Implementation | PANORAMA

Partnerships (NEMA, NFA, Local Governments, Institution)

Picture of tree planting at Mountain Elgon

Tree planting in Mountain Elgon

NEme

Its purpose was for provision of tree seedlings, land and manpower/human resource

Collaboration in resource mobilization and implementation of the project

Importance of collaboration and partnerships
Importance of community engagements
Importance of proper planning

Planning phase

Implementation

Local

https://www.independent.co.ug/nema-starts-5-year-tree-planting-campaign-in-bugi…

Recognition of the traditional knowledge and socio-cultural role of fishers in monitoring, surveillance, and waste management activities.

It is based on the explicit recognition of traditional knowledge and the socio-cultural role of fishers in the management and conservation of natural protected areas. The approach is organized around the three pillars of the conservation agreements: recognition of traditional knowledge, vigilance, and waste management, within the framework of a participatory and co-responsibility process. Their empirical experience on the high seas is valued to identify species, ecological interactions and environmental changes, strengthening their participation as ecosystem watchdogs. Citizen science is promoted to record biodiversity and encourage integrated waste management from departure to return to port.

To rescue the traditional knowledge of the artisanal fisher in his knowledge of the environment, of the resources, understanding the level of risk of the activity.
To know and share the experience of the activity and the offshore marine environment.
Articulate the experience to the tasks and goals to be achieved in the management of the NPA. Citizen research or monitoring, surveillance actions and care of the marine ecosystem with the management of solid waste and recovery of abandoned fishing gear.
Include in the training package, topics that are of genuine interest to local stakeholders, which help with the certifications required by PRODUCE or SANIPES, articulating these to the conservation goals.

With the passage of time and technological progress, traditional knowledge is being lost.
Conservation tasks such as waste management require a gradual adaptation and the involvement of other institutions to guarantee the effectiveness of the collection and final disposal system.
Failure to comply with agreements or to keep stakeholders informed of changes generates mistrust.

Articulation of the OSPAS in the management of the NPA through the alignment of productive and conservation interests

It was developed by consolidating the participation of the OSPAS through conservation agreements. The articulation was based on aligning the productive interest - the continuity of activities such as fishing and egg collection - with the need for conservation, given the increasing fishing effort and the decrease in resources such as flying fish. The users themselves recognized the urgency of ordering the activity to ensure its sustainability. This openness was also reflected in buyers who supported the regulation measures, consolidating a shared perspective on the importance of balancing exploitation and conservation in the Dorsal de Nasca National Reserve.

Relate the fishers concerns to the protected area, showing that we both address and seek solutions to common concerns.
Strengthen good governance, demonstrating commitment and valuing the efforts of both parties.
To generate participative spaces where agreements are reached in relation to the common problems identified.
Socialize progress and achievements and generate feedback.

There are definitely institutional competencies, and we cannot fix everything, however, we can help to manage or provide knowledge on an issue.
Conservation must go hand in hand with the wellbeing of local populations; we must seek articulation and not competition. This is a great challenge.
The planning goals must come from the proposals and commitments of the stakeholders.
If we do not comply with the agreements or do not keep the stakeholders informed of the changes, it generates mistrust.

Implementation

National

Trust building and collaboration with the OSPAS for the creation and development of Management Committee activities.

It focused on transforming the initial relationship between the protected area's management and the Artisanal Fishers Social Organizations (OSPAS), which initially acted as defenders of their interests in the face of fears of restrictions on their activities. Through a transparent dialogue process, the scope of management was explained, assuring that artisanal fishing would not be prohibited and that sustainable resource management would be pursued. This helped build trust and change the dynamics of the committee, moving from a defensive posture to active and committed participation, with the members themselves promoting the incorporation of new stakeholders and strengthening the planning and conservation process of the Dorsal de Nasca National Reserve.

Listen, be empathetic and maintain sincerity above all else.
Respect available schedules and provide opportunities to facilitate meetings,
Relate the fisher's concerns to the protected area, showing that we are both addressing and seeking solutions to common concerns.
Maintain meetings and permanent information channels, where the Committee members are kept informed and involved.
Assign commitments and tasks to the members of the management committee. Example: The first conservation agreements were generated from the CG's OSPAs, and they reached other OSPAs.

Social processes require dedication and perseverance.
It is necessary to map conflicts between actors and prepare for them.
Know the history of previous processes. Much of the continuity of the participation will depend on the first answers from the Head Office.
Not all the stakeholders in a neighboring NPA will be your stakeholders; stakeholders are defined by the continuity of economic activities in the NPA. It is necessary to be attentive to complementary economic activities

Inclusive Dialogue and Participatory Decision-Making

Restoration efforts are built on trust and local ownership. Chiefs facilitate inclusive dialogue, bringing together elders, women, youth, and farmers to discuss land use and conservation priorities. This participatory approach ensures that solutions reflect the community’s realities, increases buy-in, and strengthens collective action for protecting forests and degraded landscapes.

Implementation

Local

Community Bylaws for Sustainable Resource Use

One of the most effective tools introduced is the development of community-based bylaws, led and endorsed by traditional leaders. These rules regulate tree cutting, grazing, and charcoal burning while promoting natural regeneration and reforestation. When integrated with traditional authority, these bylaws gain legitimacy, making enforcement more effective and aligning customary systems with environmental sustainability.

Implementation

Local

Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (Partnerships)

The success of FMNR is supported by collaboration with government ministries (e.g., Department of Forestry from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change), local authorities, and NGOs. These partnerships facilitate policy support, scaling, and integration into broader reforestation and climate adaptation strategies.

Low-Cost Regeneration Technique (Approach & Tool)

FMNR uses a simple, scalable method of regenerating trees and shrubs from existing root systems or stumps. Farmers prune and protect selected shoots to allow natural regrowth, restoring land without expensive inputs. This technique builds climate resilience, improves soil fertility, and enhances biodiversity.

Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Partnerships

The project works closely with city councils to establish efficient municipal waste management systems, ensuring a steady supply of organic waste for composting. In addition, it advocates for policy development that supports composting, waste segregation, and circular economy practices. These partnerships and advocacy efforts are vital to creating an enabling environment for sustainable compost production and long-term soil restoration in Malawi.

Unlocking Market Access to Strengthen Women-Led Compost Businesses

Under the Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvements to Build a Lasting Economy (POSSIBLE) Project, women’s compost products are linked to reliable markets. This market access has boosted incomes, improved product consistency, and enabled women to scale up their operations—contributing to wider adoption of composting for improved soil health.