Single Tree Monitoring

The TREEO technology allows project implementers to monitor their tree-planting efforts in a matter of seconds via the TREEO App and manage their data in the TREEO Cloud. Single-tree monitoring is actually very simple: walk around the forest and take a picture of their trees in the forest. TREEO technology will take care of the rest. Although it sounds too simple, it brings many advantages compared to standard methods available.  

Single tree monitoring entails the data capture (GPS coordinates, diameter, species name, sequestered CO2 and so much more) of your trees on the plot using the TREEO App and in only a matter of seconds.  Our technology provides the highest level of accuracy in CO2 calculation with a scientific basis that uses species- and climate-zone-specific allometric formulas, image processing, and machine learning. It is also the first Digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) tool endorsed under the Global Tree C-Sink standard from Carbon Standards International, qualifying it for global use in tree-planting projects.

  • TREEO App: The TREEO App is at the heart of single-tree monitoring, through the app you will be supported to collect precise data of each and every single tree by scanning them at the DBH (diameter of breast height) with having a TREEO card as a subject of measurement for the scanning process. Additionally, its UX aspects makes it user friendly for farmers to utilize its different features.  The whole process is simplified down to the smallest detail so that anyone can implement it.
     
  • Project implementers / tree-planting project developers: There is a demand from project implementers all around the world, who want to enhance their transparency through single-tree monitoring in order to prove their planting activities for the public and their stakeholders. 
     
  • In-house specialists: We have an in-house technology specialists team that provides support to tree monitors to enhance their skills in doing single-tree monitoring.  Additionally, our in-house foresters can provide allometric formulas for different species per region.
     
  • Regulations: Upcoming regulations around the carbon markets, deforestation, and sustainability in the supply chain require certified processes and tools to guarantee the data and project quality. The TREEO App is already certified thanks to its science-based foundation through the Global Tree C-Sink Standards from Carbon Standards International. It is the first dMRV tool endorsed under this standard.

When originating the idea of offering our technology as a SaaS solution, we thought it would only help companies/NGOs that are operating in the Voluntary Carbon Market, because of the precise carbon calculation we offer. But within a short time, we realized that our product adds value for more target groups, even if they are not operating in the VCM and just want to track the number of trees they have planted, how many survive, and other monitoring needs. 

While enhancing our single-tree monitoring activities and technology, we had a few challenges to master, for example so the wifi connection can be off in the planting regions. That’s why our technology can be used as a 100% offline-first tool for monitoring the trees. 

Weather patterns have a strong impact on tree monitoring, since most of the projects are affected by rainy seasons. This needs to be considered and can impact the speed of delivery and progress per day. 

We needed a data validation add-on, due to the misuse (e.g. photographing other objects) of the App. Therefore, we have implemented automatic tracking, which later our forestry team manually double-checks the anomalies detected by the automatic one.

Valorisation des ressources naturelles

Afin de limiter les déchets produits par la réserve naturelle, les produits de gestion de la réserve naturelle (fauche, débroussaillage, coupe ou déracinage d’arbustes) ou les ressources naturelles sont valorisés et ont une autre fonctionnalité sur le site ou pour des partenaires.

  • Compostage des produits de fauche et utilisation en terreau pour l’association des Jardins du Monde (jardins partagés) à Limay et le réensemencement d’un autre espace naturel
  • Optimisation des produits de réouverture de milieux :
    • création de micro-habitats (tas de bois mort) sur la réserve à partir des chutes de bois
    • utilisation du bois coupé et débroussaillé en bois de chauffe / d’allumage / de décoration / de paillage pour la ville
    • dons des arbustes déracinés à la commune pour la mise en place de haies
  • Projet en cours d’installation de récupérateurs des eaux de pluie pour alimenter les troupeaux et pour le lavage des mains
Sobriété de l’accueil du public

Il est important que l'éducation à la nature soit la plus sobre possible afin de limiter les pollutions et la dégradation des terres.

  • Promotion de la mobilité douce (piéton, vélo, transports en commun) pour se rendre sur le site de la RNR 
  • Campagne de sensibilisation à la limitation des déchets et au tri pour les scolaires et le grand public
  • Dispositifs de limitation des déchets de la réserve :
    • composteurs installés aux deux entrées de la réserve pour les toilettes sèches et les déchets alimentaires des visiteurs
  • Infrastructures de la réserve naturelle recyclées et réutilisées :
    • bancs faits à partir de bois tombé sur la réserve
    • zone de pique-nique réalisée à partir de rochers conservés après un chantier de construction par un groupe scolaire de Limay
  • Entretien des toilettes sèches effectué par l’équipe de la réserve
  • Utilisation d’un préau lors des fortes chaleurs ou des intempéries
  • Valorisation de la lenteur lors des sorties et de la marche dès le plus jeune âge

Depuis plusieurs années, les sorties scolaires des écoles de Limay se rendent sur le site à pied grâce à la coulée verte de la Boucle des loups qui relie la gare à l’entrée pédestre de la réserve naturelle. Le public venant d’autres villes, comme les étudiants d’universités parisiennes ou franciliennes, vient régulièrement en train et empruntent la coulée verte depuis la gare.

L’utilisation d’un préau à la place d’une salle permet au public de garder un contact (visuel) avec la nature, même en cas de fortes chaleurs ou d’intempéries et limite l’utilisation d’énergie (absence d’éclairage artificiel, de climatisation et de chauffage).

Le fait de valoriser la marche et la lenteur lors des sorties permet au public de prendre son temps, d’observer autour de lui et de profiter de la nature.

 

Gestion participative

La réserve naturelle du site géologique de Limay promeut la participation du public et des équipes des cogestionnaires lors des activités de gestion afin de valorisation des talents et les compétences de chacun.

  • Organisation de chantiers participatifs avec tout type de public : familles, séniors actifs, étudiants, personnes en réinsertion, etc.
  • Organisation d’inventaires participatifs avec des éco-volontaires (locaux, anciens stagiaires, jeunes retraités, actifs, famille, étudiants) réalisant des inventaires éclairs sur quelques espèces représentatives.

Les chantiers participatifs permettent à chacun de participer à la gestion de la réserve à la hauteur de ses capacités et de créer un lien particulier avec la réserve naturelle. Les inventaires participatifs permettent de valoriser les compétences et de développer les connaissances du public.

Ces activités renforcent l’ancrage territorial de la réserve naturelle.

Diversité des supports d’éducation

La diversité et la multiplication des supports de médiation permet de mobiliser les cinq sens du public et de toucher la sensibilité de chacun dans le but de mieux transmettre les messages.

  • Utilisation des cinq sens au cours des visites
    • sentir l’origan / thym / mente
    • écouter les oiseaux / insectes
    • toucher des maquettes et des roches
    • observer les paysages et les espèces
    • goûter le cynorrhodon / la mente / la cerise / l’asperge…)
  • Médiation animale avec des chèvres des fossés et des moutons de Ouessant
  • Diversité des animateurs (animateur professionnel, stagiaire, parole laissée au public et aux enfants)
  • Production d’art (ateliers land art, accueil de l’école municipale d’art de Limay, utilisation par des partenaires de coupes de bouleau pour des projets artistiques)
  • Sociabilisation et échanges entre les participants au cours des visites
  • Expérimentations scientifiques par le public (observations, comptage, protocole, etc)
  • Développement de l’émerveillement pour le jeune public lors de l’éveil à la nature

La fabrique de souvenirs et d’émotions est importante pour marquer les mémoires et créer l’attachement du public à la nature, notamment chez les enfants.

Accueil du public inclusif et mixte

La réserve naturelle nationale de Limay fait une priorité de l’accueil de tous les types de public, de manière non discriminante et inclusive : public empêché, public en situation de handicap, sénior, enfants, etc. Une même sortie peut réunir plusieurs types de publics empêchés. Le public doit donc composer avec les différences de l’autre.

  • Étude de l’accessibilité sur site (pour les personnes à mobilité réduite)
  • Véhicule tout chemin conçu par l’association Escapade Liberté Mobilité, mis à disposition par le Parc naturel régional et entretenu par le mécanicien de la ville de Limay.
  • Cheminement accessible à 90% par le véhicule tout chemin (chemin praticable avec une pente et des virages accessibles).
  • Équipe formée à la prise en compte des différents handicaps depuis 2016. Cette formation a été organisée par le Parc naturel régional sur plusieurs jours et faisait intervenir plusieurs intervenants dont des personnes à mobilité réduite et des malvoyants.
  • Utilisation de maquettes d’orchidées en 3 dimensions et reconnaissance des fossiles et des roches par le toucher. 
  • Accueil du public du Foyer d’Accueil Médicalisé et de la Maison d’Accueil Spécialisé localisées à Limay.
  • Sorties organisées avec un interprète en Langue des signes française pour les personnes sourdes ou malentendantes.
  • Mise à disposition par le Parc naturel régional de boucles magnétiques sur demande du public, permettant d’amplifier la voix des animateurs pour les personnes malentendantes.
  • Chaque année, organisation d’une sortie pour la semaine bleue accueillant le public du foyer pour personnes âgées de Limay.
  • Organisation d’interventions à l’extérieur, dans l’enceinte du foyer pour personnes âgées de Limay pour qu’elles découvrent la biodiversité de leur proche environnement. 
  • Toilettes accessibles aux personnes à mobilité réduite.
  • Les deux toilettes sèches présents dans l’enceinte de la réserve naturelle possèdent une assise spéciale pour les enfants de 2 à 6 ans.

L’utilisation de maquettes en 3D facilite la compréhension de la morphologie des orchidées et du patrimoine géologique pour le public malvoyant et les personnes en situation de handicap cognitif. Les voyants peuvent également toucher ces maquettes avec un bandeau sur les yeux pour se mettre à la place des malvoyants et appréhender le patrimoine naturel avec un autre sens que la vue.

Des interventions naturalistes ont été organisées en extérieur dans l’enceinte du foyer pour personnes âgées de Limay. Le public a apprécié assister aux protocoles d’identification des vers de terre et d’orchidées, assises à l’ombre dans le jardin du foyer.

Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated Land Use Planning involved strategically allocating land for agricultural and conservation purposes to balance human and wildlife needs. This comprehensive approach ensured sustainable land use that supported both community livelihoods and wildlife conservation. The planning was necessitated by the 10% fence plan, where 10% of beneficiaries' land was secured with an electrified short fence. Farmers utilized the secured land to incorporate skills honed from climate-smart agriculture training, maximizing production, while 90% of the land was left fallow for wildlife and livestock. Currently, a total of 129 acres have been secured by the 10% fence plan, with over 1,000 acres (90%) left as room for wildlife to roam. Up to date, there has been zero elephant conflict registered within the fences, securing crops and property with zero crop raids or property damage.

  • Collaborative Planning: Community members, Tsavo Trust, other conservationists, and government officials were involved in the planning process. This inclusivity ensured that diverse needs and perspectives were considered, leading to more balanced and effective land use strategies.
  • Sustainable Practices: Land management practices that enhanced biodiversity, improved soil health, and strengthened ecosystem resilience were implemented. By focusing on sustainability, land use supported long-term ecological balance and productivity.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Systems for continuous monitoring and evaluation of land use plans were established. Regular assessments helped adapt strategies to changing environmental conditions and community needs, ensuring that plans remained relevant and effective.
  • Inclusive Planning: Engaging a broad range of stakeholders in the planning process helped meet the needs of both people and wildlife. This approach fostered a sense of ownership and commitment, which was crucial for successful implementation and long-term sustainability.
  • Adaptive Management: Continuous monitoring and adaptation were vital for addressing evolving environmental and community needs. Flexibility in land use planning allowed for timely adjustments in response to new information or changing conditions.
  • Policy and Legal Frameworks: Strong policy support and legal frameworks were critical for the successful execution and sustainability of integrated land use plans. Effective policies ensured that plans were backed by law and had the necessary resources for implementation.
Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated Land Use Planning involved strategically allocating land for agricultural and conservation purposes to balance human and wildlife needs. This comprehensive approach ensured sustainable land use that supported both community livelihoods and wildlife conservation. The planning was necessitated by the 10% fence plan, where 10% of beneficiaries' land was secured with an electrified short fence. Farmers utilized the secured land to incorporate skills honed from climate-smart agriculture training, maximizing production, while 90% of the land was left fallow for wildlife and livestock. Currently, a total of 129 acres have been secured by the 10% fence plan, with over 1,000 acres (90%) left as room for wildlife to roam. Up to date, there has been zero elephant conflict registered within the fences, securing crops and property with zero crop raids or property damage.

  • Collaborative Planning: Community members, conservationists, land use experts, and government officials were involved in the planning process. This inclusivity ensured that diverse needs and perspectives were considered, leading to more balanced and effective land use strategies.
  • Sustainable Practices: Land management practices that enhanced biodiversity, improved soil health, and strengthened ecosystem resilience were implemented. By focusing on sustainability, land use supported long-term ecological balance and productivity.
  • Policy Support: Policies that backed integrated land use planning were advocated for and developed. Strong legal and institutional frameworks were essential for the successful implementation and enforcement of land use plans.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Systems for continuous monitoring and evaluation of land use plans were established. Regular assessments helped adapt strategies to changing environmental conditions and community needs, ensuring that plans remained relevant and effective.
  • Inclusive Planning: Engaging a broad range of stakeholders in the planning process helped meet the needs of both people and wildlife. This approach fostered a sense of ownership and commitment, which was crucial for successful implementation and long-term sustainability.
  • Adaptive Management: Continuous monitoring and adaptation were vital for addressing evolving environmental and community needs. Flexibility in land use planning allowed for timely adjustments in response to new information or changing conditions.
  • Policy and Legal Frameworks: Strong policy support and legal frameworks were critical for the successful execution and sustainability of integrated land use plans. Effective policies ensured that plans were backed by law and had the necessary resources for implementation.
Registration and licensing, controls, and inspection

As a key measure to raise transparency within small-scale and artisanal fisheries, a robust registration and licensing system needs to be put in place. It is advised to introduce mobile, and if possible, community-led, on-site licensing initiatives, providing immediate support for licensing with registered tax numbers. This enhances the accessibility of the licensing process and compliance among fishers, due to a sense of community ownership. In cooperation with a dedicated governmental body, such as the Department of Fisheries and the local research institute, a digital management system should be developed. This central database helps to monitor licenses and registrations from multiple locations and thus enables conclusions to be drawn about the status of fish populations.

Controls and inspections are key principles of curbing IUU fishing. Improving the quality of patrols through specialized training for inspectors is essential to monitor fishing activities directly on board or after landing. Additionally, processors are encouraged to conduct self-inspections to prevent the processing of undersized fish and enforcing regulations in their businesses, thereby reducing reputational risks in the industry. The development and / or revision of standard operating procedures for these controls ensures that they remain relevant and effective in the face of changing IUU fishing practices.

Community-based management structures and sensitization of stakeholders

In tandem with the technical measures, building cooperative and community-based management structures has proven to be very successful. Such communities establish rules and regulations for accepted fishing methods but also facilitate stakeholder engagement to encourage local fisherfolk and associations to participate actively in fisheries management. Training programmes for the management structures focusing on organizational and technical capabilities are essential, equipping beneficiaries with the necessary skills to sustainably manage their waterbodies. In certain regions, the approach has included restructuring local management systems into cooperatives. This ensures that they have legal status and a well-defined management plan, thereby validating their operations. It also improves their ability to manage resources and increases their access to financial support through various funding opportunities.

Sensitization of stakeholders and the general public is another major activity in the context of combating IUU fishing. Information campaigns, such as videos explaining data collection at landings and the role of inspectors, contribute to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the dangers of IUU fishing. These campaigns can be spread through national television, social media platforms or radio programmes to reach a wide audience and foster compliance and accountability. Public engagement initiatives, like consultation workshops, are essential for disseminating information on licensing, legislation, and the consequences of non-compliance. Especially focus group discussions further strengthen a sense of responsibility among fishers. Key factors for success include integrating local knowledge, establishing clear and enforceable regulations, and raising awareness of the consequences of compliance (sustainable fish stocks) and non-compliance (penalties).

Potential risks such as resistance to change, insufficient funding, and the complexity of monitoring vast and remote fishing areas need to be continually addressed through adaptive management and stakeholder collaboration.