Key stakeholders such as Department of Wildlife Conservation, Divisional Secretariat & District Secretariats, Ministry of Environment, UNDP, Ocean Resources Conservation Association, University of Wayamba, IUCN, Sri Lanka Navy, Coastal Conservation Department, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency were involved in this project. Together the technical knowledge and experience of experts in the field, demarcation of the Bar Reef, designing of buoys, buoy deployment and allied activities were implemented.

While above named institutions provided the neccessary technical expertise, training and awareness and input for monitoring and evaluation, key local community members, such as members of the 'Tour Boat Society' (a society which was established for tour guides in the area), were also given the opportunity to participate in the demarcation activities to identify the GPS locations of the areas to be protected at Bar reef with the participation of specialists and other stakeholders. An identified team of locals, such as tour boat operators/guides were also involved as local volunteers to assist in monitoring and maintenance of the buoys and the protected zone.

MEP used Mali’s decentralisation legislation to create, with local people, a model of “elephant-centred” CBNRM. This legislation performed a vital enabling function that resulted in a model of resource governance at the village and commune levels, that was enshrined in local and commune conventions, as well as the commune socio-economic development plans. The MEP then worked with government to further reinforce these systems by drafting new legislation that created a new protected area covering the whole of the elephant migration route using a biosphere model which supported the community conventions. The aim was to give a mandate to the government foresters to be able to support local communities in the enforcement of their conventions if need be, thereby strengthening the community systems. This aligns government and community interests to mutually reinforce each other and provide a cost-effective approach to reserve management. This top-down approach complements the bottom-up approach of community engagement.

Through this project I have brought together a number or local and national partners:

Organisation                                                      
Burren Geopark                                                
Clare Local Development Company         
Dept of Rural & Community Affairs                   

National Parks and Wildlife Service          
Purpose
Each partner has either a local or national remit for an area in the project. By bringing them together we pool the resources and knowledge to deliver the system
 

The underpinning purpose of this building block is to create baseline for the entire solution. Once the site is selected for solution, primary and secondary data is collected through research and analysis. For instance, It is with the help of bathymetric data that the depth of the shortlisted ponds is identified, which further facilitates in choosing the right pond with the required depth (0.8 - 3 meters) for installing floating treatment wetland.

Actions that generate the commitment of all relevant stakeholders in the development of the project (project executing organization, protected area authorities, local communities, visitors, business sector).

Seek funding from different sources (international cooperation, private donors, governments, etc.).

With wildlife appearance as a result of the relocation of communities from the encroached area, the opportunity of wildlife ecotourism is enabling. Wildlife becomes the assets of the communities from its value of alternative livelihoods. Communities become the wildlife guardians instead of attackers.

Linkage with the restaurant network adds on the demand for healthy produce of the Wildlife-friendly Community. Sideline production of the nature-based food containers increase value of the produce and enlarge the market, in particular by urban consumers.

Native plant communities have a greater capacity to adapt to climate change thanks to their inter-specific interactions and their close relationship with native fauna. This means that in order to restore degraded areas, it is always advisable to use native species in order to ensure the success of the action over time. The restoration of spaces through reforestation with native species represents one of the cornerstones of our project, not only for the multiple environmental benefits, but also for the learning and results in social and cultural terms.

Since 2016, we have been working on a daily basis, providing free training workshops on different environmental topics and issues to students from both public and private institutions at all levels, using formal, non-formal and informal education in the country. We understand that in order to conserve natural resources and achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to include environmental issues in the curricular agenda, so that young people get involved and build a healthier and fairer future.

Some of the workshops are on biodiversity, climate crisis, 3Rs, ecosystem services and more, alternating between theoretical blocks and practical group activities.

This project is based on a philosophy of working with communities who have asked for support, so that the solution is driven by the priorities of the community rather than imposing outside goals or values. The first building block of identifying beneficiary communities through participatory processes is critical to the success of the project, as trust and collaboration will ensure better outcomes. Community investment and eagerness to engage in sustainable actions are also critical traits to identify in the beneficiary communities as they will be taking the lead on their ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts.