Through the efforts of the government, local government, and local residents, the Amami Islands were designated as a NP in 2017.　
Subsequently, the extermination of non-native species such as mongoose and wild cat etc. became a challenge in maintaining the island's biodiversity in preparation for the registration as a World Natural Heritage site, and preserving the unique natural environment that forms the basis of the island's environmental culture.  The mongoose, the biggest challenge of all, has been exterminated under the government's initiative and will be completely eliminated by 2024. Meanwhile, measures against wild cats and monitoring of non-native plants were carried out with the cooperation of Kagoshima University, the Ministry of the Environment, local governments, and local residents. In the case of wild cat countermeasures, precedents from overseas were introduced and considerations for owners in their daily lives were shared. In terms of invasive plant monitoring, continuous training sessions for local residents have been held to improve their capabilities and share the results.
 

On-station trials

In a series of experiments conducted at the National Aquaculture Center in Domasi, the project team tested the trap for intermittent harvest with different baits in ponds (200 m2) stocked with different species (Coptodon Rendalli vs. Oreochromis Shiranus) at different densities (1 vs. 2 vs. 3 fish per sqm.). In addition, further tests were carried out to determine the time and intervals it takes to catch a certain amount of fish. As a control and for comparison, additional ponds were stocked with O. Shiranus and C. Rendalli fed with maize bran or pellets for single batch harvest to represent customary forms of rural aquaculture in Malawi.

On-farm trials

At the time when the trap was technically functional, households that wanted to test the trap under every day, real-life conditions were identified. Over three months, six households tested the trap and documented the catch.

For many conservationists, including our participants, the knowledge to effectively use conservation technology is not enough without the funding to access the tools. Recognizing this barrier, we provide each participant with $500 USD in seed funding to help them implement their conservation solutions. Additionally, we offer training in grant writing, pitching, and engaging with funders to enhance their ability to secure future funding.

For our technical training, we prioritize activities that allow students to directly interact with conservation technology tools. By setting up and deploying tools in safe, low-pressure environments, students have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from those experiences. For example, letting students decide where to place a camera trap based on a lesson, and then evaluating the effectiveness of their decision by reviewing the data collected, is highly valuable. 

We select participants who are at the beginning stages of their careers, such as those who have completed their bachelor’s degrees and are entering the NGO or conservation workforce or embarking on higher education.The goal is to identify participants whose careers would benefit the most from the type and amount of training, funding, mentorship, and support we provide. 

To support our upskilling objectives across different contexts, we have developed a core portfolio of training materials. These materials focus on teaching fundamental competencies and are organized into themed modules (e.g., wildlife protection, human-wildlife conflict). Depending on the local context, we select the most relevant modules and training topics. Our locally recruited mentors and trainers are then encouraged to adapt these materials based on their specific expertise and background.

Our goal is that our core portfolio of standardized training materials are delivered by female experts recruited from the local region, who we further engage in mentoring and leadership activities. By centering these role models throughout our programming, we provide our participants with a vision of their future careers. We strive to foster an inclusive environment for honest dialogue and encourage ongoing mentorship even after the program concludes. However, the very gender gap we aim to address often presents a challenge when it comes to recruiting female educators and role models for our programs. This situation has helped us to differentiate three leadership roles: “mentors” (female role models, who participate in training and mentorship), “allies” (male trainers and facilitators), and “trainers” (support from international organizing team). Participation of each to these types of individuals is critical to develop and support our participants.

Community rangeland monitors are selected by the village grazing committees to conduct monthly monitoring of the selected plots. Monitors receive training on best practices in data collection, as well as data input and interpretation protocols. Plots are located and confirmed via the Collector application for ArcGIS. Monitoring data is input into Survey123 and submitted to a cloud-based server hosted by Esri. Data collection focuses on understanding grazing quality via greenness and percentage of bare ground; grazing availability via grass height; and change in availability via percentage grazed. Monitors also record the frequency of invasive species and take a picture of the plot to report to the village grazing committee. 

The data for each plot is analyzed in real time via the ArcGIS Dashboard. The rangeland monitors and grazing and pastoralist committees have access to their dashboards so that they can view their pasture quality data and trends at any time. 

This building block emphasises community participation in monitoring, utilising citizen science and accessible data platforms to ensure local knowledge informs adaptive management and contributes to the long-term success of mangrove restoration.

The building blocks of NoArk's solution are interconnected to create a comprehensive, efficient system for conservation and environmental management. Bio-acoustic and chemical sensors collect critical ecological data, while Edge AI processing ensures rapid, on-site analysis, enabling immediate detection and response. These components are supported by LoRaWAN connectivity, which facilitates reliable, long-range communication in remote areas. The processed data is centralized on the PAMS dashboard, where it is visualized and analyzed for actionable insights, fostering better decision-making.

This system is strengthened by hyperlocal climate data, which enhances precision in risk assessments and planning. Finally, community and stakeholder engagement ensures the data and tools are effectively utilized, promoting collaboration and adaptability. Together, these elements form an integrated solution that empowers conservation efforts, addresses ecological threats, and supports sustainable development.