Monitoring and evaluation of training impacts

To measure the long-term effectiveness of training, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes are essential. Beyond collecting immediate feedback from participants, a holistic approach involves assessing the application of learned practices over time. 

Rather than merely counting the number of participants trained, the focus shifts to measuring the qualitative impacts of the training. This includes evaluating how the acquired knowledge translates into tangible outcomes such as increased productivity, improved resource management, and enhanced livelihoods. By systematically tracking these outcomes, the effectiveness of the training programme can be continuously assessed and improved.

Surveys conducted immediately after the training capture participants’ initial reactions, while periodic follow-ups provide insights into the rate of adoption and adaptation of practices. 

Field visits also help trainers to identify barriers to adoption, such as resource constraints or contextual challenges, which can then inform future revisions of the training materials. This ensures that the training remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of farmers. 

Feedback loops play a valuable role in the evaluation process, while periodic follow-ups provide insights into the rate of adoption and adaptation of practices. For instance, data on the adoption rate of specific techniques – such as improved water management or sustainable feeding practices – can serve as an indicator of training success. 

Pilot testing and feedback incorporation, and continuous revision

Pilot testing of the training materials is an important step in refining and improving the content based on real-world feedback from various stakeholders, especially trainees and trainers. This process is enhanced through practical methods such as field visits and demonstrations, during which trainers showcase specific techniques. Trainees are then encouraged to apply these methods in real-life scenarios, allowing trainers to assess the applicability and relevance of the training content.

Through test training sessions, necessary adjustments and challenges can be identified—supplemented by anecdotal insights and direct feedback from farmers. This iterative approach ensures that the materials remain practical and relevant to local conditions, incorporate new knowledge, and adapt to changing environmental and market dynamics.

Importantly, feedback collection should ideally span an entire cultivation cycle, covering key phases like pond preparation, stocking, feeding, and harvesting. This allows trainers to identify challenges and adjust the training accordingly.

At the end of pilot sessions, participants should reflect on their experiences by answering key questions such as “What went well?” and “What can be improved?” This process strengthens the content and improves delivery methods. As a result, materials better meet the real needs of the target audience.

This comprehensive timeframe allowed trainers to gather detailed insights into the challenges faced by farmers and adjust the training accordingly.

Implementing robust protective measures

To effectively resolve wild beasts harming farmers, the Houhe Reserve invested 244,000 yuan, purchasing 63,000 meters of fencing nets for free distribution to communities, and issued 160 sets of prevention alarms; explored installing 5,000 meters of pulse electric fences; annually acquired 50,000-100,000 yuan in wildlife damage insurance, installing real "insurance" for residents' production and livelihoods. Through alarms, fencing nets, and electric fences, effectively warned of black bear presence, blocked bears from entering community areas, alleviating human-bear conflicts.

.1.Social organizations’ attention to "human-bear conflicts," opening purchase and compensation channels for wildlife damage insurance to reserve communities;
.2.High prioritization by reserve management leadership, annually directing dedicated funds for purchasing related materials and wildlife damage insurance.

.1.Alarm installations maintained appropriate distances from residential points, reducing triggered alarms and noise disturbances to residents while effectively warning of wildlife proximity.
.2.Protective fencing requires sufficient coverage area to effectively safeguard residential zones and production assets.
.3.Wildlife damage insurance claim recognition and compensation procedures need optimization toward intelligence—current recognition processes and compensation implementation require substantial manpower with lengthy process completion times.
.4.Alarms and fencing only partially mitigate human-bear conflicts; amid expanding black bear populations, new pathways must be explored to balance wildlife conservation and community development.

Awareness and Sustainable Livelihoods

Thoughout the whole process, launch clean energy awareness campaigns, produce educational materials, and promote synergies with focus on sustainable businesses to support Community Scouts and enhance community wellbeing.

Regular Patrols and Protection

Coordinate joint patrols between Community Scouts and relevant departments (DNPW/DF) to monitor and safeguard the forest consistently.

Volunteer Mobilization

Support communities to identify and organize volunteers committed to protecting the forest and catchment areas. Close collaboration with local authorities and local governmental structures such as the Department of National Parks and Wildlife or Department of Forestry (DNPW/DF).

Community Consultation

Assess how many GVHs are located in the critical areas. Visit the local authorities to listen to their needs, concerns, and ideas for sustainable livelihoods linked to forest conservation.

Assess the Area and Engage Stakeholders

Identify the mountain’s location, natural and human challenges, and its economic potential (e.g., tourism). Engage existing partners working on the mountain and collaborate to secure funding.

PAMS Dashboard + Community Co-Design

The Protected Area Management System (PAMS) by NOARKTECH is a centralized, intuitive dashboard aggregating data from edge devices. Co-designed with forest officials and community members, it delivers predictive analytics, real-time alerts, and supports evidence-based decision-making.

  • User-focused design through participatory field engagements
  • Integration of remote sensing data and satellite overlays for broader context
  • Offline functionality and multilingual interface increase usability across regions
  • Adaptive interfaces tailored to specific users (rangers, farmers, analysts) increase engagement
  • Alert fatigue can be reduced by dynamic thresholding and contextual relevance
  • Sustained use requires continued training and localized support channels
Capacity Building and Regional Training Programs

Building local and regional expertise in DNA barcoding and metabarcoding is vital for sustainable biodiversity conservation. Supported by BBI-CBD funding, our training programs target conservation practitioners from Lebanon, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Jordan, including those without prior molecular biology experience. These hands-on workshops cover sample collection, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and interpretation, empowering participants to independently apply molecular tools in their contexts. Capacity building democratizes access to innovative technologies, fosters regional collaboration, and ensures continuity beyond the project lifecycle.

Funding from BBI-CBD and institutional backing by Saint Joseph University enabled program development. Experienced trainers and tailored curricula accommodate diverse backgrounds. Regional participant selection promotes cross-country knowledge exchange. Ongoing support and follow-up strengthen learning outcomes.

We learned that successful capacity building requires flexible training models that accommodate participants’ varied expertise. Hands-on practice combined with theoretical knowledge improves retention. Establishing a regional network fosters peer learning and collaboration. Follow-up support and refresher sessions are important for sustained impact. Training must be paired with accessible resources and tools to enable real-world application. Engaging trainees as future trainers multiplies benefits and contributes to national and regional self-sufficiency in biodiversity monitoring.