The protected area management authority adheres to a people-centered development philosophy, aiming to meet the growing needs of the public for a better life. By actively engaging with community members, fostering emotional connections, and contributing to local socioeconomic development, the authority has worked to address gaps in public services and infrastructure, as well as organize community activities. It assists communities in solving practical problems, such as providing daytime care services for the elderly and medical services for residents. As a result, the sense of identity and belonging among community members toward the protected area has steadily increased, leading to their active participation in conservation, decision-making, operations, education, and oversight activities. These efforts have driven continuous progress in community development initiatives.

The management authority has devised various methods to involve community residents in the construction and management of the protected area, primarily through the following approaches: (1) Participation in daily patrols and law enforcement. Nearly 100 local residents have been employed as full-time rangers to assist in protection patrols; (2) The Wudalianchi Town Government regularly holds meetings with town representatives and organizes seminars to discuss issues such as area management, public security maintenance, and public awareness campaigns; (3) Establishing and implementing a socialized management mechanism for river, lake, forest, and farmland chiefs, fully mobilizing public participation in daily conservation; (4) Encouraging volunteer services.

By developing high-quality mineral water products, expanding health and wellness tourism, and enhancing eco-tourism experiences, Wudalianchi has pioneered effective pathways to transform "green mountains into gold mountains".

With support from national poverty alleviation policies and funding, the reserve management authority has collaborated with local governments, village committees, the protected area joint committee, and rural conservation organizations. Through resource consolidation, mining rights processing, brand acquisitions, and enterprise integration, they have successfully revitalized local industries.

According to preliminary statistics, in 2022: (1) The mineral water industry generated approximately 50 million yuan in revenue; (2) Health and wellness tourism brought in 15.6 million yuan; (3) Homestay businesses earned 20 million yuan.

In 2023, socioeconomic progress accelerated significantly: (1) Regional GDP grew by 6%; (2) Total retail sales rose by 6%; (3) Tourist visits and comprehensive tourism revenue both surged by 57.7%.

Multisectoral cooperation is promoted for the conservation of marine protected areas, including actions to reduce marine pollution and unsustainable fishing, with a special focus on the Galapagos National Park and the Hermandad Marine Reserve. In 2025, TUNACONS reaffirmed its commitment to protect marine migratory routes and promote sustainable fishing in these key areas, also integrating academia and organizations such as Fundación Jocotoco in conservation actions. Awareness campaigns have been developed to broaden the connection and sense of belonging of diverse communities to these marine areas, transforming distant perceptions into an active commitment to their protection.

A visual and practical guide has been developed, with clear illustrations and little text, designed to facilitate the correct release of non-target species, reduce the risk of infractions, and promote the well-being of both crew members and marine fauna. This tool is constantly updated based on new learning and technical advances, ensuring that fleets have current and accessible information. Its operation is based on continuous training, technical support, and the integration of these practices into the daily routine of fishing operations, thus contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and compliance with international standards.

It focuses on the innovation and adoption of biodegradable fish aggregating devices, known as EcoFADs, with the aim of reducing bycatch and minimizing the environmental impact of tuna fishing. Since 2017, more than 500 prototypes made from plant fibers such as abaca, which have demonstrated durability of up to 12 months in marine conditions, have been developed and tested. This approach has enabled the replacement of traditional FADs with EcoFADs, with a goal of 20% of member vessels using these biodegradable devices. In addition, TUNACONS collaborates with local communities in the production of these materials, strengthening their economy. Results show that catches remain similar to those obtained with synthetic materials, while reducing marine pollution and the risk of entanglement for non-target species.

The purpose is to collect and deliver key scientific information to support the monitoring of tropical tuna populations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, under the standards established by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). Through this cooperation, consistent data on the three main species caught -yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, and bigeye tuna- are generated to improve the population models used by the IATTC to assess the health status of these species. Its operation is based on the continuous and standardized collection of fisheries data, which are then delivered to the IATTC to strengthen its scientific research plans and facilitate informed decision-making in the sustainable management of tuna fisheries in the region.

Promote from the market the implementation and compliance of responsible fishing practices and supply as a tool to increase transparency in the supply of raw materials aligned with regulatory compliance and good practices of sustainability certifications.

1. Digital MRV (Measurement–Reporting–Verification) System

• What it is: AI-powered monitoring platform combining drones, satellite imagery, and blockchain verification.
• Why it matters: Ensures transparency, traceability, and credibility of every planted tree.
• Transferability: Can be adapted to monitor other nature-based solutions (wetlands, grasslands, mangroves, etc.).

2. Blockchain-Verified Tree Registry & Certificates

• What it is: Each planted tree is assigned a digital ID and certificate stored on blockchain.
• Why it matters: Builds trust with funders, companies, and individuals by proving tree ownership and survival.
• Transferability: Applicable to carbon markets, biodiversity credits, or ecosystem services accounting.

3. Youth Volunteer Engagement Model

• What it is: Mobilization of students and local youth (e.g., “Green Volunteers”) for tree planting, maintenance, and awareness-building.
• Why it matters: Builds long-term stewardship and community ownership of restored areas.
• Transferability: Can be replicated for climate education, waste management, or community energy projects.

4. Corporate Partnership & CSR Integration

• What it is: Businesses (telecom, finance, events, resorts, etc.) co-finance tree groves as part of CSR/ESG strategies.
• Why it matters: Provides sustainable funding for reforestation while aligning with companies’ branding and SDG goals.
• Transferability: Can be applied to other green initiatives (renewables, circular economy, eco-labels).

5. Three-Year Maintenance & Survival Guarantee

• What it is: Each planting project includes watering, fencing, and maintenance for at least 3 years.
• Why it matters: Addresses high mortality rates in tree planting, ensuring long-term carbon sequestration.
• Transferability: Maintenance-first approach can be adopted in agriculture, conservation, or infrastructure projects.

6. Community Education & Reward System

• What it is: Local residents and households (e.g., ger districts) participate and receive recognition, small rewards, or utility discounts.
• Why it matters: Incentivizes grassroots climate action and strengthens community buy-in.
• Transferability: Rewards model can support recycling, clean cooking, or water conservation programs.

This building block outlines how the SPARŚA Ambassador Program engages adult community members in open, respectful, and evidence-based discussions on menstruation. The approach prioritises dialogue over lecture, creating a space where participants can share their beliefs, practices, and lived experiences, while also receiving accurate information. 

Target groups are identified by Ambassadors themselves or in collaboration with ward offices, municipalities, or metropolitan authorities. These often include mothers’ groups, women’s collectives, youth clubs, and mixed community gatherings. Trusted groups like Ama Samuha or Tole Sudhar Samiti are engaged early to help mobilise participants and endorse the sessions, which greatly enhances credibility and attendance. 

Sessions are adapted to the context and needs of adults. Rather than delivering the same content as in schools, Ambassadors focus on myth-busting, stigma reduction, and practical menstrual health knowledge. This includes clarifying biological facts, discussing hygienic practices, exploring environmentally friendly menstrual products, and addressing social norms that restrict women’s and girls’ mobility, participation, or dignity during menstruation. 

Ambassadors begin by establishing safe space agreements and inviting participants to share their own perspectives through Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The facilitator listens actively, acknowledges local knowledge, and then uses visual aids, product demonstrations, and relatable stories to fill knowledge gaps or correct misinformation. Nutrition and self-care during menstruation are also discussed, linking health to overall well-being. 

Preparation is thorough: Ambassadors coordinate with the programme team for materials, set session dates with local leaders, arrange venues in accessible and comfortable locations, and ensure a variety of menstrual products are available for demonstration. Follow-up visits or recurring discussions are encouraged to reinforce learning and track changes in attitudes.