Implementation | PANORAMA

Testing the environmental education manual

The schools in the pilot area of Jalal-Abad oblast tested the preliminary version of the environmental education manual. During the testing the quality of material presentation, the capacity of teachers and pupils to understand and absorb the new information was identified.

In addition to informational and educational content, project specialists from “CAMP Alatoo” PF and “Lesik Ug” association practiced practical exercises together with pupils in 6 schools. High school students performed tasks to understand different processes, such as climate change, as well as the functions of ecosystems and natural resources specific to Kyrgyzstan.

After the pilot testing, adjustments and modifications were made to the manual as exercises, at the same time the teaching methodology of the teaching material was studied.

Assistance from the district education center.
Provision of free TOT facilities.
Support for teachers and their willingness to learn ESD

testing of the learning materials with the targeted audience is highly important

Implementation

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational

Development of teaching materials with involvement of stakeholders

A special feature of the training manual is that the material on pasture management, forestry and adaptation to climate change is based on the example of Kyrgyzstan, where teachers from Bishkek and Jalal-Abad have identified topics and offer a new methodology for teaching sustainability standards.

In the frame of the project a teacher manual on Education for sustainable development and biodiversity had been developed.

The manual consists of the following 4 technical chapters each with elaborated exercises and teaching aids as well as one methodological pre-chapter:

Education for sustainable development
Forest
Pasture
Climate

The manual is designed to address gaps in the school curriculum with regard to teaching about the environment, using Kyrgyzstan as an example. "When it comes to teaching materials on the environment, they often do not address this area in relation to our country. For example, pasture and forest management systems in Kyrgyzstan.

Motivation of teachers
Strong external expert support
Existing profound knowledge and experience in natural resources management
Joint identification with teachers of themes and needs for educational materials
Pre-testing is highly important to develop need-based training materials

ESD chapters developers need trainings/guidance on development process to ensure that all the materials are of the same format and content.

Teachers Manual on Education for sustainable development and biodiversity

KAP research (Knowledge, Attitude, Perception)

The start of our information campaign was preceded by a survey among the communities in the project area. We used this approach to objectively assess the attitudes and use of local people's knowledge about the state of the forest, their understanding and perception of the consequences of the current environmental situation, and their willingness to change consciousness and behaviour. First we interviewed 214 respondents in 4 rural districts to determine their level of awareness of the project's thematic areas and their preferences for the choice of information sources/channels/activities that would be effective in increasing their environmental knowledge.

The target groups selected were:

1. Representatives of local authorities at the rural district, village level (village administrations, forestry);

2. Representatives of social institutions (schools, kindergartens, hospitals, first aid points);

3. Representatives of different associations and groups: religious (mosques), pasture committees, water users associations, political parties, NGOs etc;

4. General population: dependent users of natural resources (focus on pilot communities): forest users, pasture users, product processors, etc.; women, elderly, people with disabilities.

The results of the survey showed that the level of environmental awareness and readiness to change the consciousness and behaviour of the population was below average (on a scale from 1 to 10 it was 4). The planned information campaign should have raised the level by at least 3 points. According to the results of the final KAP survey conducted among 332 residents in the two districts within the project area, the score would be 7. Thus, the level of environmental awareness was 10 points after the end of the project.

The KAP baseline and final surveys were conducted in an open and friendly manner on the part of the local people who participated in the survey. Their attentiveness, careful reflection on the answers and honesty gave an objective picture of the level of public awareness and knowledge of the use and conservation of walnut forests and rangelands. Careful preparation of the study also played a big role, including the design of the questionnaire in local two languages, effective sampling of respondents, inclusion of female interviewers, taking into account local mentality and traditions, etc. This helped us to build and implement an effective information campaign in which local communities were given a central role.

During and after completing the KAP studies, it became clear to us that when interviewing local people, it was advantageous to know their mentality, life, everyday life, conditions that enable them to generate income from renting forest plots, collecting, processing, selling nuts and other forest products. The language and wording of the questionnaires were also important to people. The simpler and clearer the questions are phrased and the more accessible their language, the easier it is to get a clear and direct answer. And another important lesson lies in the behavior of the interviewers themselves, in their politeness, friendliness and willingness to explain or reformulate the question.

Сommunity-based information campaign

In creating the information events plan, we used the edutainment principle and tried to make the events diverse and interesting for people of different statuses, occupations and ages. The main role in each event or activity was given to local people. They had to take an interest in ensuring that the condition of the walnut forests and other environmental problems in their area was addressed, not exacerbated. For example, in the third year of the March for the Parks, we saw a change in the attitude of the Dashman Nature Reserve staff towards this environmental action. The event, which some time ago was "on duty" and, in their opinion, was only our duty and responsibility, has now been seen by them as the transfer of knowledge to the younger generation and the cultivation of a caring attitude towards the forest in schoolchildren. On the day of the March of Parks, staff members of the zapovednik nature reserve donned their ceremonial Marine Wave uniforms, took schoolchildren on excursions to the forest, told them interesting facts about the flora, recalled practical cases and participated in a litter pickup on the territory of the zapovednik. Our summer school "Chyirak Zhangak" ("Strong Walnut") for high school students has become a place that is impossible to enter without a competition. During the selection rounds, we received 45-50 essays from high school students wishing to attend the summer school. We had to make difficult choices among the best of the best because of the limitation on places for participants. In other events we could often count on the active participation and support of local people. During the filming of short films, they played occasional roles for free and lent their homes as filming sites.

Sustainable Development Programs

The reserve has spearheaded the implementation of a Chinese beekeeping project within the community, yielding substantial economic benefits.

Chinese bee apiculture

The Bureau for the Management of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve

In collaboration with the Shangri-La Group and Jinhua Grand Hotel, corporate social responsibility projects have been implemented, resulting in significant support for local industries such as Chinese honeybee farming and Cornus officinalis cultivation, with a cumulative investment of nearly 300,000 yuan. Partnering with Xi'an Pengxiang Driving School, the “Caring for Qinling Mountain Area - Education Aid and Poverty Alleviation” donation campaign has been conducted for several consecutive years, providing financial assistance to 67 university students from mountainous regions, with total donations reaching approximately 300,000 yuan.

Efforts have been made to mobilize local residents to participate in conservation activities, fostering a cooperative approach to maintaining critical habitats for key species and creating a conducive ecological environment. The reserve has hired 30 residents from surrounding communities as forest rangers, sanitation workers, and security personnel, many of whom come from impoverished households. By addressing employment needs within the community, the relationship between the reserve and the surrounding communities has been significantly strengthened.

The management authority of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve actively oversees critical habitats, species, ecological processes, and cultural values within the reserve. Through transparent communication and mutual trust between local communities and/or indigenous residents and the reserve's managers, they undertake projects that enhance community welfare while conserving reserve resources. The local communities and/or indigenous residents actively support the reserve’s conservation efforts. Currently, the major components of biodiversity, ecological, and cultural values within the Zhouzhi Reserve remain well-preserved, and the development of the reserve has brought significant economic benefits to the local communities.

The biodiversity conservation experience of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve underscores the necessity of extensive community involvement and support. Through education and outreach, public awareness of the importance of biodiversity is heightened, transforming community members into active participants rather than mere spectators. Effective management plans must be grounded in robust scientific foundations. The practical experience of the Zhouzhi Reserve highlights the importance of regular ecological monitoring and data collection to promptly understand the status and trends of biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation demands close cooperation among various departments and institutions, including those in environment, agriculture, forestry, and water resources. One of the key successes of the Zhouzhi Reserve has been the establishment of an effective interdepartmental collaboration mechanism, ensuring the sharing of resources and information among all parties. Additionally, by implementing ecological compensation and economic incentive measures, the reserve has successfully mobilized local farmers and communities, allowing them to gain economic benefits while contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Inception phase

Implementation

Local

Scientific Publicity and Education

Publicity in World Wildlife Conservation Day

The Bureau for the Management of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve

To engage community residents, conservation officers are organized to deeply integrate into communities to promote the "Forest Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Regulations on Nature Reserves of the People's Republic of China," among other legal frameworks. Concurrently, there is a consistent effort to conduct biodiversity conservation publicity activities, such as "Land Day," "World Wildlife Day," "Qinling Ecological Environment Protection Promotion Week," and "Forest Fire Prevention Month." These activities are carried out at population-dense locations and villages through distributing leaflets, posting slogans, and hanging banners, aiming to raise public awareness about nature conservation through educational public service initiatives.
For primary and secondary school students, natural experience courses are developed, including seven experiential routes such as observing the golden monkeys in Yuhuangmiao Creek and exploring the historical and cultural heritage of Mount Taibai. These routes are designed to organize scientific exploration activities for young people. In recent years, over 20 nature experience activities have been conducted, involving more than 3,000 teachers and students. In August 2022, this initiative was recognized by the Shaanxi Forestry Bureau and the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League as the "Shaanxi Provincial Nature Education Base."

Implementation

Local

5. Adaptive Pathway Plan

Scenario visualisation

Kassandra Srl

Scenario visualisation

Kassandra Srl

An Adaptive Pathway Plan is a strategic framework designed to enhance resilience and adapt to long-term changes, particularly in the context of climate change. It involves identifying adaptation challenges and evaluating the effectiveness of various interventions over time. The key components include:

Pathways Mapping: The plan illustrates sequences of measures or investments to achieve defined objectives, allowing for adjustments as conditions change.
Thresholds and Tipping Points: The approach uses indicators to signal when a change in strategy is needed, ensuring flexibility in decision-making.
Removal of Uncertainty: The uncertainty with using climate risk prediction models for decision making has led us to use Resilience instead, therefore removing uncertainty from the decision-making process.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involvement of diverse stakeholders ensures that the pathways are context-sensitive and reflect local needs.

Key enabling factors include:

Flexibility: The plan must adapt to changing conditions and uncertainties, allowing timely adjustments as new information arises.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures the plan addresses various needs, fostering broader support.
Clear Triggers: Establishing specific signposts for when to adjust strategies enhances decision-making and responsiveness.
Integrated Approach: Aligning the plan with existing policies creates a cohesive strategy that is easier to implement.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous evaluation of the plan's effectiveness is crucial for informed adjustments and long-term success.

Key lessons learned include:

Contextual Adaptation: Tailoring the analysis to specific contexts and needs enhances effectiveness and addresses complexity.
Visualization Tools: Diverse visual representations, like metro maps and decision trees, improve understanding and communication of pathways.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving multiple actors is crucial for addressing varied values and objectives, requiring robust governance structures to support ongoing monitoring.
Shared Experiences: Documenting and sharing experiences can facilitate wider adoption and application of adaptive pathways in practice.

Implementation

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated land use planning strategically allocated land for agriculture, conservation, and human settlements, balancing the needs of both people and wildlife. After training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and continued sensitization on wildlife and habitat conservation during monthly community meetings facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, the integrated land use approach was on its way to being achieved. The beneficiaries of the 10% Fence Plan maximized the allocated 10% for agriculture by planting certified seeds best suited for the climatic conditions, resulting in high yields. At the same time, the remaining 90% of the land was effectively utilized by wildlife and livestock, creating the much-needed balance in Kamungi Conservancy. This approach benefited both the communities and wildlife by promoting sustainable land use that supported livelihoods and conservation efforts.

Collaborative Planning:
A multi-stakeholder approach was essential for the success of integrated land use planning. Community members, conservationists, agricultural experts, and government officials were actively involved in the planning process, ensuring that the needs of all parties were considered. The inclusion of indigenous knowledge and the contributions made during monthly community meetings, facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, fostered a sense of ownership and commitment from local communities. This collaborative approach ensured that land was allocated for both agricultural and wildlife purposes, balancing the coexistence of people and nature.
Sustainable Land Management Practices:
Training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) empowered community members to adopt practices that enhanced agricultural productivity while conserving the environment. Certified seeds were used to optimize crop yields in the 10% of land allocated for agriculture under the Fence Plan. Simultaneously, sustainable grazing and habitat management ensured that the remaining 90% of the land was beneficially used by wildlife and livestock. This approach helped maintain biodiversity, supported ecosystem resilience, and contributed to soil health and water conservation.
Zoning and Mapping:
Clear zoning and mapping strategies were implemented, designating areas for agriculture, wildlife, and livestock use. The 10% allocation for farming was carefully selected based on land suitability for crops and climatic conditions, ensuring maximum productivity. The remaining 90% was preserved for wildlife and grazing, providing a balanced and functional land use system. Community land mapping allowed for real-time monitoring of land use, helping to maintain the ecological integrity of Kamungi Conservancy.
Economic Incentives:
Economic benefits played a critical role in ensuring community participation and adherence to the land use plan. The high agricultural yields from the 10% Fence Plan, achieved through the use of climate-smart practices and certified seeds, provided direct financial benefits to the local communities. Additionally, Tsavo Trust’s community support initiatives—such as the provision of solar home systems, energy-saving cook stoves, dam liners for water conservation, scholarship and education support, and health support—further incentivized communities to maintain the balance between conservation and development. These incentives significantly contributed to the overall success of the integrated land use approach by improving livelihoods while promoting sustainable land management practices.
Capacity Building and Training:
The capacity-building initiatives led by the BIOPAMA project were instrumental in training community members on climate-smart agriculture and wildlife conservation. These trainings, along with continued sensitization efforts during the monthly community meetings, ensured that communities were well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable land management practices. The strong foundation of knowledge led to more effective land use, increased agricultural productivity, and improved wildlife conservation efforts.

Inclusivity Drives Success:
Engaging all stakeholders—community members, conservationists, agricultural experts, and government officials—was essential to the success of the integrated land use planning. The participatory approach ensured that diverse needs were considered, fostering community ownership and long-term adherence to the plan. The inclusion of local knowledge, reinforced by continuous sensitization through the BIOPAMA project’s community meetings, contributed significantly to the plan’s success.
Climate-Smart Agriculture is Key to Productivity:
The use of certified seeds and climate-smart agricultural practices under the 10% Fence Plan led to significantly higher yields, demonstrating that sustainable farming techniques can greatly benefit local communities. The successful integration of these practices allowed the community to benefit economically while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of surrounding ecosystems.
Economic Incentives Encourage Community Buy-in:
Direct economic benefits, such as the provision of solar home systems, energy-saving cook stoves, dam liners, scholarship and education support, and health services, played a crucial role in encouraging community adherence to the land use plan. These livelihood projects, supported by Tsavo Trust, reinforced the balance between conservation and development, ensuring that communities saw tangible benefits from their participation in conservation efforts. This linkage between conservation and improved living standards fostered long-term support for the plan.
Balancing Land Use Enhances Coexistence:
By designating 10% of the land for agriculture and reserving 90% for wildlife and livestock, the land use plan successfully created a balance that supported human livelihoods while maintaining wildlife habitats. This careful land allocation reduced human-wildlife conflicts and ensured the sustainable use of natural resources, promoting long-term coexistence.
Policy and Legal Frameworks Provide Stability:
Strong policy backing and legal support were instrumental in enforcing the integrated land use plan. The collaboration with local governments ensured that land use boundaries were respected and violations addressed. This legal framework created a foundation for sustained conservation efforts and development.
Adaptability is Essential for Sustainability:
The continuous monitoring and evaluation of land use through GIS mapping and community feedback mechanisms allowed for adaptive management. This flexibility ensured that the land use plan could respond to changing environmental conditions and socio-economic needs, making it more resilient and sustainable in the long term.

Biodiversity Monitoring

Monitoring and Patrolling in Xiaowangjian

The Bureau for the Management of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve

The establishment of the Golden Monkey Monitoring and Research Base at Northwest University and the Zhouzhi Substation for the National Field Scientific Observation and Research of Biodiversity for Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, in collaboration with various institutions such as the Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Northwest A&F University, Beijing Forestry University, and Northwest University, serves as an internship base for graduate and doctoral students. These partnerships facilitate joint efforts in wildlife surveys and other scientific endeavors, thereby promoting high-quality development within the region.

Research projects have been implemented to conduct extensive surveys, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive database of rare and protected species such as the Giant Panda, Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, Golden Takin, Himalayan Yew, and Kingdonia uniflora. This has led to the compilation of 13 specialized survey and monitoring reports, including the "Giant Panda and Its Habitat Monitoring Report" and the "Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Survey Report," earning two second-place awards for scientific and technological advancements from the Shaanxi Forestry Department.

Since 2012, infrared cameras have captured approximately 40,000 photographs and 5,000 video clips of rare wildlife activities, including Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys. Remarkably, the Zhouzhi Nature Reserve has recorded three leopards foraging together on three occasions, as well as footage of two wild Giant Pandas playing, and the first recorded appearance of a brown Giant Panda. Additionally, images of the Asiatic Golden Cat have been documented in various areas within the jurisdiction. In 2019, footage of the Golden Takin garnered the "Best Video Award" on CCTV's "Eyes of the Secret Realm." In 2023 alone, the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts has been reported 16 times by provincial and national-level media.

Establish Management Systems and Technical Procedures

Compensation Measures for Damages Caused by Key Protected Terrestrial Wild Animals 这个翻译的背景是什么？

Nanshan National Park

the guidelines have clarified the purposes, types, procedures, and documentation requirements for patrols.

Patrol Technical Regulations of Nanshan National Park

Nanshan National Park

1.Establishment of Nanshan National Park Patrol Technical Regulations: The guidelines have clarified the purposes, types, procedures, and documentation requirements for patrols. Standards for establishing patrol teams and planning patrol schedules and routes have been defined. Key plots, rare tree species, and endangered animals within the national park are under focused conservation, with any issues being reported promptly. Additionally, the regulations help in disseminating forestry policies and regulations, enhancing the community's awareness and participation in resource protection. 2. Issuance of the "Nanshan National Park Key Protected Terrestrial Wild Animals Damage Compensation Regulations": This policy specifies the circumstances, eligible compensation recipients, compensation authorities, and procedures. It provides necessary legal support and enforcement for citizens, legal persons, or other organizations that suffer losses due to the infringement of key protected terrestrial wild animals within the national park.

Management Support: The administrators recognize the necessity of this work and have organized professional technical staff to develop technical procedures and management systems based on the actual situation of Nanshan National Park. These have been published after several discussions and studies within the management bureau. 2.Technical Support from the Administration: The management bureau has established a department responsible for patrol work and employs professional technical workers to guide and supervise the effective implementation of technical management systems and procedures. There are multiple conservation stations within the national park's boundaries, and several local patrol officers who are familiar with the terrain and knowledgeable about wildlife protection have been hired. 3.Adequate Funding: The management bureau and local government provide funding and subsidies for the patrol work, ensuring that the patrol teams have sufficient financial support.

Implementation

Local

Subnational

The guidelines have clarified the purposes, types, procedures, and documentation requirements for patrols.

Education and Advocacy

- Provide training workshops focusing on sustainable fishing methods, resource management, and the legal ramifications of illegal fishing practices.

- Work with local authorities to educate them about the role of the associations and the necessity of enforcing regulations that protect their members and the ecosystem.

Every descent into each village, our team was always accompanied by staff from the regional directorate of fishing and the blue economy (DRPEB). Through fieldworks, they took the opportunity to raise awareness about fishing regulations, reminders of laws and procedures as well as respect for fishing calendars for various fishery resources.

Implementation

Local