The crowdfunding campaign is based on multi-stakeholder partnerships, which have enabled its effective design and helped target those most in need.

UNDP BIOFIN supported the conceptualization, development, and implementation of the campaign, in addition to engaging in technical and political dialogues and conducting presentations with potential donors. FUNBAM hosts the operations of the campaign within its structure. Other co-creation partners are the MINAE, responsible for issuing environmental licenses, and FONAFIFO. By leveraging this pool of diverse capacities, the campaign has been effectively designed, successfully attracted donors, and able to operate on Costa Rican public lands. 

When it comes to implementation, it was identified that women, especially those heading households, were particularly affected by COVID-19. Therefore, the distribution of funds collected through the campaign is built on strong local community and gender-based principles. Green jobs for planting and maintenance activities are currently provided through collaborations with 17 implementing partners, nine of which are women-led local organizations.

Throughout the case study process, researchers received valuable ideas and inspiration from a small advisory board. Its members were initially interviewed as environmental education experts and later invited to join the stakeholder board on a voluntary basis. One of the highlights was that the school garden coordinator teacher also became a member of this board, so we had regular input about the hands-on experience with school gardens and outdoor learning spaces. We met with the board twice every year – mostly in person, though occasionally online. During these meetings, we shared our current research findings and sought their advice on the future direction of the project. They also took part in workshops, contributing to the broader success of the PLANET4B project.

The establishment of the school garden and outdoor green learning spaces played a key role in transforming the school’s previously unused green area. A key prerequisite for this was having access to a green space next to the school. What was once a plain schoolyard has been revitalised with plantings and other biodiversity-enhancing tools and measures, like bee pastures and an insect hotel. There was also available green space to allow lessons to be held outdoors.

To achieve the aims of the project, funding was secured through two Horizon Europe research calls, in the form of projects PLANET4B and InSPIRES. Although some parts can be done on a voluntary basis, according to the experts and teachers, some source of funding is essential to support the school and the researchers. Funding can also be used to invest in nature-based solutions, such as insect hotels, to support local biodiversity. Spending money on complementary activities, like the participatory theatre or the photovoice study and related photo exhibition, can further strengthen engagement and environmental stewardship.

The transition from scattered planting by individual villagers to the establishment of a large-scale industry spanning approximately 500 mu (about 33.33 hectares).

Cycad Yam was introduced to Geliping Village, located just outside the reserve's red line. The Protection Center provided germplasm resources and technical support, guiding local villagers in standardized breeding and sustainable planting practices.

Integrated and upgraded plant archives, video surveillance, environmental monitoring, data visualization, and patrol monitoring management systems into the “Smart Cycad Integrated Information Management Platform”, creating an intelligent and informatized management system comprising “one set of archives, three platforms, and five systems”.

(1) Established an automated drone hangar and a comprehensive 3D high-definition model sandbox to facilitate aerial patrol monitoring; (2) Installed 17 field video surveillance points, 2 forest fire prevention radars, 1 meteorological station, and 28 dynamic field infrared camera monitoring points; (3) Developed the Smart Nature Patrol app; (4) Created electronic ID cards for nearly 80,000 Cycas panzhihuaensis and Firmiana major specimens in the science popularization area.

This module aims to address the lack of a scientific basis for the conservation of Firmiana major, which stems from an unclear understanding of its population genetic structure. Its methodology integrates molecular systematics and landscape genetics through the following key steps: (1) Sample collection: gathering 398 wild samples from 14 distribution sites across Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, while recording GPS coordinates and habitat information; (2) Molecular experiments: extracting DNA, designing primers for polymorphic loci, and assessing genetic diversity indicators; (3) Data analysis: delineating conservation management units (MUs) using landscape genetics parameters; and (4) Application: guiding the selection of mother trees for artificial propagation and identifying priority areas for in situ conservation. The results of this module were published in the international journal Forest Ecology and Management, providing scientific support for targeted conservation efforts.

This module focuses on habitat optimization to sustain wild populations and enhance their natural regeneration capacity. Key measures include: 1) Habitat cleaning—removing invasive vines and competitive species to reduce shading; 2) Targeted fertilization—applying fertilizers based on soil test results; 3) Grazing control—establishing enclosures and guiding herders to avoid seedling areas to prevent goat browsing; and 4) Stimulating sprouting through controlled, low-intensity burning—adult trees can produce 4 to 10 sprouts during the rainy season after burning, thereby maintaining population continuity. Monitoring indicates that habitats where vines have been removed show a 20% increase in seed set.