored to the local requirements. Under consideration of reviewing and harmonizing existing material, new state of the art training materials and best practices for sustainable aquaculture were co-created in a participatory manner among scientists, government officials, experts in sustainable aquaculture practices, aquaculture operators and SAFAL technical staff.

The knowledge products and IEC material created under SAFAL are integrated with each other and can be used individually or collectively. While they follow a session schedule covering the whole training cascade and cultivation sesason, learners can also utilize them individually by choosing seasonally applicably chapters or topics of their interest. 

The KPs and IEC material are distributed through the CRP-to-Farmer training (see building block: CRP model) they are also placed in CICs and SCs (see building block: Agroecological Kiosks).  

  1. Holistic Skill Development: Comprehensive, practical guides cover all aspects of sustainable aquaculture, equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge for the entire season.
  2. Integrated Learning: Training materials combine technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects, promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to aquaculture.
  3. Seasonal Flexibility: Modular and adaptable materials allow farmers to learn and apply relevant lessons at any stage, supporting continuous improvement.
  4. Local Adaptation: Culturally relevant content and local examples ensure greater acceptance and practical application of sustainable practices.
  5. Gender Sensitivity: Gender-inclusive materials and role models encourage broader participation and empower women in aquaculture.
  • Enhanced Technical Skills: Farmers gained essential technical knowledge and financial literacy, improving their aquaculture practices and profitability.
  • Practical Implementation: Real-time, step-by-step guidance helped farmers apply sustainable practices effectively, boosting confidence and problem-solving abilities.
  • Cultural Relevance: Customized, locally adapted training materials made it easier for farmers to adopt new practices.
  • Gender Inclusivity: The gender-sensitive approach promoted equal opportunities, empowering more women to participate in aquaculture
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Capacity Development & Extension Service: Community Resource Person Model
Women sitting together supporting each other in learning on aquaculutre practices
Women Self-Help Group Meeting in Assam
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Man working on pond
Pond netting in Odisha
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Women Aquaculture Farmer harvesting fish
Fish Harvest in Assam
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd

The Community Resource Person (CRP) model in India is a community-driven approach to development and empowerment, particularly in rural areas. It involves identifying and training individuals from local communities to act as extension service providers, advisers, and mobilizers to address various socio-economic challenges and promote sustainable development. 

Under the SAFAL project more than 140+ CRP trainers (Train the Trainer, ToT) and 500+ CRPs and have been trained between 2021 and 2023 in Assam and Odisha. CRPs themselves are aquaculture farmer belonging to the local farmer institutions who are supporting up to 25 farmers. Up to now, CRPs are providing trainings and extension and advisory services to more than 7.000 farmers in rural areas on sustainable aquaculture practices to their communities. 

The selection process of CRPs involves several step starting from registration, selection among co-created criteria as well as following recommendations from farmer institutions such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help-Groups (SHGs) followed by an intensive capacity building course. 

The training, likewise, for CRPs and CRP-to-farmers, are conducted in tailored sessions conducted with the help of Knowledge Products (KPs) and Information, Education & Communication (IEC) material, such as the Farmer’s Handbook, a Training Manual for Trainers, the Farm Record Book and various training material. Those were co-created among scientists, government officials, experts in sustainable aquaculture practices, aquaculture operators and SAFAL technical to fit the exact needs of the local farmers. 

The training cascade contains basic and advanced modules using the didactic methodology for easy adoption of adult learning. The program consists of 30 per cent classroom and 70 per cent hands-on training as well as exposure visits to state-of-the arts hatcheries and research and educational institutions within different states. Making it accessible and inclusive to farmers all over, it is translated into local languages and designed in a way that it can be held in remote and rural areas using flipbooks, posters, and pamphlets to teach without access to electronics. 

CRPs are based within their farmer institutions (FPOs, FPCs, SHGs) and are motivated by social, environmental, and financial incentives, including selling goods and services, and facilitating access to finance.

Through this self-financed CRP model, thousands of small-scale farmers are empowered with knowledge and resources. This ground-level approach boosts yields within planetary boundaries while ensuring nutrition and food security.

You can find more information about the training materials (knowledge products and Information, Education & Communication material) and download them in the building block: Knowledge Products and Information, Education & Communication Material. 

  1. Tailored Training: Offering training sessions tailored to the needs and capacities of small-scale farmers, with a focus on practical knowledge and skills relevant to their specific contexts.
  2. Multiplier Effect: Employing a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach to multiply the impact of training efforts, enabling CRPs to train and support a larger number of farmers.
  3. Effective Extension Services: Utilizing a network of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) who act as extension workers, delivering training, knowledge, and support directly to farmers in their local areas.
  4. Participatory Approach: Involving farmers directly in the learning process, allowing for a bottom-up approach that considers their perspectives, challenges, and needs.
  5. Financial Incentives: Motivating CRPs through a combination of financial incentives, such as selling fingerlings, retail opportunities of farming equipment, as well as non-financial incentives like recognition and social impact.
  6. Access to Finance: Supporting farmers in accessing finance through guidance and facilitation e.g., through record keeping, to relevant financial institutions and government schemes.
  7. Government Support and Alignment: Aligning with government priorities and policies, and demonstrating the effectiveness of these models to policymakers, which can lead to increased support, funding, and scalability.

Additionally: 

  1. Quality Course Materials: Providing high-quality course materials co-created among local stakeholder and experts, ensuring the content is accurate, relevant, and accessible to farmers.
  2. Local Context Sensitivity: Designing training models and materials that are sensitive to the local context, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors.
  1. Customization is Key: Tailoring training sessions and materials to the specific needs, challenges, and contexts of small-scale farmers enhances relevance and effectiveness.
  2. Empowerment through Education: Providing farmers with training material to gain practical knowledge and skills empowers them to make informed decisions, improve their practices, and enhance their livelihoods.
  3. Local Ownership and Engagement: Involving farmers directly in the learning process fosters ownership, buy-in, and sustainability of interventions.
  4. Importance of Extension Services: Utilizing a network of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) as extension workers effectively delivers training and support at the grassroots level.
  5. Selection of Multipliers: Optimizing capacity-building efforts to maximize knowledge retention requires a strategic approach in the selection of promising CRPs among the community. 
  6. Financial Incentives Drive Engagement: Offering financial incentives, such as income opportunities, motivates CRPs and encourages their active participation and commitment.
  7. Collaboration Amplifies Impact: Collaborating with Farmer Institutions, SHGs, and other stakeholders enables aggregation of resources, knowledge-sharing, and amplification of impact.
  8. Access to Finance is Critical: Facilitating access to finance empowers farmers to invest in their businesses, adopt new practices, and improve productivity and profitability.
  9. Local Context Matters: Sensitivity to the local context, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors, is essential for the relevance and success of interventions.
  10. Training of Trainers Multiplies Impact: Leveraging a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach enables the multiplication of training efforts, reaching a larger number of farmers and communities.
  11. Alignment with Government Priorities: Aligning with government priorities and policies can facilitate support, funding, and scalability of interventions, making them more sustainable and impactful in the long run.
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
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