Building block 1 – Title * [255] Transparency with communities

The feedback mechanism increases transparency by providing a structured, accessible, and confidential way for community members to voice concerns or share feedback. With lock boxes placed in four zones, individuals can submit feedback without needing to travel or fear retaliation. A multi-organization response team ensures impartial review, demonstrating accountability and reducing perceptions of bias. Regular feedback reviews and community meetings provide updates on how concerns are addressed, reinforcing trust in the process and strengthening community confidence in conservation efforts.

Transparency in the feedback mechanism is ensured through accessibility, impartiality, and accountability. Lock boxes in four zones allow confidential submissions, ensuring community voices are heard. A multi-organization response team ensures fair reviews, while regular meetings provide updates on actions taken. The project’s constitution guides decision-making, which is implemented by elected representatives at both the CICP and zonal levels, fostering trust and community ownership.

Ensuring transparency in the feedback mechanism has provided key lessons that strengthen trust and accountability. 

Accessibility played a crucial role, as lock boxes in four zones allowed community members to submit grievances confidentially, increasing participation. 

Impartiality in reviewing the feedback was also important. Having a response team composed of multiple organizations reduces bias and reassured the community that concerns would be handled fairly. 

Regular communication proved essential, with meetings providing updates on any grievances and actions taken, reinforcing trust. 

A clear governance structure of the CICP and zonal committees, ensured consistency in handling feedback. Additionally, involving elected Zonal Committee representatives in oversight strengthened local ownership and legitimacy.

Pheromone Traps: A Smart Approach to Controlling Bark Beetle Infestations

Through the project’s efforts to assess the impacts of climate change on Montenegro’s biodiversity, it has become evident that bark beetles (Scolytinae) pose a significant threat to forest health across the country. These insects, which belong to the Curculionidae family, burrow into tree bark to feed and reproduce, causing severe damage that leads to large-scale tree mortality in Montenegro’s forests.


To combat this challenge, the project has procured 85 pheromone traps, which were strategically placed in National Park Prokletije and National Park Durmitor in May 2024. These traps function by attracting and capturing adult beetles, thereby reducing their population and mitigating the risk of further infestations. Initial results indicate the capturing of 12,746.015 bark beetles during three months, showcasing the effectiveness of this targeted intervention.

  • Use of Advanced Monitoring Tools: Deployment of pheromone traps ensures accurate and targeted monitoring of bark beetle populations.
  • Strategic Placement: Identification and targeting of high-risk areas, such as Babino Polje and Treskavac, to maximize the effectiveness of the traps.
  • Organizational Capacity: The expertise and commitment of the National Parks of Montenegro team facilitate efficient monitoring and response.
  • Data Collection Infrastructure: Regular maintenance and systematic data recording support informed decision-making for forest management.
  • Timely Intervention is Critical: Early detection and control of bark beetles prevent significant damage to forest ecosystems.
  • Continuous Monitoring is Essential: Regularly emptying and analyzing traps ensures up-to-date insights into insect populations.
  • Localized Approaches Yield Results: Focusing efforts on the most vulnerable areas provides a high return on conservation investments.
  • Preventive Measures Reduce Long-Term Risks: Proactively reducing bark beetle populations mitigates their reproductive potential and limits the spread of infestation.
Digital Tree Tags: Revolutionizing Forest Monitoring and Data Collection

Recognizing urgent issues within Montenegro’s national parks—such as deforestation caused by pests, lack of reliable forestry data, and illegal logging—the project has implemented cutting-edge technology to improve forest management. In the National Park Prokletije, a pilot initiative has introduced a tree tagging system that enables the identification and monitoring of individual trees. Each tree tag stores key information, including the tree species, age, health status, and geolocation.


Through this initiative, the project has procured OKO Business connected product cloud technology, 20,000 tree tags, and associated readers while providing specialized training for employees in the PENP and National Park Prokletije. The tagging process, conducted in collaboration with PENP and NP Prokletije, resulted in the identification and tagging of 20,000 trees over three months, leading to the creation of a digital forest inventory database. This database will be accessible to PENP and NP Prokletije and will play a crucial role in future forest conservation and management efforts, particularly in monitoring the status of the forest in NP Prokletije.

  • Advanced Technology Integration: The use of digital tagging tools and systems enabled precise tree monitoring and data collection.
  • Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships among environmental organizations, National Park authorities, and technological experts ensured the project's success.
  • Government and Stakeholder Support: Institutional backing and funding facilitated the implementation of this innovative approach.
  • Focus on Sustainability: A precise alignment with global and regional environmental sustainability goals motivated the initiative.
  • Scalability Requires Infrastructure: The success of digital tagging underscores the need for robust digital infrastructure to support the expansion of similar initiatives.
  • Community Engagement is Crucial: Involving local communities can foster ownership, support, and long-term sustainability of conservation projects.
  • Data Utilization is Key: Collecting data is not enough; it must be analyzed and acted upon to improve forest management practices.
  • Adaptability to Local Conditions: Customizing technology and methods to suit the specific environmental and logistical challenges of the area enhances project efficiency and effectiveness.
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE COMMUNAL COMMISSIONS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (CCDD)

In the framework of an inclusive environmental management, Togo established Communal Commissions for Sustainable Development (CCDD) which comprise decentralized consultation platforms to improve the participation of communities in environmental discussions. These commissions also deal with issues related to FLR. F4F-Togo supported the creation of CCDDs in three communes of the prefecture of Tchamba in order to improve the operational capacity to carry out FLR measures. A CCDD is a multisectoral platform composed of the mayor, canton chiefs, presidents of village committees, heads of decentralized services, women's groups and NGOs. It acts as a management committee for environmental aspects, in general, and for  FLR, in particular. Members of these commissions are resource persons for advisory support and capacity-building, enabling the commissions to assess environmental problems, propose solutions and mobilize resources.

  • Strong interest of local population
  • Commitment by local authorities
  • Financial and technical support by GIZ-Forests4Future

Impacts

  • Ensuring the legitimacy and adaptability of restoration options through the involvement of CCDDs;
  • Implementation of legal provisions to ensure compliance with Togo's commitments to the Bonn Challenge and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);
  • Ensuring the inclusiveness of FLR measures to be proposed in the prefecture's municipal development plans;
  • Support for sustainable management measures for community forests and restoration of agro-forestry landscapes through planting material produced by communal plant breeders.
Public Awareness and Community Mobilization Through Cultural Campaigns

The KCNRN promotes FLR awareness and community participation through innovative campaigns, such as linking restoration efforts to cultural events. The "Miti" festival mobilizes schools, businesses, and government institutions for large-scale tree planting, using social media influencers to amplify participation. This campaign integrates cultural identity with environmental action, fostering a sense of ownership among community members. By making tree planting a shared cultural event, the network raises awareness of sustainable land use while strengthening public support for FLR initiatives.

  • Use of cultural events like the "Miti" festival to anchor restoration campaigns.
  • Engagement of social media influencers to increase public participation.
  • Collaboration with schools, businesses, and local government institutions.

Cultural campaigns are powerful tools for mobilizing large-scale community participation and fostering long-term commitment to FLR:

 

  • Cultural Integration: Linking the "Miti" tree planting festival to cultural traditions created a sense of pride and ownership among community members, making restoration efforts relatable and engaging.
  • Use of Social Media Influencers: Mobilizing local influencers expanded the reach of the campaign, ensuring broad public participation and awareness, particularly among younger demographics.
  • Collaboration with Institutions: Partnerships with schools, businesses, and local government institutions ensured diverse participation and contributed to large-scale community engagement.
  • Annual Campaign Model: Establishing "Miti" as an annual event institutionalized restoration activities, ensuring sustained momentum and recurring public interest in FLR.
  • Localized Messaging: Tailored communication materials and campaigns addressed local environmental challenges, making FLR goals more relevant to the community
Addressing Socio-Economic Needs Through Livelihood Alter-natives

This building block aligns Farmer Field School (FFS) activities with the economic needs of local communities by introducing sustainable livelihood options. By teaching agroforestry, diversified crops and other commercial enterprises, FFS help farmers improve soil health, increase crop yields and find alternatives to unsustainable practices such as charcoal production. This approach provides economic incentives to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating that FLR can improve both environmental and economic well-being.

Financial and logistical support from project partners enables the initial implementation of agroforestry and income-generating activities. Training on alternative livelihoods through FFS demonstrates the economic value of sustainable practices, making them more attractive to farmers.

Aligning FLR activities with local economic needs is essential for long-term success. When farmers see improved yields and increased incomes, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Ensuring that restoration efforts contribute to immediate livelihood improvements motivates community members to actively participate in FLR.

Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices

FFS combines traditional land management practices with sustainable FLR techniques, allowing communities to build on their existing knowledge. This integration respects cultural practices and promotes acceptance, facilitating the transition to sustainable land management. This step is also essential when communities make comparisons between what they are learning and their own knowledge/skills/practices.

A key component of FFS success is the integration of traditional knowledge, achieved through open dialogue with local elders and knowledge holders. Facilitators and project leaders are encouraged to understand and respect existing land use practices, which helps to integrate these practices with modern sustainable techniques. This culturally sensitive approach facilitates the acceptance of new methods, while increasing their effectiveness by building on familiar practices. Support from project partners ensures that traditional methods are respected and combined with ecological restoration techniques, increasing both community buy-in and practical relevance.

Combining traditional and modern practices makes FLR more relevant to local contexts. When restoration techniques resonate with familiar practices, communities are more likely to engage in and adopt FLR activities because these methods feel accessible and practical. When local knowledge forms the basis of the restoration approach, communities feel that they are partners rather than passive recipients of aid. This sense of ownership is essential for the long-term management of restored areas, as communities feel personally responsible for maintaining and protecting these landscapes. Traditional knowledge also often includes time-tested methods that are well suited to the local environment, such as specific planting cycles or water conservation practices adapted to seasonal weather patterns.

Conducting Demonstration Days and Hands-On Learning

FFS emphasizes hands-on training through demonstration days where participants practice sustainable techniques like soil conservation, agroforestry, and erosion control. These field-based sessions allow farmers to learn by doing, improving retention and adoption of new practices.

The success of demonstration days relies on providing accessible plots and necessary materials (such as seeds, tools, and equipment) that allow farmers to engage directly with FLR techniques. External support from partners helps ensure that FFS are equipped with resources to run effective, hands-on sessions. Additionally, experienced facilitators guide these practical sessions, ensuring that participants understand the application and benefits of each technique, from soil conservation to agroforestry. This approach increases confidence among participants and reinforces learning by allowing them to see and feel the results of their efforts in real-time

Hands-on learning is more impactful than theory alone. Demonstration days help farmers see immediate results, which increases confidence in applying the techniques on their own land.

Selecting and Training of Lead Farmers

Choosing lead farmers who act as champions for FFS is a critical step. Lead farmers are selected based on community recommendations and receive additional training to guide FFS sessions. They serve as role models, facilitate peer learning, and ensure that new techniques are correctly implemented. Lead farmers help maintain motivation and act as local points of contact for any issues that arise.

Selecting lead farmers from within the community is crucial, as these individuals are respected and trusted by their peers. Training for lead farmers is supported by technical expertise from project partners (e.g., FAO, IUCN), who provide knowledge on sustainable practices and techniques. These lead farmers act as both role models and facilitators, bridging the gap between formal training and community-level implementation. Their position as local champions allows them to encourage participation, maintain motivation, and ensure that sustainable practices are being correctly followed by FFS participants.

Empowering respected individuals as lead farmers boosts local credibility of FFS and ensures that skills and knowledge are effectively transferred.

Continuous monitoring arrangements

A robust monitoring mechanism of the process needs to be put in place. Technical staff need to ensure that they engage with communities to explore whether there are challenges and how they can address them. During these monitoring events, communities also share their experiences.
This is part of the continuous learning cycle to improve where necessary. New techniques are also shared during these monitoring events.

The monitoring team consists of various experts (forestry, agriculture, community development, fisheries, water development, M&E), FAO, IUCN. The core team is from the government, as they have permanent representation in the district. This ensures sustainability of knowledge and resilience of systems in the area. It is important to support communities with simple work plans.

There is a need for resilient communities that can withstand the challenges of recovery. However, if their capacities are strengthened, they will be able to monitor their own activities.