By their nature, small-scale fisheries tend to have limited, poorly systematized data and short time scales. This scarcity of information represents a challenge for understanding, for example, the interaction of fishing gear with the ecosystem and its impact on the habitat; such information is fundamental in the implementation of a fishery improvement project. Around the world, different methodologies have been developed to generate information on the impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem; one of them is modeling based on the Ecopath program with Ecosim.
The civil organization COBI used this tool including information generated by fishermen and fisherwomen of our community (Punta Allen) through fishing logs, as well as biological and ecological information for the species that inhabit the fishing zones. In addition, to strengthen the model, the traditional ecological knowledge of our community was integrated through the application of interviews, from which relevant information was obtained about the diet of the species, their geographic distribution, reproductive season, etc.

It has been recognized that collective efforts and/or well-organized groups with a common vision and aligned objectives achieve greater benefits. This same principle has been used to promote sustainability in fisheries, adding multisectoral participation as a central axis; thus having a group integrated by various sectors of the region working together to have a sustainable fishery throughout the value network. In the lobster fishery, a broad group of fishermen and fisherwomen have formed strong alliances with research institutions (ECOSUR, Cinvestav, UNAM, SISIERRA, Universidad Marista), civil organizations (COBI), government (INAPESCA, CONAPESCA and Reserva de la Biósfera de Sian Ka'an) and the FAO to implement various improvements in the lobster fishery.FAO to implement various improvements in fisheries (fisheries monitoring, define reference points for fishery limits, participatory establishment of minimum size, exchanges between cooperatives and marketers, generation of savings funds) and thus make better decisions. These collaborative relationships have been formalized through various agreements and/or conventions that have allowed the relationship between institutions and fishing organizations in accordance with the changing needs of the fishery.

Collaboration with the local population has been a major factor in the success of anti-poaching operations, and must be maintained in order to strengthen confidence and build up the sources of intelligence essential for well-targeted actions in the Protected Areas (PA).

The objective of restoring public confidence in the security and defense forces (FDS) and creating a climate of serenity was 100% achieved under the project. The mixed units not only had access to eco-guards from the communities, but were also able to interact with the local population, exchanging ideas and restoring their confidence. This contact between the mixed units and the local populations was a unique opportunity that should be repeated.

Contact cells (intelligence cells) from the communities were also set up, with the overall mission of infiltrating the area covered by the PONASI complex in order to detect any suspicious poaching or criminal activity, and to quickly pass on information, process and analyze it, and initiate action or have it initiated.

Training was a key factor in the success of anti-poaching operations.

The different elements did not have the same working procedures, the same work rhythm or the same rigor.

The men all received technical and tactical training, as well as knowledge of wildlife and the forest environment. This training was highly beneficial, enabling the men to reinforce their knowledge in various fields (forest combat, combat first aid, IST, ISTC, navigation, operational motorcycle driving, camp defense, logistical and operational mission preparation, RETEX, etc.). A total of 10 operational training modules are delivered each time a force projection is planned.

The capacity-building achieved through the operations supported by the project should be maintained for future operations, as it fosters close collaboration and a climate of trust between the various units deployed.

Throughout the project, the involvement and collaboration of the administrative, military and paramilitary authorities representing the State has enabled the launch of large-scale joint anti-poaching operations capable of dissuading any desire to occupy the Protected Areas, given the level of insecurity.

This strong involvement of the State has enabled the various local security actors (FDS) to come together around the same table, bringing them to federate their efforts to achieve common goals.

The army's full collaboration in these kinds of activities is essential, and was a reality in the context of this project, enabling all members of the mixed units to be equipped with protective gear, weapons and ammunition.

This project encouraged the participation of youth and community volunteers to gain support and increase local knowledge of the importance of protecting local ecosystems. Increased community involvement will work to build capacity while empowering and strengthening local conservation efforts. The group of volunteers we currently work with is a mix of residents and visitors, men and women, young and old and from a wide range of backgrounds.

Efforts are made to keep policymakers involved and inform them of the importance of mangroves in general and restoration in particular to gain their support. 

Enhancing the conditions in the degraded areas,  eleminating threats in the mangrove forest will lead to natural regeneration. However the restauration can be sped up by using nursery grown saplings. New plants from the nursery are used in degraded areas and along the coast to support reforestation efforts. Expanded mangrove forests will form a first line of coastal defense for extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels, supporting an ecosystem-based approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation on the island. This also includes a pilot program to encourage regrowth of mangroves in degraded areas and demonstrate intervention method success.

Community livelihood initiatives have to be linked to market and promotion for them to be sustainable and provide a financial impact that they have been designed to bring forth. 

When building the capacity of a community to produce eco-friendly items, there is a need to establish a very good foundation of how these products will reach the market but also what are the demands in the market when it comes to quality criteria. Leather items in particular especially items made with Naturally tanned leather stand a chance in the market, however they need to meet high quality standards and be promoted so as to enhance consumers to know of their existence. For this solution initiatives were taken to assess the market for Leather products in main cities such as Nairobi town, Arush Town and even Zanzibar to identify shops or dealers who would be willing to purchase the products. 

Promotion of the products in different platforms is also very key through catalogs, social media and participation in fairs/exhibitions. Market linkages and promotion is a bridge for the community livelihood initiatives to bring financial benefits and make communities willing to continue the production chain.

Eco-Friendly Leather Tanning and Manufacturing knowledge is an upgraded concept of curing naturally hides and skins from livestock. The initiative targets  vulnerable women who are illiterate and have limited opportunities as well as skills. 

Training has been tailored to specifically reach these target beneficiaries using simple instructions and toolkits as well as a more practical approach. The training has been conducted in Maasai language mostly and Kiswahili in other cases. The simple methods of measurements and cutting has proved to be adaptable and understood even among the illiterates. For most women, this has been one of the only formal skills they have received in their lives. Most importantly, during the training a set of skills were identified among beneficiaries and nurtured in the followup sessions. 

The first Learning exchange done where women from Kenya traveled to Tanzania and learned in an established Leather Center was a remarkable turn and it created a huge impact in how they received the initiative. They were very eager to have more women in their country trained and benefit  from the activity. The knowledge and skills offered have changed the mindset and transformed the livelihoods of women.

The Leather Tanning and Manufacturing for women has been made successful through stakeholders engagement and partnerships. Among the key stakeholders includes the government representatives who have played a key role from building the concept, selecting the beneficiaries, participation in the training and making follow-ups for the leather centers. Access to a building to be equipped has been possible through this collaboration. The District Community Development officials have taken a clear role to monitor and supervise the women groups, assist them in registrations and even provide access to market during any events/fairs organized by the government.

Other key stakeholders include private companies, lodges, individuals in the areas who have provided markets for women’s produced goods. 

The implementing partners to the project including ZSL and SORALO have been supportive in ensuring that the solution is rolled out successfully in Kenya as it was in Tanzania. They carried the role to ensure that OIKOS EA is introduced in the communities in Kenya and they have enabled good flow of communication with the government in the project area.