Building Skills for Soil Regeneration and Business Growth

Through tailor-made capacity-building trainings, women have gained the technical skills to produce high-quality compost and the knowledge to run successful compost businesses. Trainings in business management and gross margin analysis have empowered them to track profits, plan growth, and sustain their enterprises—laying a strong foundation for both soil restoration and economic resilience.

4. Integrated Livelihood Development for Conservation NNT NP recognizes that sustainable conservation is intertwined with the well-being of local communities.
  • Participatory Approach (PICAD Model): Livelihood development is guided by the Participatory Integrated Conservation and Development (PICAD), fostering "community ownership" of activities by involving villagers in problem-solving and encouraging their contributions (labour, materials). The management incorporates the Government's "Sam Sang" policy, which promotes the village as the basic unit of development and the district as the development manager. Empowering communities in resource management. Village Development Plans (VDPs) are crucial, guiding the allocation of support from funds like the WB LENS2 and LLL programs
  • Eco-tourism Development: NNT NP facilitates community-based eco-tourism to provide socio-economic benefits to villagers with minimal environmental impact. 
  • Community Outreach and Awareness (COCA): Programs are delivered to communities within the park to raise awareness about conservation issues and integrate conservation messages into local culture.
  • Land Use Planning: Capacity building for district staff in Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP) and GIS mapping supports the land use plans, ensuring that land use in and around the park is both productive for communities and consistent with conservation goals.
3. Robust Biodiversity Monitoring and Law Enforcement A key pillar of NNT NP's success is its systematic approach to protecting its natural assets.
  • Law Enforcement Program: NNT NP has a proactive law enforcement program focused on protecting wildlife and biological resources, with emphasis on endangered Annamite endemic species. This includes forest patrols (35,000 man-days pa) and operating checkpoints at strategic locations.
  • Targeted Protection: Efforts are concentrated on 3 Biodiversity Priority Zones, based on global conservation importance and threat analysis. The zones are crucial for species like the Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac, offering significant hope for long-term survival.
  • Combating Illegal Activities: Strategies to reduce illegal poaching and trade through improved cooperation with neighbouring countries and intensive patrols along the Lao-Vietnam border. Adaptive law enforcement strategies are informed by "Patrolling Hit Rate" data.
  • Long-term Wildlife Monitoring: The park has a wildlife monitoring program using 300 camera-traps deployed biennially to estimate trends in populations and distribution. This provides essential data for evaluating conservation effectiveness.
  • Research Partnerships: NNT NP actively partners with specialized research organizations to expand knowledge of the park's biota and build staff capacity. Ongoing research includes programs for the Asian Elephant and Chinese swamp cypress.

Support from organizations such as Association Anoulak, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Early capacity building by the Wildlife Conservation Society on law enforcement, wildlife monitoring and populational analysis of Asian elephant

Support from NTPC with their Wildlife Program from 2006 to 2012

An extensive list of biologists, wildlife ecologists, botanists and anthropologists   that have developed a wealth of knowledge of the NNT NP ecology

2. Comprehensive Planning and Adaptive Management using the Social and Environmental Management Framework and Operational Plan (SEMFOP) The core of NNT NP's adaptive management lies in its iterative planning process, centred around the SEMFOP.
  • Strategic Planning: A comprehensive 5-year strategic plan (now at SEMFOP 4, 2022-2026). The plan is developed with participatory consultations with the Committee, management, staff, inhabitants, and Implementing Agency staff. The SEMFOP is the strategic framework for NP management, defining its vision, goals, objectives, and strategies for conservation and development. The vision is to protect biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, protect rivers and soils, and improve inhabitants' livelihoods.
  • Iterative Development: A SEMFOP is developed every 5 years through extensive consultations with stakeholders to ensure plans are contextually relevant to needs and widely supported.
  • Adaptability: A feature is the mechanism for adjusting the SEMFOP or annual Operational Plans in response to unforeseen circumstances or new priorities. Such proposed changes are reviewed by the Independent Monitoring Agency (IMA) and subsequently approved by the Managing Committee. This ensures flexibility and responsiveness to changing ecological and social conditions.
  • Integration of Objectives: The SEMFOP integrates various objectives, from protecting riparian forests and water quality for the NT2 Reservoir to preserving biodiversity, fostering research, strengthening management capacity, improving multi-ethnic livelihoods, and prudently managing finances.

The NT2 CA which defines the process and provides the annual funding of USD1,000,000 (CPI adjusted from 2010) supports the planning process and contributions from district agencies from 4 districts across 2 provinces.

Involvement of the Managing Committee, NTPC, World Bank, NNT NP management and staff, NP inhabitants and implementing partners in the review and feedback on SEMFOP drafts

Inputs from IMA providing guidance on areas for improvement.

The considerable research undertaken for the development of SEMFOP 1 and subsequently to enhance knowledge of NP values.

1. Evolving Legal and Governance Framework The governance of NNT NP has undergone a significant evolution, establishing a structure aligned with international conservation standards.
  • Legal Basis: The NNT NP's governance is structured through a hierarchy of legal instruments, starting with the Concession Agreement (CA), which established fundamental commitments for environmental and social management. This is reinforced by Prime Ministerial Decrees, including PM122 which have refined the legal status, roles, duties, and organizational structure of the NP. The evolution of these decrees facilitated the transition from a NPA to a National Park, and proposed changes to PM122, aim to align governance with Green List and World Heritage requirements. 
  • Governing Body: The Nakai-Nam Theun National Park Authority is the responsible entity. It is governed by a Managing Committee, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment and including representatives from central and local government agencies, and NTPC.
  • Operational Management: Day-to-day operations are carried out by the NNT NP Management Division.
  • CA: The entire framework operates under the CA of the Nam Theun 2 Power Project. This agreement provides consistent annual funding for the NP.
  • Decentralization and Collaboration: The structure facilitates decentralization of management to local authorities and emphasizes collaboration with Implementing Partners. This multi-level engagement ensures coherence and effective implementation.

Considerable work went into the development of both the Nam Theun 2 Concession Agreement, providing guaranteed funding, and the first version of the Social and Environmental Management Framework and Operational Plan. These framework documents and the support from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the International Panel of Social and Environmental Experts set the NNT NP up with an adaptive management process to drive continual improvement. 

The annual monitoring by the Independent Monitoring Agency provides continuing guidance for improvement.

 

Monitoring of Success

In 2028, two further surveys are to be carried out in the stream where the crayfish were released to determine whether the release campaigns of 2024-2026 were successful and a stable population of crayfish was able to establish itself in the stream.

Incorporating Climate Change into the Strategy of SBD

The Development Banking System (SBD), a second-tier financial entity of the Costa Rican state, has the mandate to provide financing for vulnerable individuals in rural Costa Rica at favorable rates, particularly focusing on women and youth. Though there are existing institutional policies and strategies at national and territorial levels, there are large gaps in integrating climate change adaptation as an investment priority for financial entities. 

Until recently, climate change and the concepts of climate resilience and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) have been largely absent from the agenda of SBD. However, by providing training and capacity-building on these topics, the SBD can now pave the way for the development of innovative financial products and the enhancement of existing ones. 

Additionally, developing monitoring and evaluation systems for financial products helps measure the impact of adaptation measures integrated into local enterprises' business models. This strengthens transparency and builds trust among the financial sector, beneficiaries, decision-makers, and international financiers.

• Strong regulatory framework and public policies that incorporate climate change adaptation into national and territorial development strategy.

• Clear political commitment and alignment with the national climate agenda.

• Active institutions mandated to provide financial resources for rural ventures.

• Flexibility to modify existing financial instruments to include adaptation criteria.

• Strong institutional capability to collect, evaluate, and strategically use monitoring data

• Building an enabling institutional framework for financing adaptation measures requires time and inter-institutional commitment. A staged approach with concrete steps allows for orderly progress and helps identify areas for improvement when scaling.

• Developing or adapting effective financial products requires close coordination and active consultation between the financial sector and potential clients. 

• Integrating adaptation criteria into financial products needs a broad conceptual framework that encompasses both gray and green adaptation measures. The availability and channeling of international funds at competitive rates helps facilitate the financing of climate-resilient financial products. 

Athlete ambassadors as key players to the success of the Healthy Waters Alliance’s objectives

Top-level athletes have an important communications platform at their disposal and can lead by example, making them key contributors to the Healthy Waters Alliance’s goals. By using this awareness-raising potential, they can help bring attention to the degradation of freshwater and coastal ecosystems, increase visibility of practical solutions, and drive greater public engagement and action. 

Appointing athlete ambassadors dedicated to the cause strengthens the movement. With the launch of the Healthy Waters Alliance, World Rowing have engaged Christine Cavallo (USA) and Martin Helseth (NOR) as the first World Rowing Healthy Waters Ambassadors, and are now looking to expand this into a global Athlete Ambassador Programme with representatives from each continent.

Athletes inspire action more effectively than generic messages, making initiatives more relatable and engaging. For example, Norwegian Olympian Martin Helseth led a powerful environmental initiative through the World Rowing – WWF Healthy Waters Alliance to inspire action across Norway’s rowing community. The project demonstrated how athletes can effectively engage the public and protect nature by addressing water pollution in the Oslo Fjord. The initiative includes two key phases: 

  • Phase 1: Clean-Up Week (3–8 June 2025) – Timed with World Ocean Day, rowing clubs in Oslo conducted seabed dives, shoreline clean-ups, and environmental education to tackle local pollution. 
  • Phase 2: Oslo Fjord Restoration Day (23 August 2025) – This phase will focus on habitat restoration and youth involvement, supported by the local NGO Marea.

Helseth’s leadership exemplifies how athlete ambassadors can lead grassroots environmental efforts with global impact, aiming to foster a new generation of nature protectors in rowing and beyond. 

  • Identifying and selecting high-level athletes who are committed to and passionate about the cause as ambassadors 
  • Providing an Alliance guidance framework, exchange opportunities and project management support to the athlete ambassadors  
  • Creating visible and action-oriented opportunities for athlete's ambassadors, for the delivery of athlete led projects and to project their voices 

Lessons learned: 

  • Authenticity is key to influence
    One of the most important lessons is that athlete ambassadors must be genuinely passionate about and involved with environmental issues. Authenticity drives credibility. When athletes speak and act from personal conviction, as have Christine Cavallo and Martin Helseth their impact is significantly greater.  
  • Support and structure to succeed 
    Active athletes have busy schedules, often centered around training and competition, without proper logistical support and good communication even highly motivated ambassadors may struggle to sustain momentum. Providing clear guidance, toolkits, media support will help them translate their ideas into action. 
  • Visibility and storytelling amplify impact
    Sharing the journeys and projects led by athlete ambassadors through videos, interviews, and social media is critical. These stories humanise environmental action and make initiatives relatable. For example, showcasing Martin Helseth’s leadership in cleaning up the Oslo Fjord not only inspired local rowing communities but also generated national media interest and highlighted practical, replicable environmental actions that the global rowing community can take. 
  • Structured programming ensures strategic growth & equal opportunities

    Transitioning from ad hoc ambassador appointments to a structured global Athlete Ambassador Programme with representation from each continent is a necessary step. It ensures balanced representation and allows for better integration into the broader Healthy Waters Alliance strategy. 

  • Athlete-led initiatives benefit from local partnerships. 
    Successful campaigns, like the Oslo Fjord Clean-up & Restoration initiative, have demonstrated that athlete leadership is most effective when paired with local NGOs, clubs, and institutions. These partnerships provide operational capacity, local knowledge, and continuity. 

Challenges:

  • Time constraints and competing priorities for active athletes, especially around major competitions. 
  • Geographic imbalance, with early initiatives being concentrated in a few countries, highlighting the need for broader athlete ambassador recruitment and representation. 

Recommendations:

  • Provide a clear ambassador onboarding process, including expectations, support available, and example ideas and activities. 
  • Offer flexible engagement formats (e.g., single-event involvement, or year-long ambassador roles) to accommodate diverse schedules. 
Connecting WWF local offices and National Rowing Federations and clubs worldwide to collaborate on impactful actions & projects

The Healthy Waters Alliance connects the Rowing community with WWF communities worldwide to foster collaboration. Together, they co-create and jointly deliver local projects and initatives that protect and restore healthy waters through awareness and hands-on action, benefiting rowing, communities, and ecosystems. Working with WWF ensures that actions implemented by rowing communities are relevant from a nature conservation perspective. 

 Projects can be initiated by National Rowing Federations, clubs, athletes, event organisers, or WWF local offices. After contacting the Healthy Waters Alliance, through submitting their interest via an online form partners agree on a locally impactful project recognized by the Alliance. These projects focus on community engagement, nature restoration, waste reduction and other areas.  

  The rowing community benefits from the platform through access to educational workshops, working groups, global visibility of local projects, and healthier waters for rowing. In turn, WWF offices gain partners who help raise awareness on the freshwater & coastal ecosystems' crisis and promote solutions, while engaging with event organisers to drive visibility at major rowing events with wide media coverage. 

  • A platform connecting the rowing and nature conservation communities locally to facilitate collaboration 
  • The possibility for various rowing stakeholders to initiate projects 
  • WWF's expertise ensuring projects deliver a positive impact on nature 
  • Communications and visibility platform provided by rowing events and organisations to nature conservation causes through concrete initiatives on the ground 
  • A fundraising model established by the partnership and run by external consultants. To look for targeted funding opportunities and partners that would like to support the Alliance as a whole or individual projects of interest. 
  • Clear communication channels accelerate coordination
    Establishing an accessible online form and Alliance framework streamlined the project initiation process and helped all partners to quickly align on impactful actions.
  • Local context drives engagement
    Projects that resonate with local communities and ecosystems gain stronger support and lead to more sustainable outcomes.
  • Cross-sector collaboration requires mutual understanding
    Time invested in learning each other’s priorities: WWF’s conservation goals and rowing’s operational realities.
  • Visible impact builds momentum
    Highlighting early success stories and media coverage from major events helped raise interest from other  National Rowing Federations and WWF offices, expanding the initiative’s reach.
  • Education is a powerful enabler
    Workshops and knowledge exchange sessions empowered rowing stakeholders (event organisers) to take more informed and effective action on water health and conservation.
  • Flexibility supports innovation
    Allowing diverse stakeholders (clubs, athletes, event organisers, etc.) to propose projects encouraged creative, locally tailored solutions.
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.