Building Block 2- Youth Engagement as Future Restoration Champions

The youths who constitute about half the population of Malawi mobilise themselves and get into youth clubs. They plan to address environmental issues that affect them directly and indirectly in their communities. This is an energetic and innovative category of people that focuses on shaping a better future through awareness raising in the community by use of arts such as drama, music, poems and community meetings. They work very collaboratively with traditional leaders who support them by giving them access to land for restoration, calling community members for community meetings and enforcement of community norms.  

Half of Malawi’s 17.6 million inhabitants who are youth aged 10-35 years should be organized in youth clubs to actively participate in the program. Youth clubs should identify degraded forests and land that need to be restored in collaboration with traditional leaders. The youths will raise tree seedlings, and plant and take care of them by protecting them from harmful bushfires, encroachment, and wanton cutting. School youths learn the restoration skills and practice them within the school with support from the school authorities.

Understanding the huge future benefits of forest and land restoration motivates youths to actively participate and own the program. For example, apart from natural regeneration, Chibwana Youth Club plans to plant over 4000 pine trees every year in the Kirk Range Mountains that will help them when sold to build school blocks, provide them with capital to start small businesses, and pay school fees for needy students.  That means the youths feel that they are not only program participants but also beneficiaries. 

Building Block 1- Community Management

The program is community-driven which means the youths in schools and youth clubs, as well as community members, especially women in natural resource management committees, are both participants in, and beneficiaries of, restoration efforts. The program enjoys great support from the Traditional Leaders. The community decides where restoration should be done, and how and when it should be done.  This approach ensures community ownership and sustainability of the program. 

The community should be leading the process and be a key part of the activities throughout the program.

Engaging early with the Traditional Leaders in the community, allows buy-in and has enabled the youth club’s to be successful. For example the Traditional Leaders allocated pieces of land in the mountains to youth’s within the community, for them to protect and manage.

Active participation of women, allows the effective establishment of the tree nurseries which the women in the community manage and sustain, this enables them to apply their knowledge on natural regeneration and agro-forestry practically, which enabled these practices to be used  them in their own land.

Directly involving the schools in the local area has enabled access to the youths, where we have been able to help support the young people in growing and managing  tree nurseries and woodlots.

Local knowledge and participation is crucial. They bring a sense of ownership, the communities feel part of the solution and more invested in its success, which makes the program impact more sustainable. 

Building Block 1- Community Management

The program is community-driven which means the youths in schools and youth clubs as well as community members especially women in natural resource management committees are both participants in and beneficiaries of restoration efforts. The program enjoys great support from the traditional leaders. The community decides where restoration should be done, and how and when it should be done.  

The community should be leading the process and be a key part of the activities throughout the program.

Engaging early with the Traditional leaders in the community, this allows buy-in and has enabled the youth club’s to be successful. For example the traditional leaders allocated these pieces of land in the mountains to youth’s within the community, for them to protect and manage.

Active participation of women, allows the effective establishment of the tree nurseries which the women in the community manage and sustain, this enables them to apply their knowledge on natural regeneration and agro-forestry practically and allows them to go on to use in their own land

Directly involving the schools in the local area has enabled access to the youths and also we have implemented tree nurseries and woodlots that the children can support the establishment of. 

Local knowledge and participation is crucial. They bring a sense of ownership, the communities feel part of the solution and more invested in its success, which makes the program impact more sustainable. 

Haenggung Village Cooperative Association

The local residents who were previously excluded from the various cultural tourism activities and festivals centering on the World Heritage property started to independently host village activities and built up their capacities for delivering and managing events. 

The initial residents group started to participate in the operations of the Suwon Heritage Night Walks in 2017 as traffic control staff. As the number of festivals that were hosted to celebrate Suwon Hwaseong as World Heritage increased, such as the Hwaseong by Night, World Heritage Festival, and Media Art Shows, the number of jobs available for the residents also increased. 

The Haenggung Village Cooperative Association was established on 31 May 2021 and it consists of 46 members. The main line of work is creating content and activities for visitors. 
The association is composed of 4 sub-groups each named “jigi”, which in the Korean language means friends: 

  • Haenggungjigi, who focuses on providing event support, information, sanitation and the operation of activities; 
  • Donghaengjigi, a group that creates the content and stories of the village tours; 
  • Surajigi that promotes and shares research and education on food; 
  • Cheongnyeonjigi, the group that monitors and conducts evaluations of activities. 

It was key to create jobs that could best optimize the capacities of the local residents. The division of work between members of Haenggungjigi, Donghaengjigi, Surajigi and Cheongnyeonjigi was fundamental to organize the work. 

Lastly, all residents participating in these activities had to complete a mandatory training.

Through the cooperative association that based itself on the experience of creating village activities, diverse jobs that could be directly linked to the capacities of the local residents were set up. These included positions such as event operation staff, information officers, cooks, and conducting baseline research. This made a big transition as the residents who were previously neither part of nor benefitting from the festivals could now directly be involved and be paid for their contributions. 

The mandatory training for the residents who wanted to participate increased the overall capacities of the local residents and boosted their understanding of World Heritage, local values and  the importance of local participation. 

Haenggung Village Cooperative Association

The local residents who were previously excluded from the various cultural tourism activities and festivals centering on the World Heritage property started to independently host village activities and built up their capacities for delivering and managing events. 

The initial residents group started to participate in the operations of the Suwon Heritage Night Walks in 2017 as traffic control staff. As the number of festivals that were hosted to celebrate Suwon Hwaseong as World Heritage increased, such as the Hwaseong by Night, World Heritage Festival, and Media Art Shows, the number of jobs available for the residents also increased. 

The Haenggung Village Cooperative Association was established on 31 May 2021 and it consists of 46 members. The main line of work is creating content and activities for visitors. 
The association is composed of 4 sub-groups each named “jigi”, which in the Korean language means friends: 

  • Haenggungjigi, who focuses on providing event support, information, sanitation and the operation of activities; 
  • Donghaengjigi, a group that creates the content and stories of the village tours; 
  • Surajigi that promotes and shares research and education on food; 
  • Cheongnyeonjigi, the group that monitors and conducts evaluations of activities. 

It was key to create jobs that could best optimize the capacities of the local residents. The division of work between members of Haenggungjigi, Donghaengjigi, Surajigi and Cheongnyeonjigi was fundamental to organize the work. 

Lastly, all residents participating in these activities had to complete a mandatory training.

Through the cooperative association that based itself on the experience of creating village activities, diverse jobs that could be directly linked to the capacities of the local residents were set up. These included positions such as event operation staff, information officers, cooks, and conducting baseline research. This made a big transition as the residents who were previously neither part of nor benefitting from the festivals could now directly be involved and be paid for their contributions. 

The mandatory training for the residents who wanted to participate increased the overall capacities of the local residents and boosted their understanding of World Heritage, local values and  the importance of local participation. 

Haenggung Village Cooperative Association

The local residents who were previously excluded from the various cultural tourism activities and festivals centering on the World Heritage property started to independently host village activities and built up their capacities for delivering and managing events. 

The initial residents group started to participate in the operations of the Suwon Heritage Night Walks in 2017 as traffic control staff. As the number of festivals that were hosted to celebrate Suwon Hwaseong as World Heritage increased, such as the Hwaseong by Night, World Heritage Festival, and Media Art Shows, the number of jobs available for the residents also increased. 

The Haenggung Village Cooperative Association was established on 31 May 2021 and it consists of 46 members. The main line of work is creating content and activities for visitors. 
The association is composed of 4 sub-groups each named “jigi”, which in the Korean language means friends: 

  • Haenggungjigi, who focuses on providing event support, information, sanitation and the operation of activities; 
  • Donghaengjigi, a group that creates the content and stories of the village tours; 
  • Surajigi that promotes and shares research and education on food; 
  • Cheongnyeonjigi, the group that monitors and conducts evaluations of activities. 

It was key to create jobs that could best optimize the capacities of the local residents. The division of work between members of Haenggungjigi, Donghaengjigi, Surajigi and Cheongnyeonjigi was fundamental to organize the work. 

Lastly, all residents participating in these activities had to complete a mandatory training.

Through the cooperative association that based itself on the experience of creating village activities, diverse jobs that could be directly linked to the capacities of the local residents were set up. These included positions such as event operation staff, information officers, cooks, and conducting baseline research. This made a big transition as the residents who were previously neither part of nor benefitting from the festivals could now directly be involved and be paid for their contributions. 

The mandatory training for the residents who wanted to participate increased the overall capacities of the local residents and boosted their understanding of World Heritage, local values and  the importance of local participation. 

Knowledge

IUCN Mozambique designed and started implementing the Knowledge Hubs with the MTA. The Knowledge Hibs, transversal to all IUCN´s projects in Mozambique, and installed in partnership with MTA and local Governments, in Government premisses, are a knowledge center to share IUCN´s website in portuguese as well as a deposit of manuals, knowledge tools and courses (e.g. ACADEMY) to scale-up the number of beneficiaries that may access conservation tools, while also to expand IUCN outreach, with a focus on those in rural areas and on women and youth.

Having a set of manuals and tools (e.g. NBS, OECMs, mangrove restoration, etc) from IUCN, complimented with tailored manuals for projects and communities in Mozambique, uploaded to a web platform, allows the youth and the communities in general, from conservation and buffer areas, as well as from coastal areas where IUCN operates, to have a systematic and open access to knowledge, resulting in a sustainable empowerment and transforming them in full fledge conservation and adaptation actors.

The knowledge hubs are a cost-efficient training tool as they are based on existing facilities and only dependant on a web and internet capacity. As possible, the knowledge program includes physical community exchange as well as in-person training of trainers.

Applicable knowledge solutions deployed to teams were the Blue Training in Practise, that trained over 20 professors and MTA staff, in mainstreaming coastal and marine management into local development plans and projects, as a  long-term cross-sectoral process on integration across biodiversity, climate and development plans; the training on the application of nature based solutions into local activities, which included the translation of IUCN course and manual into portuguese, allowing all to access the online official training and certified course.

The Knowledge Hubs, installed as open public spaces, have motivated other development and conservation actors to join and support with a diversity of in-kind and financial support, hence the knowledge hubs also play the partnerships and awareness raising role.

 

IUCN Mozambique / Government of Mozambique partnership, IUCN´ funding partners and members (e.g. WWF), local partners vision and leadership.

Clear investment plan and priorities, agreed internet supplier and content development and uploading competencies/actors.

Data collection using racing yachts for onboard sampling and deployment of drifter buoys

Beyond facilitating access to hard-to-reach locations, sailboats also provide useful modes of transport for deploying scientific instrumentation. The boats can carry scientific equipment, both for deployment in the ocean, but also for continual measurement by sensors that are permanently onboard. The race boats’ speed means that data from different locations can be captured across short timespans, something which is not achievable by most research vessels. Yachts can also be used to pilot and test new research technology and techniques, such as technology that allows results to be shared in real-time, and the OceanPack – a device which records essential ocean data from aboard the yachts. 

 

In a racing context, carrying devices that take meteorological measurements is not only beneficial for science partners, but also for the race participants themselves, as it helps to inform and improve weather forecasts that will impact their own decision-making and performances throughout the race. 

 

Using racing yachts for data collection paves the way for the installation and deployment of measuring devices on other vessels such as fishing or commercial boats, as well as other sailing boats. 

 

 

  • Sensors and scientific instrumentation can be installed on sailing boats.
  • The high speeds that are achievable by sailing yachts enable the collection of data across short time spans.
  • Boats can reach specific locations to deploy drifter buoys or Argo floats.

Scientific devices were originally designed for use on large research or commercial vessels. This presented some technical challenges regarding their use and installation aboard racing yachts which falls beyond the scope of their intended applications. As the boats are racing yachts the devices needed to be resilient and also light.

Challenges included operating sampling devices in an environment where there is fluctuating power supply, constant exposure to corrosive humidity, and where operators (i.e. teams and athletes) face immense physical (and psychological) stresses. This meant the devices needed to be user-friendly and simple to operate so that individuals with little specialised training could use them effectively and efficiently under stressful and pressurised conditions. The Ocean Race is collaborating with manufacturers to advance the technology and enhance its reliability for future uses.

Disseminate knowledge on CBEMR through champions

Following the training, we nominated CBEMR champions representing CFAs, BMUs, youth and women groups. 11 are community champions while three are from key government agencies. In general, CBEMR champions create awareness, assist in capacity building, undertake actual restoration activities, monitor restoration activities, and conduct ecological and social assessments, among other roles. 

The community champions assist in mobilisation, awareness creation, training and actual mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives. The champions from the government agencies also serve as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) during CBEMR trainings, working alongside the primary trainers. 

Strategic selection: When selecting individuals to serve as champions for mangrove conservation, it is necessary to prioritise those with inherent leadership qualities, a demonstrated interest in protecting mangroves and strong communication skills to effectively engage and mobilise their communities. Furthermore, ensuring representation from diverse groups, including women, youth, and established community leaders, as well as government officials, enhances inclusivity and broadens the reach of conservation efforts. Choosing champions who already hold (positive) influence and possess established networks within their communities can further amplify the impact of these initiatives, facilitating wider adoption of sustainable mangrove management practices.

Comprehensive training is key for equipping champions with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively promote and implement CBEMR. By providing champions with a thorough understanding of these areas, they are better prepared to fulfil their roles as advocates, educators, and facilitators within their communities. Furthermore, ongoing mentorship and support are essential to reinforce learning, address challenges, and ensure that champions feel confident and empowered in their work. 

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities help to ensure that champions understand their contributions and can effectively advocate for mangrove conservation within their communities and agencies. Wetlands International helped create a system for communication and coordination, feedback mechanisms through regular meetings, and opportunities for knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving. 

Other than training, empowering champions has been key to the success of the initiative. This involves providing them with the necessary resources, including tools and financial support to ensure they can effectively carry out their tasks. Equally important is recognising and valuing their contributions, offering incentives that motivate them and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. This approach not only strengthens their commitment but also inspires others to actively participate in mangrove conservation efforts.

Champions are powerful agents of change: Restoring mangroves requires significant investment in terms of time and financial resources, particularly in areas that have changed considerably. Stakeholders therefore need to take a long-term view of restoration initiatives and consolidate their resources and efforts. Investing in targeted champions who influence their communities and are interested in the CBEMR approach is a good start as they can significantly amplify the reach and impact of sustainable mangrove restoration initiatives.

Diversity and representation are key: Selecting champions from diverse backgrounds ensures that the restoration initiative is not only inclusive, but also responsive to the needs of different communities.

Empowerment is essential: CBEMR champions create awareness, assist in capacity building, undertake actual restoration activities, monitor restoration activities, and conduct ecological and social assessments, among other roles. As such, they need to be empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively fulfil their roles.

Collaboration is necessary and encouraged: Wetlands International facilitated collaboration and knowledge sharing among champions who represented different mangrove blocks in Lamu and Tana. This was seen to enhance their effectiveness and promoted cross-learning and collective action.

Monitoring and evaluation are important: Tracking the performance and impact of champions helps to ensure success of the initiative and identify areas for improvement.

Awareness raising and capacity building on CBEMR for key stakeholders

This building block empowers local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to implement and sustain effective mangrove restoration initiatives. 

Wetlands International initiated capacity-building efforts by engaging local communities in Lamu and Tana through CBOs, CFAs, and key government agencies, including KFS, KEFRI, KMFRI, the Lamu County Government, as well as CSOs such as WWF and the Northern Rangelands Trust. Women comprised 50% of the participants, primarily involved in the hands-on mangrove restoration efforts. 

Following nominations by respective institutions, the trainees underwent training on sound restoration techniques based on the CBEMR approach. The training was conducted in English and translated into Swahili for better comprehension. It was both practical and relatable, breaking down mangrove science while seamlessly integrating indigenous knowledge. CBEMR also emphasises the importance of monitoring the outcomes of the restoration initiatives to ensure the efforts are successful and sustainable over time, allowing stakeholders to make necessary adjustments and learn from the process. In addition, the CBOs and government officials were also provided with simple-to-use tools such as refractometers and pH strips to conduct salinity and acidity tests in their areas of operation. 

Subsequent training was also conducted across the mangrove regions with support from various CSOs and the Global Mangrove Alliance.

 

Participatory and holistic approaches: The CBEMR approach is participatory and provides a holistic view of the landscape and the restoration process. It connects resource users with research institutions, the local government, national conservation and law enforcement agencies, and civil society and builds on their local and expert knowledge. 

Strong partnerships: As the approach is highly participatory, the collaboration between Wetlands International, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and local communities has been a key ingredient for effective knowledge sharing, resource mobilisation, and policy influence.

Gender roles and social groupings: Women are key in mangrove restoration and conservation activities. Men spend most of their time fishing or pursuing other livelihood or economic activities and are therefore not keen on engaging in conservation initiatives. Gender roles and social groupings are therefore critical when planning mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives. Further, Lamu has relatively well-established CBOs with a growing interest in mangrove restoration. Recognising and valuing local knowledge, empowering community champions, and supporting community-led initiatives created a sense of ownership and responsibility for mangrove conservation.

Access to information and resources: Providing training materials, workshops, and access to tools in both English and Swahili facilitated knowledge transfer and empowered stakeholders to implement CBEMR effectively. 

Supportive policy environment: Following the trainings, the willingness of KFS and other government agencies to incorporate CBEMR principles into national guidelines and management strategies created a favourable policy environment for sustainable mangrove restoration.

Adaptive management approach: Using monitoring data to adapt strategies and learn from experiences ensured continuous improvement and increased the long-term success of restoration efforts.

Knowledge sharing is key to successful mangrove restoration, and disseminating information and best practices in local languages facilitates learning and promotes wider adoption of CBEMR. By making information accessible to diverse communities, language inclusivity ensures that everyone can understand, contribute to, and benefit from mangrove conservation efforts.

Policies should be flexible and adaptive, allowing for adjustments based on new information and lessons learned. This requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of policies and identify areas for improvement. Working with KFS and KEFRI on the use and application of the CBEMR approach provided for review of the national restoration guidelines which take into consideration the information on CBEMR.