Review - identify fire issues and options for change

Once we have established a Community Wildfire Management Team we review their local wildfire issues and identify options for change using a range of participatory methods. Our aim is to build an understanding of how and why fires start within each community and the positive and negative impacts of fires started for different reasons, and in different areas. We recommend interviewing various people including members of the Community Wildfire Management Team, other village leaders and elders, women, youth, and local authorities.

When we understand the causes and impact of wildfire we then conduct community mapping to spatially determine: 

  • where fires are most likely to be lit and why;
  • potential firebreaks or control lines within the landscape;
  • location of water sources;
  • location of access roads and tracks;
  • priority areas for protection (e.g. high value forest and restoration areas); and
  • the ability of local community members to control fires both through pre-suppression and suppression measures.

These fire maps helped each community implement measures to prevent, detect, and effectively respond to wildfire.

A successful review of wildfire issues requires:

  • The completion of Building Block 1 - Community and Government Engagement before undertaking the review process.
  • Gaining a wide range of perspectives about wildfire within each community, as communities will have different drivers, responses, and attitudes to wildfire.
  • Understanding why wildfires occur, particularly if they are lit to benefit some people, is crucial in managing their damaging impacts.

In reviewing the causes and consequences of wildfire on the Tonle Sap Lake we learnt that:

  • Wildfire is caused by people, and most are deliberately lit.
  • Hot, dry weather is a significant driver of wildfire. And wind is the major factor in spreading fire.
  • In communities without fire suppression equipment rainfall is the main factor in extinguishing fires.
  • We recommend printing and prominently displaying each community’s annual CBFiM plan so that it serves as a constant reminder of wildfire management and planned activities.

 

Community and Government Engagement

First, we identify a suitable community – one that is threatened by fire and has the will to address the problem, and ideally has an established community group. On the Tonle Sap Lake we have worked with Community Fishery Organizations (CFi’s), Community Protected Area Organizations (CPA’s), and Villages to implement CBFiM. Engaging a formal community organization with a recognized structure has several advantages, including recognized community leadership, management capacity, financial resources such as bank accounts, and recognition by the local authorities. First, we seek advice from local government authorities on which communities have the necessary capacity to take part in CBFiM. We then meet with community leaders to gain their support, before engaging with Women’s Saving’s Groups who can provide financial support. From this we develop the community wildfire management team which should be integrated with both the Village and Commune authorities. The community wildfire management team forms the basis of CBFiM.

Successful establishment of CBFiM requires:

  • A committed community with sufficient management capacity and the support of local authorities.
  • The presence of an established community group such as a Community Fishery or Community Protected Area, whilst not essential, provides a structure upon which CBFiM can be adapted and built.
  • Strong support from the local authorities at the Village, Commune and District levels.

In engaging communities and Government we have learnt that:

  • As community leaders such as CFi and CPA Committee members tend to be older men we encourage diversifying the Community Wildfire Management Team through engaging women and younger people.
  • Women have an important role to play as they traditionally manage household finances and can remind the fire management group about fire season preparedness.
  • Younger members, whilst often difficult to engage, bring greater energy to the hard physical work of fire suppression.
  • Gaining the early support of local government helps integrate them into the community management plan which can be codeveloped through engagement at both the District and Provincial levels of government.
  • Continuous government support is maintained through frequent meetings of the Fisheries Coordination Team which brings communities and government together to discuss fisheries issues including wildfire.
Scoping Mission and Preliminary Study to Identify and Select Potential Urban EbA Measures in Dong Hoi City

In order to identify the most feasable urban EbA measures with the highest potential to pilot in Dong Hoi city, the first step was to carry out a scoping mission and a preliminary study to collect and analyse data to provide a scientific basis for the consultation process. The objective was to provide a detailed review and analysis of previous studies and information gathered through structured stakeholder engagement via interviews, focus group discussions and stakeholder consultations for a participatory selection of pilot measures with relevant partners. 

The scoping mission and the preliminary study were conducted to provide further insight into the specific vulnerabilities and the possible adaptation responses for Dong Hoi city. The findings were used to identify a short list of urban EbA measures as well as any outstanding knowledge gaps and/or information needs for the next steps. 

A multi-stakeholder engagement event was held to promote an open dialogue between stakeholders to discuss key issues related to climate impacts and local vulnerabilities. This knowledge exchange among key stakeholders strengthened relationships among key partners, enhanced partners’ understanding of urban EbA measures as well as generated knowledge to fill information and data gaps identified in the preliminary study.

Selection Process
Analysis: The identification, development and assessment of the selected urban EbA measures was based on a functionalistic approach in which the cause and effect of the main hazards compiled during the preliminary assessment and the scoping mission provided the basis for the revision of final measures. These measures, based on the causes of the key problems and their linkages to current and future climate hazards, were meant to take into account short-term and long-term considerations as much as possible.

Selection: The selection criteria were based on the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA) Assessment Framework for EbA Quality Standards. It was used in a participatory selection exercise during the second multi-stakeholder event and during consultation with key partners. The use of the framework provided a scientific and transparent selection process, based on an internationally endorsed tool.

The final measures, based on this selection process, was defined as: 1) Cau Rao EbA River Park (water retention areas), 2) Rain Gardens (green wall and green roof) and 3) Water Flow Management (SUDS).

  • Stakeholder consultation and urban EbA measures selection process were conducted with active participation of relevant stakeholders (public and private) from local to provincial levels, aiming at awareness raising on urban EbA concepts, bringing together stakeholder views and perceptions, ensuring local relevance of the selected measures and involvement of stakeholders in the implementation process. Thus it brings a good cooperation, engagement and a learning attitude from local authorities and stakeholders for the topics and their willingness to change, making the urban EbA selection exercise more interesting and practical
  • Deep understanding of challenges, needs and expectations of key stakeholders towards climate change adaptation measures for their sector development and provision of useful advice 
  • Exchange and dialogue between relevant stakeholders and involvement in shared discussions on their roles, mandates and cooperation in their daily work to enhance sector resilience 
  • Leading role of key stakeholders in selection and decision processes
  • Awareness raising of provincial partners about climate change adaptation and urban EbA through their integration in the process of data collection, focused group discussions, stakeholder consultations and the selection process 
  • Early involvement of key partners and the private sector into participatory processes to enhance their ownership of the process and the selected urban EbA measures
  • Facilitation of communication and cooperation between different government entities and the private sector in the processes to ensure a successful implementation in the next phase
Involving the private sector

The private sector has a profound role to play in catalyzing and accelerating the transition to an inclusive sustainable blue economy (ISBE).  There has, however, been minimal private sector engagement in ISBE matters. Our Blue Future has developed a private sector engagement strategy, which focuses on effective ways to engage the private sector and the benefits they can gain.  

 

The private sector is driven by opportunities, value creation, financial risk, operational risks, and regulatory risks. Our Blue Future offers the private sector opportunities through Innovation Teams to mobilize resources, a showcase platform, a collective voice for advocacy, an innovation testing ground, matchmaking with other partners, a sense of community, and the chance to build a legacy.

  • Having a clear framework, structures, and forms developed on how to engage the private sector is essential to ensure all partners have equal participation rights.
  • Honest dialogue and building a common understanding between partners help foster collaboration and alignment of goals to avoid the notion that private sector partners have more influence over decisions within the multi-stakeholder initiative.

  •  Building interest and partnerships by highlighting the benefits of collaboration beyond economic benefits is essential.

  • Defining roles and responsibilities of private sector partners helps establish clarity and ensures that each partner contributes their unique expertise and resources to the collaboration.

  • Pre-screening potential partners to ensure productive partnerships, which involves assessing their capabilities, values, and alignment with the objectives of the initiative.

  • Clustering private sector partners into different sectors based on their interests has been useful, such as through OBF’s Innovation Teams. This clustering approach enables focused collaboration within specific industries or areas, fostering synergies and maximizing impact.

Create awareness and engage the Aquapesca staff in establishing a more gender-inclusive environment

A rapid assessment enabled us to intricately outline the methodological workflow for our collaboration with the company Aquapesca. This workflow began with the formation of the Change Makers Group, working in close tandem with the MUVA team to grasp the methodologies necessary for ensuring the sustainability of our approach within the organization. The Change Makers Group was entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading processes within the organization, ultimately becoming champions of inclusion and gender equality, working in conjunction with colleagues and leadership. Following the group's inception, leadership training was conducted to create awareness and generate initial ideas regarding the areas of focus for action plans with new practices and policies for the company. Subsequently, the Change Makers Group was trained, building capacity for them to facilitate the approval of these plans and mobilize working groups dedicated to each area of work. 

  • Engagement of the CEO and other executive leadership members
  • Motivation of young people selected to participate in the Change Makers Groups and to lead the process as part of their skills development in career progression
  • The time of staff engagement should be well forecasted at the beginning of the project to guarantee availability and to not overburden them.
  • Communicate the needs of the company leadership about the team’s availability and resources.
SWOT, Situation and Climate Vulnerability Analysis

A situation analysis provides background information upon which community capacity building efforts are based. First, we conduct a rapid SWOT analysis of a Community Fishery (CFi) and its associated community. The SWOT analysis compiles basic information about each community and examines CFi structure and function. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by each community are addressed in a group discussion among the implementation team and a small number of community representatives. The Climate Vulnerability Analysis builds a picture of each community’s unique climate change challenges, particularly those associated with their Community Fish Conservation Areas. 
We use the SWOT analysis to determine if a community is suitable for further engagement and if so, we conduct a detailed situation analysis which delves deeper into a CFi’s characteristics and challenges. This allows us to decide whether we partner with a community, and if so, the results help us develop a suitable approach to working with them. The situation analysis is also used to determine women’s involvement in community fisheries – we then build on this information to increase their participation as we implement further building blocks. The Climate Vulnerability Analysis is the fire step in our extensive partnership with a community.

The implementation team needs to be familiar with the community fishery context and trained in conducting the SWOT and Situation analysis. It is also necessary to build trust with the community.

Important decisions are made at three steps 1) deciding which communities to initially assess and conduct a SWOT analysis 2) using the results of the SWOT analysis to prioritize communities for further assessment via the full situation analysis and 3) using the situation analysis results to decide which communities to partner with in capacity building and implementing the climate vulnerability analysis.

Government Liaison

As Community Fisheries operate under a government mandate engaging the local authorities - especially the Fisheries Administration Cantonment and local Commune officials - is critical to the success of any engagement with a CFi. Local authorities need to understand, and support, Conservation International’s engagement with a CFi. First, we meet with the Fisheries Administration at national and local levels, presenting our programme, and identifying potentially suitable CFi’s. These meetings build relationships with senior government officials and obtain information such as local contacts within potential CFi’s. Having established high level support we contact local authorities such as the commune and in briefing them of our approach gain an appreciation of each CFi’s current status, challenges and opportunities.

Establishing the support from senior government officials is an essential first step. Then the local authority’s participation is required as they participate in the planning process and provide official recognition of legal documents associated with CFi development. Ideally the implementation team can build on established links with relevant local authorities. However, they must understand the context within which these local authorities operate and how our CFi development activities enhance the local authorities’ roles and responsibilities. This process needs to be conducted by senior project staff with experience in government relations. 

Early engagement with local authorities is important as their involvement is crucial to the success of any engagement with a CFi. They will also provide the project team with additional information on CFi capacity and increase the likelihood of successful engagement with a CFi.

Educating users about how to respect and behave responsibly in nature

As well as providing useful information about the surrounding natural area (e.g. trails, routes) and relevant information about this (e.g. routes’ terrain, length, degree of difficulty, changes in altitude), the trail centres also educate users on how to behave in nature. Codes of conduct educate users about how to respect nature while enjoying their sport/activity in a natural environment. For example, centres may provide information about how to respect nature when walking, running, or cycling on the local tracks, trails, and routes.

 

Some centres also provide information about the natural and cultural history on the routes, increasing users’ awareness of their natural environment.

  • Sharing information and best practice on how to behave responsibly and respectfully when in nature  
  • Clear information and explanations as to why it is important to behave responsibly and respectfully in nature 
  • Clear, effective, and easily accessibly communication channels through which information can be disseminated. The centres can act as hubs and physical spaces where information can be displayed (e.g. notice boards)
  • Establishing minimum criteria that required trail centres to provide users with information about the local area and activities that can be practiced there, encouraged trail centres to act as information hubs, informing users about the local natural environment, outdoor activities, and how to respect nature whilst enjoying outdoor sporting activities.
  • Providing information about activities such as walking, running, and cycling trails (i.e. length, difficulty, the type of terrain) encourages people to undertake activities in designated areas and limits encroachment into fragile or stressed natural areas.
  • Trail centres can signpost people less familiar with nature as to where to go, what to do, but also how to behave responsibly toward nature and why it is important to do so.
Increasing and improving access to natural spaces and outdoor sporting activities

The Trail Centres act as physical spaces that increase and improve access to physical activities in nature, contributing to physical and mental well-being.

 

Their carefully chosen locations in proximity to nature (forests, water, and trails) help establish freely accessible, round-the-clock meeting places and start-points for outdoor sporting activities. As some are located close to urban areas, they also provide a gateway from urban to natural environments. 

 

Their combination as an all-in-one clubhouse, provider of service facilities, and meeting and training space, makes them ideal sites for local sports associations to use, as well as un-affiliated groups or individuals. This provides a space for socialising within, and between, sports and promotes relationship-building amongst users and with local sports associations.

 

Providing access to service facilities participation in outdoor sports activities (e.g. bicycle pumps and cleaning stations; covered training space; functional training equipment (stairs, monkey bars, TRX, etc.); storage space for equipment; and changing rooms/showers/toilets). As sites for borrowing equipment (e.g. map and compass, roller skis, SUP boards, etc.), the centres also encourage people to try new activities in nature in an affordable manner. 

  • The choice of location: trail centres must be near natural environments conducive to outdoor activities. Building them on the outskirts of urban areas, yet still close to nature, provides ideal gateways to nature. Analysis of recreational opportunities, infrastructure, terrain, etc. helps determine ideal locations.
  • Correctly determining the functions and services to be provided by the trail centres to best-meet users’ needs.
  • Organising workshops with stakeholders allowed these to discuss and determine user needs as well as which functions trail centres needed to provide to accommodate these needs. This shaped the trail centres’ different designs and helped to determine the core facilities that centres had to provide, as well as the additional facilities specific to community needs or interests.
  • Participatory workshops also ensured that trail centres provided access to activities and areas that could be appealing to users – both to those practicing outdoor activities as well as to those who might be interested in discovering new nature-based outdoor activities. 
  • Choosing to locate some centres near urban areas was also important for improving urban populations’ access to nature.
  • Providing information about activities such as walking, running, and cycling trails (i.e. length, difficulty, the type of terrain, etc.) is helpful for encouraging people to undertake nature-based sporting activities, particularly those who may be less familiar with the local area or a specific activity.
Cross-sectorial cooperation and participatory approach to planning and design

The trail centre project was built on cross-sectorial cooperation. The five trail centres that are being built have all been developed and built in close collaboration with stakeholders across different sectors. These included the local municipalities where the centres would be built, the local sports associations who would be using the sites, local citizens and would-be users, as well as other interested parties. 

The participatory approach included holding 4 to 5 workshops with stakeholders to understand user needs, ideas, etc. This both enabled and ensured dialogue between the architects involved in the planning and design processes of the trail centres and the users/interested parties. Dialogue with architects also ensured that the buildings’ aesthetics, as well as functions, met stakeholders’ wishes.

The activities provided, or facilitated, by the trail centres were developed in collaboration with the local actors and associations. A participatory approach to planning also gives the users and local community a greater sense of ownership and helps ensure a sense of community between actors and across their respective sports.

Additionally, the development of the minimum criteria for determining the location and functions of the trail centres arose through cross-sectorial collaboration between project members.

  • Holding numerous workshops with stakeholders across planning and design stages ensures consistent collaboration across sectors.
  • Workshops with users facilitates greater understanding of user needs, opinions, and ideas which can positively influence the planning and design of trail centres. This can ultimately help determine the success of the trail centre in catering to user needs as well as the local community’s satisfaction with the end product.
  • Holding workshops with stakeholders helped architects and those delivering the project to understand user needs and helped inform the functions that trail centres should provide for their users. Workshops acted as a space where stakeholders could share ideas and voice their opinions, ultimately ensuring that centres could best meet local communities’ and users’ needs.
  • Organising multiple workshops ensured that there was consistent dialogue and idea sharing between parties throughout the design and development stages of trail centres.
  • A participatory approach to planning and design also enabled stakeholders to voice their opinions regarding the aesthetics of trail centres, an often-contentious topic that is crucial to the overall success of infrastructure projects.