Open-Source Application for Species Monitoring

This building block democratizes access to cutting-edge technology, enabling scalable and cost-effective wildlife monitoring. Users can upload images or videos, and the application automatically detects and classifies species, providing actionable insights for decision-making.

  • A simple and intuitive user interface to ensure accessibility for non-technical users.
  • Documentation and training resources for users to understand and effectively utilize the application.
  • Community feedback to continually enhance the tool’s usability and features.
  • Usability is key; overly complex interfaces deter users.
  • Offering technical support and clear documentation ensures broader adoption.
  • Integration challenges included aligning the AI model’s output with user-friendly visualization tools; iterative testing was essential to resolve this.
Experimental courtyard renovation

In terms of overall architectural appearance, the courtyard enclosed layout is retained, with a focus on creating courtyard space. The building color is mainly green and gray, inheriting traditional charm. At the same time, simplify the complex decoration of traditional architecture and use modern and simple lines.
The main structure of the building continues the traditional wooden structure form and adopts mortise and tenon technology to ensure the integrity of the structure. Using rough stones and strip stones as the foundation, effective moisture-proof and anti-corrosion measures are achieved to ensure the durability and applicability of the building. In terms of materials, in addition to traditional wood and bricks, new materials such as metal and glass are also combined to enhance living comfort and quality. Color matching adds flexibility to traditional colors, creating a warm and fashionable atmosphere. The internal space layout is more in line with modern living needs, with open living rooms, dining rooms, etc., combining traditional artistic conception with modern functions.

3. Perspectiva indígena sobre la naturaleza

La visión indígena de la naturaleza como un legado prestado de las generaciones futuras fomenta la sostenibilidad y el respeto por los recursos naturales.

2. Ceremonias y rituales tradicionales

La participación en ceremonias como las ofrendas a las deidades de montaña (hirkas) antes de los trabajos de mantenimiento ayuda a mantener el equilibrio cultural y ecológico de la región.

Según los comuneros, algunos elementos naturales (piedras, agua, tierra, troncos) que son materia prima para la arquitectura tradicional, tienen comportamientos no convencionales ante ciertas condiciones temporales o estacionales. Por ejemplo, el uso del agua en la elaboración de estructuras se encontraría vinculada con las fases de la luna: se asegura una mayor resistencia y proceso de compactación en la elaboración de la tapia o tapial durante la fase de luna llena. En esta esfera de aprendizaje recíproco con el medio natural, se establece también una relación con entidades hieráticas o espirituales que son parte o habitan en estos medios, de allí la necesidad de desarrollar diversos rituales conmemorativos para mantener el orden y la armonía con la naturaleza, los cuales forman parte de un amplio repertorio simbólico.

1. Labor Comunal Indigena

Las comunidades locales, incluyendo ancianos, mujeres y niños, son actores clave en la gestión y mantenimiento de los caminos incaicos, lo que fortalece la cohesión social y preserva conocimientos ancestrales, como los sistemas de drenaje y la predicción del clima.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Several tools are used to monitor the sustainability and effectiveness of the trainings in the work of all training courses, as well as the effectiveness of the trainers during the training, regardless of the target group or the institution for which it is provided. Both participants and trainers are evaluated during the training. In addition, basic data needs to be collected from the list of participants.

Two methods are used to monitor the participants' opinions: a short daily evaluation at the end of each day of the training and a final written evaluation at the end of each course.

Each training is coached by CAMP Alatoo experts and at the end of all trainings the participants exchange feedback, where they share their impressions and suggestions for improving their coaching skills. And also, to improve the presentation of the material.

Four years project duration enabled the team to invest two years for institutionalization and mainstreaming of the developed ESD manual and thus achieve high impact figures and broad coverage 

A regular ESD unit is required to ensure quality control, provide coaching and capacity building trainings for ready ESD trainers and new ones

4. Predictive Scenarios

Kassandra is a predictive system, and it does so by creating ‘scenarios’ in which key parameters are altered individually or collectively and the variation of the Resilience Index is calculated. This is done iteratively until an optimum level is reached.

In addition, the scenarios can be of two types, passive and active. Passive scenarios are those where parameters external to the system are altered, for instance climatic data, whilst active scenarios simulate actual adaptations or management strategies, such as extensive tree planting.

The scenarios are not a forecast but plausible alternative images of how the future can unfold, or, as defined by the IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Key conditions include:

  • Flexible Parameter Adjustment: The ability to easily alter key parameters, both individually and collectively, is crucial for exploring various scenarios and their impacts on the Resilience Index.
  • Comprehensive Scenario Planning: Implementing a structured approach to scenario planning helps ensure that all relevant variables are considered in the analysis.
  • Real-Time Data Integration: Incorporating real-time data feeds allows for dynamic scenario adjustments, improving the relevance and accuracy of predictions.
  • Stakeholder Input: Involving stakeholders in defining scenarios ensures that they reflect real-world concerns and priorities, enhancing buy-in and applicability.
  • Importance of Accurate Models: Initial models that lacked precision led to unreliable scenario outcomes. Ensuring data models are validated and refined improves prediction quality.
  • Parameter Interdependencies: Altering parameters individually sometimes yielded unrealistic results. Recognizing and accounting for interdependencies among parameters enhances scenario realism.
  • Iterative Testing: Conducting iterative tests of scenarios helped identify flaws and areas for improvement. Early iterations often revealed unforeseen implications of parameter changes.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Gathering input from stakeholders in defining scenarios was crucial. Scenarios that did not align with community concerns faced challenges in acceptance and implementation.
  • Clear Communication: Presenting scenario results clearly and visually improved understanding among stakeholders. Complex data without clear visualizations often led to confusion and misinterpretation.
3. Current Resilience Identification

In this stage Kassandra undertakes an analysis of resilience for all the entities within the Digital Twin based on twelve main Kassandra Parameters, hundreds of sub-parameters and thousands of relationships between these parameters. This highlights immediately areas where resilience might be lower and that might require urgent action.

For the successful implementation of Current Resilience Identification using Kassandra, key conditions include:

  • Comprehensive Data Collection: Gathering extensive data on the twelve main Kassandra Parameters and their sub-parameters is essential for accurate resilience analysis.
  • Robust Analytical Framework: Developing a strong analytical framework to process and interpret the complex relationships between parameters is critical for meaningful insights.
  • Integration of Diverse Data Sources: Ensuring the integration of varied data sources enhances the breadth and accuracy of the resilience assessment.

The key lessons learned during the implementation of Current Resilience Identification using Kassandra are:

  • Iterative Analysis: Initial analyses often uncovered unexpected relationships or gaps in understanding. Iterative approaches allowed for refinement and enhanced accuracy in identifying resilience factors.
  • Visualizations Aid Understanding: Effective visual representations of data relationships significantly improved stakeholder comprehension and engagement in the analysis process.
2. Digital Twin Creation

Kassandra creates or builds upon a Digital Twin of the asset to be studied that uses analysis and simulation tools to take a long-term and whole-system view of an environment.

For the successful implementation of Digital Twin Creation using Kassandra, key conditions include:

  • High-Quality Data: Accurate real-time data from various sources is essential for a reliable Digital Twin.
  • Robust Integration: Seamless integration with existing systems ensures comprehensive environmental views.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging experts from diverse fields facilitates holistic modelling.
  • User Accessibility: A user-friendly platform encourages stakeholder engagement.
  • Scalability: The framework should be adaptable to future data sources and analytical needs.
  • Continuous Validation: Regularly updating the Digital Twin ensures its accuracy over time.

To avoid common pitfalls, we have found that there is a need to prioritize data quality, adopt flexible development practices, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Data Quality Matters: Ensuring high-quality, accurate data is critical. Inaccurate data inputs led to misleading simulations, undermining trust in the Digital Twin.
  • Iterative Development: Adopting an agile approach allowed for iterative improvements based on user feedback. Initial rigid processes led to missed opportunities for optimization.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with experts from various fields enriched the modelling process. Attempts to work in silos often led to incomplete or unrealistic simulations.
  • Scalability Planning: Planning for scalability from the start ensured the Digital Twin could adapt to growing data and user demands without major redesigns.
  • Regular Validation: Establishing mechanisms for continuous validation helped maintain the Digital Twin’s relevance and accuracy.
Project Impact Evaluation and Learning

The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the project is an ongoing process within Tsavo Trust (TT), with a dedicated M&E officer responsible for conducting these activities. The M&E officer collects data on various metrics such as crop harvest yields, reduction in human-elephant conflict (HEC), and other relevant ecological, social, and economic indicators to measure the project's impact. This systematic approach enables continuous assessment of the project’s effectiveness, identification of areas for improvement, and adaptation for long-term success. Data is regularly analyzed and incorporated into future planning and implementation to ensure the project's sustainability and alignment with its objectives.

  • Data Collection Systems:
    Robust systems for collecting quantitative and qualitative data were established, enabling effective tracking of ecological, social, and economic indicators. These systems ensured accurate and comprehensive monitoring of project outcomes, providing critical insights into both intended and unintended impacts.
  • Baseline and Follow-Up Surveys:
    Baseline surveys were conducted before project implementation, with follow-up surveys scheduled at regular intervals. These surveys measured changes and impacts over time, allowing the project to assess progress and effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
  • Community Feedback Mechanisms:
    Community members shared their experiences and provided feedback on the project through monthly meetings, ensuring their perspectives were heard and considered in future project adjustments. This strengthened local ownership and trust while promoting continued community engagement.
  • Continuous Learning Workshops:
    Regular workshops were organized to review evaluation findings, share lessons learned, and discuss strategies for improvement. Tsavo Trust updated stakeholders on the 10% Fence Plan (10%FP) during quarterly Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) workshops, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This ensured that project teams and stakeholders could respond to new challenges and opportunities as they arose.
  • Continuous Evaluation Drives Improvement:
    Regular and systematic evaluation was essential in understanding the project's real impact. This enabled informed decision-making, allowing the project to remain responsive and relevant over time.
  • Community Feedback is Key to Success:
    Community members' insights and feedback provided practical, on-the-ground perspectives that led to meaningful improvements. Involving the community in the evaluation process built stronger relationships and increased local support for the project.
  • Partnerships Add Value:
    Collaborations with relevant stakeholders added significant value to the evaluation process by offering a more in-depth analysis and enhancing the credibility of results. These partnerships allowed for more rigorous assessments and a better understanding of long-term impacts.
  • A Culture of Learning Enhances Sustainability:
    The project’s emphasis on continuous learning through workshops and feedback mechanisms ensured its long-term success. This adaptive approach enabled the project to evolve, stay effective, and achieve sustainability by incorporating lessons from both successes and challenges.