Working with the coaches, the park authorities identify a list of factors that have strong potential influence on the ultimate objectives and that are at least partly beyond the control of park staff. They then narrow down the external factors to a focal set that has a high degree uncertainty about their magnitude and effects on the ultimate objectives. Next, park authorities develop two alternative scenarios representing possible future trajectories for the external factors. A status quo scenario assumes that system dynamics (i.e., external factors along with their impacts and effectiveness of management activities for achieving objectives) will follow the most likely future trajectory. An optimistic scenario assumes that system dynamics are more favorable than expected for achieving the objectives. To keep the participatory decision analysis feasible, additional scenarios (e.g., pessimistic) may be documented for future analyses. After listing possible management activities, park authorities independently assign a percent allocation toward each activity in a way they believe will most likely achieve the objectives under each scenario for external factors.

Given the many uncertainties associated with climate change, political and community support for so-called ‘no-regret’ adaptation measures can often be higher than for alternative approaches whose (cost-)effectiveness depends on the degree of future climate change. The no-regret approach focuses on maximizing positive and minimizing negative aspects delivered by EbA, and selecting actions that yield a range of benefits even in the absence of such change. In the case of the Kamen green-blue-corridor, the ecological improvement of the stream in combination with disconnecting the storm water from surrounding properties was determined to have positive impacts regardless of whether rainfall will increase in the long-term or not. Should rainfall intensify and become more frequent, flood risks will be reduced; if temperatures increase in the summer, the stored water will benefit the mircroclimate. Regardless of climate, however, the EbA measures can be considered as ‘no-regret’ as they create amenity and recreational benefits for the community and visitors, increase awareness levels, contribute to the EU Water Framework Directive and biodiversity conservation, and reduce water discharge fees for local inhabitants.

Successful implementation of EbA sometimes necessitates the involvement and support of private actors in cases where the measures are to take place on their land. This can create a challenge as the process of convincing individual stakeholders to participate in implementation activities often requires significant time investments, financial resources, and public outreach efforts. In the case of Kamen, it was necessary to determine the value of decoupling private citizens’ rainwater from the sewage system and then to convey this information in a convincing manner to those involved. Two public information meetings were followed by one-on-one planning sessions in which a technician visited individual homes and drafted catered solutions for disconnection that met the needs of each citizen. Furthermore, financial incentives were provided to the residents in the form of expenses per decoupled square meter to motivate participation.

As this solution serves various goals and meets several objectives, it was possible to secure sufficient funding from diverse parties, domains and funding bodies to cover the entire implementation of the project. Innovative financing approaches can also act as ‘self-sustaining’ and generate funds during the course of the project to fund some of the foreseen activities.

In order to find an EbA solution for e.g. the development of an area in which multiple actors have an interest in, it is important to synergistically combine various interests, ambitions, challenges and goals.

Government staff and surrounding villagers are able to communicate with each other when a common language on geographical features is established. Villagers surrounding the protected area have been brought up with the local knowledge of the area which includes local names and characteristics. Capturing this information is done in three repeated steps. The first step is to organize village meetings using general topographical maps in which the villagers indicate trails inside the NPA and names of areas, rivers/streams, hills etc. Where possible the villagers indicate areas they are controlling. The second step is to train teams of rangers (villagers & PA staff) to use GPS receivers and to have them walk all trails collecting location specific names and boundaries with GPS coordinates. The third step is the creation of updated maps with all trails and with location-specific names. The information on this map is then verified in a village meeting. These three steps may be repeated several times. The resulting maps are then used in discussions on zoning and village area delineation which determine the area for Village Rangers to patrol and which rules apply.

There are 18 villages that have traditional land rights inside the park boundaries. First 4-5 rangers per village were selected by the community based on their willingness to become rangers, knowledge of the area and having time available. The first teams were set up and trained to start villager trail mapping. Payment fee for biodiversity monitoring and patrolling was agreed through negotiations and based on a fair compensation for the hard and dangerous work of hiking in the mountains. The division of the park in village responsibility areas designates the village ranger working areas. Due to the different sizes, terrain and threats, some villages indicated the need for many more rangers and involvement of village militia or police. Now 110 villager rangers have been trained in use of GPS equipment and in the recording of sightings in coded booklets. They make regular trips into the park to record wildlife and threats (monitoring) and are involved in patrolling for law enforcement. The patrol frequency is adapted with the incoming information. As the village rangers know the area well, they are willing to go into very remote places and in very difficult circumstances where other rangers usually do not venture.

SMART is a ranger based data collection tool specifically for managing patrolling activities. As it is a data collection tool for spatial data, the database was re-designed to not only serve the patrolling needs but also the wildlife monitoring and location data gathering needs. Training was given to government volunteer staff to work with the software and adapt the database, and to rangers on the use of the data booklet. Trials were done and the database and data booklet adapted to requirements from rangers and researchers, i.e. small size booklets, wildlife per category (indicator, key, hunted). To be able to collect data systematically and report important features to management, a tool like SMART is ideal. As the data gathering is done by staff with limited reading/writing capabilities, we simplified and coded the booklet, with the codes on the front and back of the booklet. The data entry (and reporting) can be done by few experienced staff. As rangers stay in the field for up to 6 days and electronic data gathering equipment does not have this kind of battery power, a more sophisticated system is not possible. For more sophisticated geographical analysis and mapping, the data is transferred to a GIS system.

All work is recorded in photos and videos and disseminated on social media. The best actions and practices are awarded in public events. The association will meet at its General Assembly and each member will vote for a person to be named the volunteer of the year. The person with the most votes will be publicly awarded and reported in local and national media.

The beach patrols occur at night to collect data and make sure the female turtles are not disturbed and slaughtered. The patrols are undertaken by 2 to 4 community persons groups which are led by a more experienced person of the Caretta Association. We collect data such as animal length, width, presence of external parasites, injuries, and localization of the nest. The data is collected and entered in a form to produce a further report and publication. Our constant presence on the beach is also a message to move away the poachers.