5. Adaptive Pathway Plan

An Adaptive Pathway Plan is a strategic framework designed to enhance resilience and adapt to long-term changes, particularly in the context of climate change. It involves identifying adaptation challenges and evaluating the effectiveness of various interventions over time. The key components include:

  • Pathways Mapping: The plan illustrates sequences of measures or investments to achieve defined objectives, allowing for adjustments as conditions change.
  • Thresholds and Tipping Points: The approach uses indicators to signal when a change in strategy is needed, ensuring flexibility in decision-making.
  • Removal of Uncertainty: The uncertainty with using climate risk prediction models for decision making has led us to use Resilience instead, therefore removing uncertainty from the decision-making process.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involvement of diverse stakeholders ensures that the pathways are context-sensitive and reflect local needs.

Key enabling factors include:

  • Flexibility: The plan must adapt to changing conditions and uncertainties, allowing timely adjustments as new information arises.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures the plan addresses various needs, fostering broader support.
  • Clear Triggers: Establishing specific signposts for when to adjust strategies enhances decision-making and responsiveness.
  • Integrated Approach: Aligning the plan with existing policies creates a cohesive strategy that is easier to implement.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous evaluation of the plan's effectiveness is crucial for informed adjustments and long-term success.

Key lessons learned include:

  • Contextual Adaptation: Tailoring the analysis to specific contexts and needs enhances effectiveness and addresses complexity.
  • Visualization Tools: Diverse visual representations, like metro maps and decision trees, improve understanding and communication of pathways.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving multiple actors is crucial for addressing varied values and objectives, requiring robust governance structures to support ongoing monitoring.
  • Shared Experiences: Documenting and sharing experiences can facilitate wider adoption and application of adaptive pathways in practice.
5. Mid-term review of the implementation of the OIPR DZNE - riparian villages agreements for access to the PNC in connection with the worship of sacred sites

Follow-up missions to these agreements have enabled us to ascertain the level of their implementation and to initiate new partnerships. Several worship initiatives in the PNC have been carried out to seek cures, drive away evil spirits and solicit professional promotions. In all, 30 access agreements for the worship of sacred sites were signed in the localities of Nassian, Bouna and Tehini.A workshop was organized to take stock of worship activities carried out at sacred sites within the PNC by communities in each sector, to identify the advantages and difficulties associated with the implementation of the convention for access to sacred sites within the PNC, to provide the OIPR with an annual calendar of worship activities, and to formulate recommendations for improving collaboration between the signatories of this convention. The review workshop took place on December 20, 2023, in the meeting room of the Kotouba Sub-Prefecture. It brought together the Sub-Prefects of Tehini, Nassian, Kotouba and Bouna. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the villages that have signed the conventions, OIPR officials and a representative of the technical partner (GIZ/Pro2GRN).

In all, thirty (30) agreements have been signed between the communities and OIPR for access to the PNC for worships in thirty (30) riverside villages. Fifty-eight (58) worships were performed in five (05) villages in 2023. Four hundred and seventy (470) people accessed the PNC during all the worship activities carried out in 2023. A few testimonials were collected from the local population during the workshop to present the benefits of the PNC access agreements.

Testimonial 1 (village of Kokpingué): fetish worship inside the PNC slowed down the succession of misfortunes that were befalling the village;

Testimonial 2 (Village of Kotouba): Several benefits of worship can be cited, the latest being the professional promotion of a state civil servant who had requested the services of the fetish and was rewarded with a high position.

Testimonial 3 (Village of Yalo): the village representative reported that drought was affecting the village, leading to crop failure. Following adoration of sacred sites, the rains were abundant and harvests were good.

A schedule of village worships was drawn up. Some of the difficulties encountered relate to access to the sites, insufficient financial resources for the worships, sites that cannot be found, and the disappearance of certain worshippers. Faced with these difficulties, OIPR DZNE and its partners intend to provide technical and financial support to find the people's sites and make the first sacrifices.

A regular review framework is important to assess progress and propose solutions to remove obstacles to convention implementation.

4. Mission to monitor the implementation of agreements for access to the PNC as part of the worship of sacred sites in the Bouna and Nassian sectors, and to scale up to all villages on the outskirts.

Following the signing of access agreements to the PNC for the worship of sacred sites, and after months of implementation, a monitoring mission was carried out in the field to identify the difficulties encountered in implementing the agreements and how to remedy them, the planning of visits to sacred sites in the PNC by all partner villages, and the status of villages that had not made any visits. In addition to the monitoring mission, discussions were held with the customary authorities of the villages bordering the Tehini sector, to gather information on the possibility of extending the sacred site access agreement to the Tehini sector. Twenty (20) sacred sites were inventoried in collaboration with communities in seven (07) villages in the Tehini sector, where certain communities have expressed the need to access sacred sites within the PNC for their worship.This mission was led by the OIPR/DZNE (the Chargé d'Etudes at the DZNE, the Chiefs of the Bouna, Nassian and Tehini sectors, rural animators and community relays from the sectors concerned) and the Biodiversity Expert from GIZ/Pro2GRN.

During the follow-up, it was noted that some villages had performed adoration in the PNC to implore the manna (35 adoration activities for 03 of the 17 villages that had signed the conventions). As for the other villages, they hailed the convention's initiative and added that, for the most part, no events requiring adoration had occurred since the conventions were signed. During the discussions, some villages pointed out that there had been a break between them and their manna for a very long time. As a result, there is no immediate need for worship. For them, sacrifices will have to be made before they can resume their ancient practices.

This stage enabled the identification of new partner villages, namely 08 (eight) villages in the Tehini sector (31 sites identified) and 04 (four) villages in the Nassian sector (08 sites identified), which have sacred sites in the PNC and would welcome collaboration in the worship of sacred sites.

In addition to the mission, data was collected from the local population in order to compile a list of useful plants that had disappeared, and the reasons for this in their territories.

The formalization of access to sacred sites has enabled local populations to renew contact with their spirits. However, for some villages that had abandoned these practices, the resumption of worship requires material and financial resources. New partnerships also need to be signed with new sites identified in other villages. These agreements build trust between managers and local populations, opening up new prospects for collaboration, such as the participatory preservation of utilitarian plants and their domestication for future generations.

Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated land use planning strategically allocated land for agriculture, conservation, and human settlements, balancing the needs of both people and wildlife. After training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and continued sensitization on wildlife and habitat conservation during monthly community meetings facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, the integrated land use approach was on its way to being achieved. The beneficiaries of the 10% Fence Plan maximized the allocated 10% for agriculture by planting certified seeds best suited for the climatic conditions, resulting in high yields. At the same time, the remaining 90% of the land was effectively utilized by wildlife and livestock, creating the much-needed balance in Kamungi Conservancy. This approach benefited both the communities and wildlife by promoting sustainable land use that supported livelihoods and conservation efforts.

  • Collaborative Planning:
    A multi-stakeholder approach was essential for the success of integrated land use planning. Community members, conservationists, agricultural experts, and government officials were actively involved in the planning process, ensuring that the needs of all parties were considered. The inclusion of indigenous knowledge and the contributions made during monthly community meetings, facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, fostered a sense of ownership and commitment from local communities. This collaborative approach ensured that land was allocated for both agricultural and wildlife purposes, balancing the coexistence of people and nature.
  • Sustainable Land Management Practices:
    Training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) empowered community members to adopt practices that enhanced agricultural productivity while conserving the environment. Certified seeds were used to optimize crop yields in the 10% of land allocated for agriculture under the Fence Plan. Simultaneously, sustainable grazing and habitat management ensured that the remaining 90% of the land was beneficially used by wildlife and livestock. This approach helped maintain biodiversity, supported ecosystem resilience, and contributed to soil health and water conservation.
  • Zoning and Mapping:
    Clear zoning and mapping strategies were implemented, designating areas for agriculture, wildlife, and livestock use. The 10% allocation for farming was carefully selected based on land suitability for crops and climatic conditions, ensuring maximum productivity. The remaining 90% was preserved for wildlife and grazing, providing a balanced and functional land use system. Community land mapping allowed for real-time monitoring of land use, helping to maintain the ecological integrity of Kamungi Conservancy.
  • Economic Incentives:
    Economic benefits played a critical role in ensuring community participation and adherence to the land use plan. The high agricultural yields from the 10% Fence Plan, achieved through the use of climate-smart practices and certified seeds, provided direct financial benefits to the local communities. Additionally, Tsavo Trust’s community support initiatives—such as the provision of solar home systems, energy-saving cook stoves, dam liners for water conservation, scholarship and education support, and health support—further incentivized communities to maintain the balance between conservation and development. These incentives significantly contributed to the overall success of the integrated land use approach by improving livelihoods while promoting sustainable land management practices.
  • Capacity Building and Training:
    The capacity-building initiatives led by the BIOPAMA project were instrumental in training community members on climate-smart agriculture and wildlife conservation. These trainings, along with continued sensitization efforts during the monthly community meetings, ensured that communities were well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable land management practices. The strong foundation of knowledge led to more effective land use, increased agricultural productivity, and improved wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Inclusivity Drives Success:
    Engaging all stakeholders—community members, conservationists, agricultural experts, and government officials—was essential to the success of the integrated land use planning. The participatory approach ensured that diverse needs were considered, fostering community ownership and long-term adherence to the plan. The inclusion of local knowledge, reinforced by continuous sensitization through the BIOPAMA project’s community meetings, contributed significantly to the plan’s success.
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture is Key to Productivity:
    The use of certified seeds and climate-smart agricultural practices under the 10% Fence Plan led to significantly higher yields, demonstrating that sustainable farming techniques can greatly benefit local communities. The successful integration of these practices allowed the community to benefit economically while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of surrounding ecosystems.
  • Economic Incentives Encourage Community Buy-in:
    Direct economic benefits, such as the provision of solar home systems, energy-saving cook stoves, dam liners, scholarship and education support, and health services, played a crucial role in encouraging community adherence to the land use plan. These livelihood projects, supported by Tsavo Trust, reinforced the balance between conservation and development, ensuring that communities saw tangible benefits from their participation in conservation efforts. This linkage between conservation and improved living standards fostered long-term support for the plan.
  • Balancing Land Use Enhances Coexistence:
    By designating 10% of the land for agriculture and reserving 90% for wildlife and livestock, the land use plan successfully created a balance that supported human livelihoods while maintaining wildlife habitats. This careful land allocation reduced human-wildlife conflicts and ensured the sustainable use of natural resources, promoting long-term coexistence.
  • Policy and Legal Frameworks Provide Stability:
    Strong policy backing and legal support were instrumental in enforcing the integrated land use plan. The collaboration with local governments ensured that land use boundaries were respected and violations addressed. This legal framework created a foundation for sustained conservation efforts and development.
  • Adaptability is Essential for Sustainability:
    The continuous monitoring and evaluation of land use through GIS mapping and community feedback mechanisms allowed for adaptive management. This flexibility ensured that the land use plan could respond to changing environmental conditions and socio-economic needs, making it more resilient and sustainable in the long term.
Biodiversity Monitoring

The establishment of the Golden Monkey Monitoring and Research Base at Northwest University and the Zhouzhi Substation for the National Field Scientific Observation and Research of Biodiversity for Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, in collaboration with various institutions such as the Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Northwest A&F University, Beijing Forestry University, and Northwest University, serves as an internship base for graduate and doctoral students. These partnerships facilitate joint efforts in wildlife surveys and other scientific endeavors, thereby promoting high-quality development within the region.

Research projects have been implemented to conduct extensive surveys, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive database of rare and protected species such as the Giant Panda, Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, Golden Takin, Himalayan Yew, and Kingdonia uniflora. This has led to the compilation of 13 specialized survey and monitoring reports, including the "Giant Panda and Its Habitat Monitoring Report" and the "Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Survey Report," earning two second-place awards for scientific and technological advancements from the Shaanxi Forestry Department.

Since 2012, infrared cameras have captured approximately 40,000 photographs and 5,000 video clips of rare wildlife activities, including Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys. Remarkably, the Zhouzhi Nature Reserve has recorded three leopards foraging together on three occasions, as well as footage of two wild Giant Pandas playing, and the first recorded appearance of a brown Giant Panda. Additionally, images of the Asiatic Golden Cat have been documented in various areas within the jurisdiction. In 2019, footage of the Golden Takin garnered the "Best Video Award" on CCTV's "Eyes of the Secret Realm." In 2023 alone, the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts has been reported 16 times by provincial and national-level media.

Establish a Monitoring System

Implement a "sky-ground-air" three-dimensional patrol system, utilizing high-tech and information technology to enhance the intelligent capability of animal monitoring, improve patrol efficiency, and effectively address issues such as wildlife hazards faced by manual patrols.

  1. Sufficient financial budget: An investment of 70 million yuan has been allocated for the construction of the Smart Management System Platform and the Nanshan National Park Perception System Platform.
  2. Management support: The management believes this initiative to be essential, having conducted multiple internal discussions and research within the administration bureau, and has entrusted relevant technical units with the development of the system.
  3. Included in the annual work plan: The task has been incorporated into the management bureau's annual work plan, with a dedicated department responsibly advancing the work in an orderly manner.
Conception of one action plan with the Regional Directorate of Fisheries and Blue Economy (DRPEB) of Diana

In close collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Fishing and the Blue Economy of Diana, with whom we developed an action plan for the implementation of all the activity, mutually approved and signed.

It is always necessary to establish synergy with the partners concerned in order to be able to implement the planned activities effectively and efficiently.

Vultures on Camera Trap

Several preselected sites with permanent camera traps installations have been chosen for vulture data collection, including six watering holes and one vulture feeding site. The data collected from camera traps can be used to estimate DDCR’s vulture population size, distribution, and record certain behaviors such as social interactions. 

The entirely fenced off natural reserve provides vultures an area with an abundant source of antelope carcasses and a refuge from harmful human activity. The increasing number of vultures recorded by Camera trap within the DDCR can be attributed to several reasons including DDCR policies on protecting the reserves natural habitat, limiting human activity within the reserve, and promoting natural ecological processes to occur such as not removing the carcasses of oryx and gazelle from the desert. 

  1. Ensure camera traps are not in front of moving vegetation in order to avoid the camera trap from getting triggered often and depleting the batteries. 
  2. Exchange the SD card in the camera trap regularly in order to avoid that the memory space gets full. 
Monitoring System: Farmer Institution Real Time Monitoring System (FIRMS)

The SAFAL project has co-created a Farm Record Book (FRB) for effective monitoring and enhancing a fish farm’s productivity by understanding input cost and profitability of the farming business, disease cycles and risks involved.

As an additional feature, the FRB comes with a cutting edge open-source based QR-code (quick response) digital monitoring solution, the Farmer Institution Real-time Monitoring System (FIRMS) for individual farmers to share records with their farmer institutions. Farmers, Farmer Institutions, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as well as Government institutions benefit from this digital innovation.

Each FRB is equipped with a unique QR code which helps in identifying and accessing information about individuals using the FRB for maintaining the records. The QR code helps to register their information online into a digital monitoring system to ensure that only designated representatives of the FIs as well as with the Government organisation (for example, Department of Fisheries) to have access to aggregated data of the district consisting of multiple farmer institutions helping to simplify resource management and record-keeping processes through data driven decision making. 

By enabling farmers to make informed decisions through effective resource management and for example early disease detection they can explore options to improve their productivity. Farmer Institutions can also benefit from detailed information on their members' livelihood activities, allowing them to develop aggregated business models and improve service delivery such as negotiating better prices for bulk sales or the purchase of feed. By analysing trends and identifying issues using the collected data, CSOs can provide targeted support and advice to farmers, enabling them to tailor interventions to specific needs and adapt to the ground. Access to data can enable Government Institutions to plan for resource allocation and program interventions, formulate evidence-based policies, and gain detailed information about stakeholders. 

 To learn more about the FRB and FIRMS have a look into the brochure. 

Improved decision making: Providing access to accurate and timely data helps farmers make informed decisions. This includes using data analytics tools and dashboards to interpret data trends, leading to better aquaculture practices.

Tailored Advisory Services: 

  • Customized Recommendations: Offering personalized advice based on individual farm data and specific needs helps address unique challenges faced by each farmer. This might involve using farm management software that analyses data to provide tailored recommendations.
  • Personalized Support: Providing direct support from experts who understand local conditions and individual farmer needs increases the relevance and effectiveness of advice.

Better monitoring: 

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Implementing technologies like sensors and IoT devices allows stakeholders to monitor aquaculture conditions in real-time. This helps in tracking the impact of interventions immediately and making necessary adjustments.
  • Performance Tracking: Regular monitoring and reporting systems enable stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of practices and interventions continuously.

Optimum Resource Management: 

  • Efficient Resource Allocation: Using data and analytics to optimize the use of resources (such as feed, water, and energy) ensures they are allocated where most needed, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
  • Sustainable Practices: Promoting resource-efficient practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing output.

Risk Mitigation: 

  • Early Risk Detection: Technologies and data analytics can help detect potential risks early, such as disease outbreaks, adverse weather conditions, or market changes. This early detection allows for timely interventions.
  • Preparedness Plans: Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies based on data insights to reduce the impact of identified risks on aquaculture operations.
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Improved decision-making, tailored advisory services, and better monitoring contribute to more efficient and productive aquaculture operations.
  • Increased Resilience: Risk mitigation strategies and real-time monitoring help farmers become more resilient to unexpected challenges, ensuring the sustainability of their practices.
  • Resource Sustainability: Optimized resource management ensures that aquaculture practices are sustainable, reducing environmental impact and conserving resources for future use.
  • Economic Viability: Tailored advisory services and data-driven insights help farmers improve their economic outcomes by making informed choices that enhance productivity and profitability.
Capacity Development: Knowledge Products and Information, Education & Communication material

When SAFAL started reaching out to aquaculture farmers in 2021,  two of the key aspects to enhancing the availability of fish and income through sustainable aquaculture became apparent: the gap on technical knowledge and financial literacy on aquaculture operations and the difficulty of accessing financial support through existing schemes. 

For farmers, harnessing the potential for expansion of their practises required acquiring new technical skills, proper planning as well as investments into their operations. SAFAL set up an inclusive community-based training cascade (see building block: CRP model) which required the development of quality course materials, tailored to the local requirements. Under consideration of reviewing and harmonizing existing material, new state of the art training materials and best practices for sustainable aquaculture were co-created in a participatory manner among scientists, government officials, experts in sustainable aquaculture practices, aquaculture operators and SAFAL technical staff.

The knowledge products and IEC material created under SAFAL are integrated with each other and can be used individually or collectively. While they follow a session schedule covering the whole training cascade and cultivation sesason, learners can also utilize them individually by choosing seasonally applicably chapters or topics of their interest. 

The KPs and IEC material are distributed through the CRP-to-Farmer training (see building block: CRP model) they are also placed in CICs and SCs (see building block: Agroecological Kiosks).  

  1. Holistic Skill Development: Comprehensive, practical guides cover all aspects of sustainable aquaculture, equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge for the entire season.
  2. Integrated Learning: Training materials combine technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects, promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to aquaculture.
  3. Seasonal Flexibility: Modular and adaptable materials allow farmers to learn and apply relevant lessons at any stage, supporting continuous improvement.
  4. Local Adaptation: Culturally relevant content and local examples ensure greater acceptance and practical application of sustainable practices.
  5. Gender Sensitivity: Gender-inclusive materials and role models encourage broader participation and empower women in aquaculture.
  • Enhanced Technical Skills: Farmers gained essential technical knowledge and financial literacy, improving their aquaculture practices and profitability.
  • Practical Implementation: Real-time, step-by-step guidance helped farmers apply sustainable practices effectively, boosting confidence and problem-solving abilities.
  • Cultural Relevance: Customized, locally adapted training materials made it easier for farmers to adopt new practices.
  • Gender Inclusivity: The gender-sensitive approach promoted equal opportunities, empowering more women to participate in aquaculture