Krungthai Bank (KTB), a key partner in the "Koh Tao Better Together" crowdfunding campaign, developed an easy-to-use electronic donation platform integrated with the Thai tax system. The bank's innovation lab offered to create the e-donation platform. Through a QR code, Thai citizens were able to donate to the account "Raks Thai Foundation, UNDP and Krungthai Love Koh Tao" in a quick, transparent, and verifiable way. The platform allows Thai donors to automatically send their donation information to the Revenue Department for tax deduction. Moreover, UNDP designed another e-donation platform for international donors. 

KTB acted as the initial donor of the campaign, contributing 30% of the fundraising target. Furthermore, the bank committed to covering the remaining donations if the target was not met, which proved unnecessary thanks to the success of the e-donation platform.  

Additionally, KTB trained boat drivers on how to access the bank's existing digital financial services. These include Krungthai NEXT — an e-banking app with multiple functionalities for directly managing personal finances —, and Krungthai Connext — a free notification system via the LINE messaging app that provides real-time updates on financial transactions.  

UNDP Thailand conducted a socio-economic impact assessment of Covid-19 on Koh Tao's tourism sector. Using pre-pandemic data and information from locals, the study concluded that small tourist boat drivers are amongst the most affected and most vulnerable segment of the population due to the complete dependence on tourism. The study also found an estimated minimum living cost of USD 500 (THB 15,000) for individual households on Koh Tao and that 90% of them received almost no income since the beginning of the pandemic. The study served as the foundation for the campaign and enabled the estimation of a baseline, making sure that the solution addresses the most vulnerable groups and provides an income that can, at least, alleviate sustenance needs. The campaign was also designed with support from UNDP's Crowdfunding Academy, with expertise in this area.  

The main objective of the crowdfunding campaign was to cover six months of salaries for the 33 furloughed frontliners. Additional funds were allocated to provide food packs for all the 59 frontliners during their 22-day shifts and to procure essential patrolling gear and equipment. 

As a result, the solution delivered outputs that improved the patrolling conditions and protection of the tamaraws, generating long-term, sustainable impacts that persisted beyond the campaign period.

Specifically, the gear and equipment procured included:

• 1 global positioning system (GPS) device;
• 4 devices for patrolling and wildlife recording;
• 6 camping cook sets;
• 4 hammocks/tents;
• 10 sets of first aid kits and medical supplies;
• 2 camera traps;
• 75 reusable thermal blankets;
• 75 patrol gear sets (uniforms, waterproof backpack, and aquaflask);
• 75 portable solar lamps with mobile charger.

The crowdfunding campaign maintained a strong presence on traditional and social media. Daily posts were tailored to strengthen the business case for donations, highlighting key events such as a tamaraw killed by poachers, Tamaraw Month, and the death of the last captive-bred tamaraw, Kalibasib. By leveraging a mix of media platforms, the campaign reached both national and international audiences and engaged diverse age groups. 

Social media releases on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn were reposted and shared by BIOFIN Global and Philippines (including promoted posts), UNDP Philippines, and various accounts associated with the DENR. Moreover, a national Tamaraw Ambassadors program was launched on social media, engaging public figures to promote the campaign. These communication strategies effectively reached the general public within and beyond the Philippines.

Traditional media also supported the campaign, with coverage from reputable news networks like Stand for Truth and GMA Digital Specials. Press releases and media pick-ups generated an estimated media value of USD 70,000 (PHP 3.4 million) as of September 2020.

Lastly, a promotion email was sent to over 2,000 individuals through the BIOFIN global mailing, targeting a specialized audience of professionals and partners in the biodiversity sector.

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.

To support national ABS mainstreaming in Côte d’Ivoire, the ABS Initiative commissioned a comprehensive study on laws, policies, strategies, and activities that could be aligned with ABS. The study analysed institutional and procedural entry points and identified key actors within ministries and institutions to drive integration. It focused on ministries covering the economy, trade, health, science, agriculture, rural development, and intellectual property, as well as national development policies, SDG implementation, and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). 

The research combined targeted keyword searches (e.g. “biodiversity”) with interviews across ministries. Findings were validated by experts and shared with ministry and academic representatives at a workshop, where the ABS Focal Point and participants developed around 30 joint goals and actions. 

Building on subsequent activities and networks - for example based on the national NBSAP process - Côte d’Ivoire’s ABS mainstreaming shows early success: ABS is included in the revised National Development Plan, and agreements are in place to integrate it into research institute curricula and forthcoming ministry policies.

This building block supports the integration of ABS and biotrade into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), aligning them with the Global Biodiversity Framework - particularly Target 13 - and fostering synergies with other instruments, such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. 

ABS mainstreaming involves embedding ABS into policies and plans across sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, finance, and research, rather than limiting its implementation to conservation authorities. At the 13th Pan-African ABS and Biotrade Workshop, participants discussed challenges, including limited funding, complex regulations, and insufficient involvement of non-environmental ministries. They explored Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approaches, with a strong focus on private sector engagement in valorisation to generate socio-economic benefits.

Country examples, such as Uganda’s multisectoral working group involving local authorities, NGOs, IPLCs, and businesses, showed how early stakeholder mapping, integration into national development plans, and cross-sector collaboration can make ABS integration into NBSAPs more practical, inclusive, and impactful.

This building block aims to strengthen awareness among government agencies responsible for ABS about the need for national ABS mainstreaming, aligned with Target 13 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, and to identify effective implementation approaches. To this end, the ABS Initiative organised a two-day workshop with ABS Focal Points from seven African countries. Participants analysed challenges for ABS mainstreaming, including limited cross-sector collaboration, balancing ABS priorities with other biodiversity goals, and gaps in implementing and monitoring benefit-sharing.

Using guiding questions, participants identified priority actors, mandates, partnership anchor points, and potential mutual benefits. Countries developed practical solutions, focusing on both technical collaboration with ministries and policy-level engagement to improve the enabling environment.

Strategic communication exercises helped to tailor ABS messaging for sectors such as agriculture, research, trade, and health by linking ABS to their specific policy objectives. Each country defined two priority measures and initial steps for implementation at home. The ABS Initiative also developed country policy briefs showcasing anchor and entry points for ABS mainstreaming.

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. 

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.