Cooperation for the conservation of marine protected areas.

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.

Define actions to reduce negative effects of marine pollution and cooperate with processes for sustainable fishing practices within MPAs.

Building processes in cooperation with local fisheries organizations requires time and expertise in fisheries.

Implementation of Codes of Good Practice

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.

Design specialized codes that guide captains and crew of fishing fleets in adopting responsible and sustainable practices.

1) The support and experience of fishermen is important.

2) Implementation takes time

3) Always disseminate crew members' actions.

Development of biodegradable and non-meshing Fish aggregating devices (FADs)

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.

1) Involvement of shipowners

2) Research on biodegradable materials

3) Research budget

4) Training

5) Cooperation with CIAT and other organizations

6) Increasing the size of trials

7) Support for regulations in the OROP

1) Collaboration of captains and crew members in at-sea trials is important.

2) Search for materials resistant to ocean conditions and consistency.

3) Controlling the quality of prototypes.

4) Protecting intellectual property.

Cooperation with tuna stock assessment models

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.

  • Willingness to support IATTC scientific research plans by providing data to improve assessment models that estimate the health status of tropical tuna stocks.
  • Data from key fisheries for a commercial fishing strategy are kept confidential but for a period of time in order to contribute to scientific and fisheries management work.
Promoting transparency and compliance

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.

  • Market demand
  • Economic support to implement conceptual model.
  • Guild vision to work on sustainability.
  • Process still under construction.
  • Large-scale changes require gradual implementation processes to reduce resistance to change or cause a collective initiative to fail.
Treelings

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.

Digital MRV (Measurement–Reporting–Verification) System

Purpose:
To ensure that every tree planted is measurable, reportable, and verifiable in a transparent way. It solves the credibility gap in reforestation projects, where funders often cannot confirm survival or carbon impact.

How it works:
Treelings deploys drones and satellites to capture high-resolution imagery. AI algorithms detect tree survival, growth, and canopy cover. These data points are stored and shared through a user dashboard. The system reduces manual error, provides near-real-time monitoring, and can be adapted to other ecosystems.

Digital MRV (Measurement–Reporting–Verification) System

Enabling Conditions:

  • Reliable internet and cloud infrastructure for data transfer and storage.
  • Access to drones, satellite imagery, and AI/remote sensing expertise.
  • Technical capacity for system calibration and algorithm training.
  • Open collaboration with local authorities for field data validation.

2. Blockchain-Verified Tree Registry & Certificates

Enabling Conditions:

  • A functioning blockchain environment and smart contract platform.
  • Partnerships with IT developers and registry operators.
  • Clear project metadata (species, GPS coordinates, planting date).
  • Stakeholder willingness to adopt digital certification instead of traditional paperwork.

3. Youth Volunteer Engagement Model

Enabling Conditions:

  • Strong partnerships with schools, universities, and youth NGOs.
  • Training and safety guidelines for fieldwork.
  • Incentive structures (certificates, recognition, or small stipends).
  • Community support to integrate youth efforts into broader reforestation projects.

4. Corporate Partnership & CSR Integration

Enabling Conditions:

  • Corporate buy-in and alignment with ESG/SDG reporting frameworks.
  • Transparent communication of impact metrics (e.g., survival rates, CO₂ captured).
  • Marketing/branding benefits clearly outlined for partners.
  • Legal agreements covering co-branding, funding flows, and monitoring obligations.

5. Three-Year Maintenance & Survival Guarantee

Enabling Conditions:

  • Upfront financing that includes maintenance costs, not just planting.
  • Reliable local partners to execute watering, fencing, and replanting.
  • Monitoring protocols (app reports, drone flights, survival surveys).
  • Community involvement to reduce risks of neglect or damage.

6. Community Education & Reward System

Enabling Conditions:

  • Collaboration with local authorities and utilities to provide rewards (discounts, recognition).
  • Simple, accessible communication materials (visuals, local language).
  • Mechanisms for households to record participation (e.g., app, QR codes).
  • Ongoing awareness campaigns to maintain motivation.

 

 

 

 

 

Facilitating Inclusive and Dialogue-Based Menstrual Health Sessions for Community Adults

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. 

  • Collaboration with Trusted Local Actors – Engage ward officers, community leaders, and women’s groups early to gain trust and support mobilisation. 
  • Safe and Respectful Dialogue – Begin each session by setting participation rules that promote open, non-judgmental sharing. 
  • Active Listening – Spend more time listening than speaking, allowing participants to voice their experiences and questions before introducing new information. 
  • Tailored Content – Adapt materials and examples to the cultural and generational context of the group. 
  • Hands-On Product Demonstrations – Show different menstrual products, explain pros and cons, and address environmental impacts to support informed choice. 
  • Logistical Planning – Choose venues that are private, comfortable, and easily accessible for the target audience. Ensure all materials and visual aids are ready in advance. 
  • Follow-Up Engagement – Schedule recurring visits or link participants to ongoing programmes for sustained learning. 
  • A single session rarely shifts deep-rooted norms; regular follow-up strengthens retention and attitude change. 
  • Listening respectfully and without judgment encourages participants to share honestly, which opens the door to correcting misinformation. 
  • Local leaders and women’s groups are key allies in building trust and mobilising attendance. 
  • Myths and taboos are often deeply personal; facilitators need patience and cultural sensitivity to address them effectively. 
  • Product demonstrations and environmental discussions help bridge the gap between abstract health messages and practical, daily life decisions. 
Designing and Delivering Age-Appropriate Menstrual Health Education for Schools

This building block details how the SPARŚA Ambassador Program designs and delivers menstrual health education for students aged 11–17 (Grades 6–10) in Nepal, ensuring each session is relevant, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. 

Schools are chosen based on their proximity to the Ambassador’s community to ensure trust and easy access. Ambassadors map their audience and adapt delivery methods to different age groups. For Grades 6–7 (pre-menarche), sessions focus on building a safe and friendly environment through storytelling, interactive games, and art-based activities. For Grades 8–10 (post-menarche), the focus shifts to clear scientific explanations of the menstrual cycle, phases, and bodily changes, while also addressing myths, stigma, and gaps left by incomplete classroom teaching. 

Visual aids such as flip charts, diagrams, presentations, and flex prints help make abstract concepts tangible. Ambassadors also conduct live demonstrations of various menstrual products—disposable pads, reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and tampons—explaining pros and cons, safe usage, disposal methods, and environmental impacts. By linking product choice to environmental awareness, students learn how menstrual health intersects with climate action. 

Nutrition during menstruation is covered to promote physical well-being. Sessions are always inclusive of both boys and girls, which helps normalise menstruation, reduce stigma, and foster empathy among peers. Teachers are encouraged to attend so they can reinforce messages after the session. 

Preparation is key: Ambassadors contact school principals early, establish ground rules for respectful participation, prepare teaching materials, arrange transportation, and ensure all demonstration products are ready. Follow-up is encouraged through take-home leaflets or posters, allowing students to revisit the information later. 

  • Audience Segmentation – Adapt activities for pre- and post-menarche students to match their needs and comfort levels. 
  • Interactive, Hands-On Learning – Use visual aids, role plays, and product demonstrations to engage multiple learning styles. 
  • Safe Participation Rules – Start sessions with simple agreements on respect and confidentiality to encourage open dialogue. 
  • Proactive School Engagement – Approach principals in person to secure support, time slots, and teacher involvement. 
  • Environmental Integration – Include information on how different products affect waste and climate, fostering both health and environmental responsibility. 
  • Teacher Involvement – Invite teachers to join the sessions so they can continue the conversation afterwards. 
  • Follow-Up Materials – Provide schools with leaflets or posters to reinforce key messages after the session. 
  • Younger students respond best to fun, artistic, and emotionally safe methods, while older students value factual clarity and practical detail. 
  • Demonstrating products physically breaks down stigma and makes menstrual care relatable, especially in rural or high-stigma settings. 
  • Including boys in the sessions reduces teasing and builds peer support for menstruating students. 
  • Teacher involvement greatly increases the sustainability of knowledge transfer. 
  • Careful preparation, including early material requests and transport planning, ensures smooth delivery. 
Engaging Key Actors for Menstrual Health Outreach

This building block outlines how to identify, engage, and collaborate with the local actors who enable smooth implementation and long-term sustainability of the SPARŚA Ambassador Program. These include local authorities, community leaders, partner NGOs, school administrations, and ward-level representatives. Establishing trust with these stakeholders ensures legitimacy, secures support for sessions, and opens opportunities for collaboration, resource-sharing, and broader community engagement. 

Ambassadors begin by mapping key decision-makers in their area, including ward officers, municipal representatives, and respected community figures. Early face-to-face meetings secure permissions and build goodwill. These contacts often connect Ambassadors to existing programmes and community groups such as Ama Samuha, Mahila Samuha, Tole Sudhar Samiti, and Users Committees, which can help mobilise participants and spread awareness. 

Partner NGOs are engaged before training begins, contributing to co-designing content, sourcing expert trainers, and sharing proven materials like Ruby’s World from WASH United, NFCC toolkits, and GYAN resources. 

When engaging schools, Ambassadors prioritise in-person visits to principals over emails or calls, respecting local norms and increasing the likelihood of acceptance. Flexibility is essential to handle last-minute changes or rejections. Principals play a key role in organising logistics, allocating time slots, and ensuring student and teacher participation. 

Formal documentation—letters with organisational stamps and signatures—builds credibility and reassures institutions. Understanding local protocols is vital, as some districts require additional approvals from higher authorities. 

  • Stakeholder Mapping – Identify key decision-makers, influencers, and active community groups before implementation. 
  • Early Government Engagement – Meet ward officers, municipal representatives, and community leaders early to secure approvals and explore synergies with local initiatives. 
  • Strong NGO Partnerships – Collaborate with NGOs during programme design to access trainers, co-create content, and leverage their networks. 
  • Proactive School Engagement – Rely on direct, face-to-face communication with principals for smoother scheduling and logistical coordination. 
  • Local Champions – Enlist respected individuals to introduce Ambassadors and vouch for their work. 
  • Formal Documentation – Prepare stamped, signed letters to formalise agreements and avoid administrative delays. 
  • Protocol Awareness – Understand and comply with administrative processes unique to each district. 
  • In-person engagement is far more effective than remote outreach when working with schools and communities in rural Nepal. 
  • Formal procedures, including official letters and stamps, are essential for credibility and often a precondition for access. 
  • Flexibility is key; session dates may change, and having backup options prevents disruption. 
  • Maintaining warm relationships with stakeholders through updates and acknowledgements builds long-term trust. 
  • Aligning Ambassador activities with existing health or education events increases efficiency and reach. 
Creating a Network of Young Educators (Sparśa Ambassadors)

This building block establishes a community-rooted network of trained young educators—known as Ambassadors—who lead awareness sessions on menstruation within their own local contexts. The approach addresses the widespread lack of accurate menstrual health information among both schoolchildren and adults by using peer-led, relatable education. 

Ambassadors are selected from diverse communities across Chitwan, Nawalpur East, and Nawalpur West, ensuring cultural, linguistic, and contextual relevance. Both male and female Ambassadors are recruited to promote shared responsibility for breaking menstrual stigma. 

Before field implementation, Ambassadors conduct community and school mapping to design session content tailored to local needs and beliefs. They participate in intensive residential training on menstruation, SRHR, facilitation, and leadership, followed by mock sessions in local schools. They also form peer support groups—through WhatsApp, weekly calls, and shared online documents—to coordinate, co-create sessions, and sustain motivation. 

The programme prioritises both external impact and the personal and professional development of Ambassadors, fostering the next generation of community leaders and advocates for menstrual health. Regular check-ins, planning meetings, and progress updates keep the network active, responsive, and accountable.

  • Community-Centric Recruitment – Select Ambassadors from their own communities to ensure trust, cultural sensitivity, and relevance. Partner with schools, youth clubs, and women’s groups for recruitment. Use a short application process to assess motivation, availability, and community involvement. 
  • Inclusive Gender Representation – Engage both men and women to foster shared responsibility in menstrual health education. 
  • Flexible Training Design – Combine a pre-designed curriculum with space for Ambassadors to adapt content based on mapping results and local taboos. 
  •  Interactive Training Methods – Use role plays, group discussions, and games to make sessions participatory. Include culturally relevant examples and a “train-the-trainer” component so Ambassadors can cascade their learning. 
  • Skilled Facilitation – Involve expert trainers in SRHR, facilitation, and leadership to build strong knowledge and confidence. 
  • Pre-Deployment Preparation – Run practice workshops and mock sessions before fieldwork to refine delivery. 
  • Ongoing Mentorship – Provide regular guidance, peer support groups, and group reflection sessions to sustain engagement. 
  • Integration with Local Services – Link Ambassadors to health centres and school staff for referrals and continuity of education after the project. 
  • Recruiting passionate youth works well, but including candidates with SRHR or public health backgrounds adds extra value. Take time with selection to ensure long-term commitment. 
  • A 3-day residential training proved too short; a week-long bootcamp allows deeper learning, stronger bonding, and practical application. 
  • Many Ambassadors dropped out due to low motivation or personal commitments. Regular in-person or hybrid check-ins, accessible communication channels (including offline), and incentives such as certificates or small stipends help retain them. 
  • Scheduling sessions at convenient times for target groups and separating sessions by age or gender when needed creates safer spaces for discussion. 
  • Combining menstrual health education with related topics like puberty, hygiene, or environmental impacts broadens relevance and engagement. 
  • Post-session feedback forms and monthly peer meetings help track progress, identify challenges, and share solutions. 
  • Partnering with local institutions early ensures credibility and smoother access to schools and community venues.