Foundation - Consultation with stakeholders, identify and prioritize suitable device, platform and network to be applied at MPNR for efficient wetland monitoring

Goal: To lay the foundation for integrating I&T solutions into traditional wetland management

Objectives: 

 - To introduce three proposed IoT applications to wetland stakeholders and I&T sectors 

 - To consult wetland stakeholders and I&T sectors for their views and comments 

 - To review potential IoT applications beneficial to the management of MPNR 

 - To identify and integrating relevant IoT solutions for gei wai operation and wetland research into MPNR  

 

 

 

 

Studies were conducted to identify and prioritize suitable device, platform and network to be applied at MPNR for efficient wetland monitoring by:  

Consultation with wetland stakeholders:

  • Consultation with Mai Po Management Committee (MPMC), which comprises of representatives from Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, academics, independent wetlands experts and ornithologists.  Obtained advice on the proposed IoT application. 
  • Consultation with local village communities. Their input helped align the project with community values and needs.
  • Consultation with innovation and technology sectors. Technical advice obtained on the selection of proposed IoT applications, transmission network system and deployment requirements from Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Innovation and Technology Commission, member company of Incu-Tech Programme, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park.  

Review of potential IoT applications in wetland conservation:

  • A Technical Review Summary of Potential IoT Application was created (as attached)

Views and suggestions from MPMC are summarized as follows: 

  • Given that I&T solutions could be expensive, compromise between data sampling frequency and cost has to be made
  • Selection of locations for sensors deployment provides detailed information for habitat management
  • Quality control of data is crucial 
  • The real-time, automated IoT monitoring system enhances efficiency of data collection. The data can correlate with other scientific researches
  • Deployment of sensors might visually affect the natural landscape of wetlands

Views and suggestions from I&T sector are summarized as follows:

  • The proposed three applications are feasible 
  • Scope of service has to be clearly defined. This might include a execution plan, application implementation service, technology consultation service, vendor management service, on-site installation, platform establishment, data analytic service, maintenance service 
  • The platform should be able to capture data, establish data pipeline and integration and perform data analysis 
  • Functional requirement for the platform such as user access, building information model (BIM), alert, data streaming and dashboard analytics should be clearly stated
  • Technical requirements for the platform such as computer specification for operating the platform, BIM format and capacity, data security should be clearly stated 

 

Deployment - Partnership with local Government Department - Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) for the utilization of Government-Wide IoT Network (GWIN)

Partnership with EMSD allows us to utilize GWIN network as a transmission layer for all sensors installed for this project at Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR) with no network recurring cost required.

The technology offers several benefits that make it well-suited for wireless data transmission in IoT applications. Its long-range capabilities allow data to be transmitted over a distance, making it ideal for vast rural areas like MPNR. Furthermore, LoRa’s efficient power consumption extends the battery life of battery-powered devices. LoRa data transmission also ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the data through secure protocols.

In this project, four GWIN LoRa gateways were installed by EMSD within Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR). The sensors installed at MPNR are connected to gateways via the low-power and private LoRa network and eventually connected back to the GWIN backend via the 4G network. Besides these four gateways specially installed for this project, other GWIN gateways near MPNR can further secure data transmission reliability. 

In return, these four gateways can also help receiving signal from the sensors installed by various government departments in the surrounding area. 

Traditional sensors would each require a 4G connection to connect to central servers. In the GWIN network, sensors are connected to gateways via the low power and private LoRa (Long Range) network. The network with low power consumption reduces the cost and complexity of installing the sensors and improves the security of the system and data without the need of using a third-party network.

 

 

Pursuing strong partnership with EMSD allows us to more efficiently tackle challenges we are facing at MPNR (limited access to internet and city power) through their well-established network and support. 

Building Block 1 Field Research & User Insights: Understanding Menstrual Product Access and Preferences in Nepal

This building block outlines the findings and methodology of a nationwide field study conducted in 2022, which informed the Sparśa Pad Project. The research examined menstrual product usage, access, stigma, and user preferences among 820 Nepali women and adolescent girls in 14 districts across all seven provinces.

Using a structured face-to-face interview approach, the team employed ethically approved questionnaires administered by culturally rooted female research assistants. This method ensured trust, context sensitivity, and accurate data collection across diverse communities. The interviewers were trained in ethical protocols and worked in their own or nearby communities, thereby strengthening rapport and enhancing their understanding of local norms, power relations, and languages.

Key findings revealed a high reliance on disposable pads (75.7%) and ongoing use of cloth (44.4%), with product preferences strongly shaped by income, education, and geography. Respondents prioritized absorbency, softness, and size in menstrual products. While 59% were unfamiliar with the term “biodegradable,” those who understood it expressed a strong preference for compostable options, over 90%. Importantly, 73% of participants followed at least one menstrual restriction, yet 57% expressed positive feelings about them, seeing them as tradition rather than purely discriminatory.

These findings directly shaped the design of Sparśa’s compostable pads, informed the user testing protocols, and guided the development of targeted awareness campaigns. The accompanying link and PDFs include a peer-reviewed research article co-authored by the team and supervised by Universidade Fernando Pessoa (Porto, Portugal), as well as informed consent forms, a statement of confidentiality, and a research questionnaire. These documents are provided for practitioners' reference or replication purposes.

Why this is useful for others:

For Nepali organizations and local governments:

  • The study provides representative national data to inform product design, pricing strategies, and outreach campaigns.
  • It reveals regional, ethnic, and generational differences in attitudes that are essential for localized intervention planning.
  • The questionnaire is available in Nepali and can be adapted for school surveys, municipal assessments, or NGO projects.

For international actors:

  • The research demonstrates a replicable, ethical field methodology that balances qualitative insight with statistically relevant sampling.
  • It offers a template for conducting culturally sensitive research in diverse, low-income settings.
  • Key insights can guide similar product development, health education, and behavior change interventions globally.

Instructions for practitioners:

  • Use the attached PDFs as templates for conducting your own baseline studies.
  • Adapt the questions to reflect your region’s cultural and product context.
  • Leverage the findings to avoid common pitfalls, such as overestimating awareness of biodegradable products or underestimating positive views on restrictions.
  • Use the structure to co-design products and testing tools that truly reflect end-user needs.

 



 

  • Long-term engagement of NIDISI, a NGO with operational presence in Nepal, enabled trust-based access to diverse communities across the country.
  • Partnerships with local NGOs in regions where NIDISI does not operate directly were essential to extend geographic reach. In Humla, one of Nepal’s most remote districts, the entire research process was carried out by a trusted partner organization.
  • Pre-research networking and stakeholder consultations helped NIDISI refine research tools, adapt to local realities, and align with the expectations of communities and local actors.
  • Research assistants were female community members selected through NIDISI’s existing grassroots networks and recommendations from NGO partners, ensuring cultural sensitivity, linguistic fluency, and local acceptance.
  • Field research relied on ethically approved, pre-tested questionnaires, with interviews conducted in multiple local languages to ensure inclusivity and clarity.
  • Interviews were conducted face-to-face and door-to-door, prioritizing trust and participant comfort in culturally appropriate ways.
  • The study included a demographically diverse sample, representing various ethnic, educational, religious, and economic groups, strengthening the representativeness and replicability of the findings.
  • Academic collaboration with Universidade Fernando Pessoa (Portugal), where the research formed part of a Master's thesis by a NIDISI team member, ensuring methodological rigor and peer-reviewed oversight.
  • Language and cultural barriers can compromise data accuracy; working with local female facilitators from the same communities was essential to ensure comprehension, trust, and openness.
  • Social desirability bias limited the honesty of some responses around menstrual stigma. Conducting interviews privately and individually helped mitigate this, especially when discussing taboos or product usage.
  • The combination of quantitative surveys with qualitative methods (open-ended questions, observations, respondent quotes) enriched the dataset and provided both measurable and narrative insights.
  • Flexibility in logistics was crucial. Travel difficulties, seasonal factors, and participant availability—especially in rural and remote areas—required adaptable timelines and contingency planning.
  • Respecting local customs and religious norms throughout the research process was vital for ethical engagement and long-term acceptance of the project.
  • Training research assistants thoroughly not only on tools, but also on the ethical handling of sensitive topics, significantly improved the reliability and consistency of data collected.
  • Some communities initially associated the topic of menstruation with shame or discomfort, and pre-engagement through trusted local NGOs helped build the trust necessary for participation.
  • Pilot-testing the questionnaire revealed linguistic ambiguities and culturally inappropriate phrasing, which were corrected before full deployment—this step proved indispensable.
  • Remote district such as Humla required alternative model: relying fully on local NGO partners for data collection proved both effective and necessary for reaching hard-to-access populations without extensive budget burden.
  • Participant fatigue occasionally affected the quality of responses in longer interviews; reducing the number of questions and improving flow would significantly improve participant engagement.
  • Engaging with younger respondents, especially adolescents, required different communication strategies and levels of explanation than with older adults. Age-sensitive adaptation improved both participation and data depth.
  • Documentation and data organization during fieldwork (e.g. daily debriefs, note-taking, photo documentation, secure backups) was essential for maintaining data quality and enabling follow-up analysis.
Identification of a Suitable Community-Based Organization (ALOCA)

The selection of a trusted community-based organization was vital for engaging local communities in rangeland restoration. ALOCA (Amboseli Land Owners Conservation Association) was selected due to its dual focus on protecting wildlife corridors and promoting Maasai cultural heritage. Since its inception in 2008, ALOCA has worked closely with Maasai communities in Amboseli, creating sustainable land management plans and implementing indigenous grazing practices that reflect the Maasai’s seasonal land use patterns. ALOCA’s experience and credibility with local landowners positioned it as an ideal partner to lead restoration efforts, bridge communication between stakeholders, and champion the sustainable use of rangelands. The area area is central to wildlife conservation being a  wildlife corridor.

  • Community Trust and Established Presence: ALOCA’s is owned  and management by the Maasai communities thus providing foundation of trust, making it easier to mobilize support for new restoration initiatives.
  • Stakeholder support: Initially supported by the African Wildlife Foundation and later backed by Big Life Foundation, ALOCA had stability and access to resources necessary for the project’s long-term success.
  • Governance and Structure: With a 27-member management board and regular meetings, ALOCA provided a structured approach to decision-making, enabling swift responses to challenges and maintaining accountability.
  • Value of Established Partnerships: Collaborating with a trusted, community-based organization speeds up the process of gaining local support and trust, which are critical for sustainable project implementation.
  • Community-Led Governance Enhances Project Ownership: Empowering local governance structures, such as ALOCA’s board, fosters a sense of community ownership, increasing the likelihood of project sustainability and willingness to scale up restoration efforts in the future.
  • Importance of Financial Backing for Longevity: Securing consistent financial support (e.g., conservancy leases covered by Big Life Foundation) is essential to maintain ongoing commitments and ensure that community-based organizations can sustain their efforts long-term.
Identification des forêts sacrées potentielles pour la restauration

L’identification des forêts sacrées potentielles se fait avec les chefferies et populations locales.  Il y en a deux types de forêts sacrées.  Les forêts sacrées du quartier et des forêts sacrées des chefferies.  Pour les derniers les règles sont plus strictes.  Les surfaces restantes de ces forêts sacrées vont de moins d’un hectare jusqu’à plus de 40ha et leurs dégrées de dégénération sont très diverses. 

Pour le choix des forêts sacrées à restaurer c’est surtout la volonté de la chefferie traditionnelle, mais aussi la volonté de la population locale qui sont crucial.  L’idéale c’est de lancer une pépinière locale de concert ou après l’élaboration d’une Convention Locale (CL) de gestion de  la forêts sacrées en question.  En tout cas il faut les responsabilités claires qui s’occupera de la pépinière.   

Dans le cadre du projet AREECA 3 forêts sacrées ont été identifié dont la chefferie s’intéressait de restaurer leur  forêts sacrées. Pour la forêts sacrées de Mekoup, parallèlement à l’installation de la pépinière une CL a été développé, dont la pépinière fait partie intégrante dans son texte.   

Les Conventions Locales sont des documents signés par la chefferie locale, Service Technique et la commune en question et des riverains des FS.  Pour la méthodologie d’élaboration des Conventions locales voir en bas Block 3 et surtout le Panorama spécifique « Développement de conventions locales pour la Gestion des Ressources Naturelles, Cameroun »

  • Volonté nette et claire des chefferies traditionnelles de restaurer les forêts sacrées
  • Chefferie et traditionnelles encore respectée 
  • Minimum des espèces locales encore disponible pour multiplication rn pépinière

Ne pas lancer une pépinière en cas de doute sur l’engagement volontaire ou des conflits dans la communauté.   

Identification du besoin et repérage forfaitaire de l’espace et des acteurs

Une CL contribuera seulement à une amélioration si les riverains ou usagers voient un intérêt de changer ou d’améliorer la gestion de cette ressource. Le besoin doit donc être exprimé sous forme de demande par des personnes et groupes clés concernées par la ressource. 

Sur la base de la demande le cadre de concertation est défini : Qui facilitera le processus, avec l’appui de qui et avec quels moyens. 

Pour pouvoir identifier les acteurs et afin de pouvoir lancer une analyse ultérieure plus détaillée, un premier repérage forfaitaire de la ressource en question est important. 

Définir le site ou bien la zone en question, d’esquisser l’emplacement et le caractère des différentes sous zones ou ressources concernées et de fournir une première description approximative. Ces travaux se font avec des usagers et populations concernées. 

L’identification des différents acteurs et décideurs, l’organisation sociale des communautés et des utilisateurs permanents et temporaires ainsi que le type et l’intensité des relations qu’ils entretiennent indique des centres de décisions. Souvent des sites ou ressources naturelles disposent déjà des règles de gestion. Il s’agit ici de les identifier et de les analyser. 

Outils : Fiches descriptives, entretiens individuels et groupes, sorties terrain avec photos de base.

  • Veiller qu’il y a une demande bien exprimez par des chefferies traditionnelles et usagers pour l’élaboration d’une CL 
  • Inclusion de tous les acteurs pertinents. Attention à la tendance d’exclusion de certains groupes sous représentés ou moins influents dans le CP ou bien des groupes thématiques. 
  • A veiller sur différentes sources de conflits autour de la ressource et la manière que ces conflits sont résolus.
  • A veiller que les personnes chargées plus tard avec l’appui à l’élaboration de la Convention Locale sont présentes lors des premiers ateliers.  Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC)
  • L’identification précoce des conflits prévient les litiges futurs.
  • Une cartographie complète des ressources garantit une restauration ciblée.
  • Analyser les règles traditionnelles aide à mieux intégrer les dynamiques locales
Orientation générale pour identifier des options pour l’élaboration des Conventions Locales (CL)

Une étude de base réalisée dans le cadre du programme AREECA au Cameroun a mis en évidence une grave dégradation des terres dans les zones situées au-dessus de 1 800 m. Les forêts montagnardes, réduites de 16 155 ha à 1 822 ha, ont été remplacées par des cultures vivrières, qui ont connu une expansion rapide (de 2 078 ha à 5 573 ha). Ces changements ont fragilisé les écosystèmes locaux et accru les pressions sur les ressources naturelles. 

L’approche pour ’élaboration des CL a émergé comme une solution pour établir un cadre collaboratif entre les parties prenantes et gérer durablement les ressources au niveau le plus proche à la ressource (subsidiarité). Ce processus repose sur des prérequis clés : une dégradation avérée des ressources, la reconnaissance de l’autorité traditionnelle, une zone cible limitée et un engagement volontaire des acteurs

L’objectif est d’identifier les problématiques principales (ex. : restauration forêt sacrée ou d’un cours d’eau), d’impliquer les parties dans des discussions pour établir des règles de gestion partagées et de définir un cadre formel de collaboration. Les résultats attendus incluent la meilleure compréhension des défis, la priorisation des zones à restaurer et cadrer les solutions pour réduire menaces identifiées. Sur cette base les CL seront proposés des usagers et riverains directes. 

  • Existence de zones dégradées avec potentiel de restauration.
  • Engagement volontaire des parties prenantes.
  • Chefferies traditionnelles respectées
  • Une évaluation initiale solide oriente les interventions ciblées.
  • L’adhésion des parties prenantes est essentielle pour un succès durable. 
  • Baser et aligner les CL avec les lois et plans locaux/communales
Participatory Forest Management Planning (PFMP) AND AGREEMENTS

The MTAKIMAU Mangrove Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) 2024–2028 guides the sustainable management of approximately 2,550 hectares of mangrove forest across Mtwapa, Takaungu, and Kilifi. Developed under Section 47(1) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016), the plan resulted from a highly participatory process led by the Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA), in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), WWF-Kenya, and other local stakeholders.

The process began with community barazas that restructured and registered the CFA. Stakeholders then formed and trained a Local Planning Review Team (LPRT), which conducted forest assessments, household surveys, participatory mapping, and community dialogues. Together, they designed the PFMP to define sustainable forest use practices, identify conservation priorities, and establish equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. The plan reflects community aspirations, ensures ecological integrity, and builds climate resilience. KFS and the CFA formalized their partnership by signing a legally binding Forest Management Agreement (FMA) based on this plan.

  • Strong institutional collaboration between KFS, WWF-Kenya, the County Government of Kilifi, and local communities ensured technical and administrative support.
  • Early and inclusive community engagement, including village barazas and user group formation, fostered ownership and trust.
  • Capacity building of the Local Planning Review Team (LPRT) empowered community members to lead surveys, mapping, and planning activities.
  • Legal backing under the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016) provided a clear framework for community participation and co-management.
  • Adequate financial and technical support from the Bengo Project (funded by BMZ through WWF-Kenya) enabled thorough data collection and plan development.
  • Early community involvement builds ownership and leads to more inclusive, practical management plans.
  • Training local representatives (LPRT) creates lasting capacity for community-led planning and decision-making.
  • Legal recognition of community forest associations (CFAs) is essential for formal co-management and accountability.
  • A multi-stakeholder approach strengthens the legitimacy, resource mobilization, and technical quality of the plan.
  • Field-based data collection and participatory mapping ensure that community knowledge and local realities shape the final plan.
Working with Government & Legal Setup

Successfully establishing and scaling a social enterprise like a pad factory requires careful coordination with government authorities and strict compliance with legal requirements. This building block focuses on creating a strong foundation by building trust, ensuring legality, and protecting the enterprise from future risks.

The first step involves informing local and national government bodies about your project plans and activities. Regular communication not only builds transparency and trust but also makes it easier to gain support when needed. It ensures that the enterprise is seen as a responsible and contributing part of the community's development.

Secondly, it is crucial to coordinate with local or provincial offices to confirm that the factory is located appropriately and meets all zoning, operational, and environmental requirements. Early consultation helps avoid future legal complications and promotes smoother project implementation.

Before any physical construction begins, the enterprise must complete all legal steps, such as securing land use permits, building approvals, and environmental clearances. This process prevents future disputes and ensures that the factory is legally protected at every stage.

If the enterprise plans to import machinery or raw materials from abroad (for example, from India and Chaina), it is essential to follow all import rules, including documentation and tax payments. Compliance with import regulations helps avoid customs delays, penalties, and additional operational costs.

Further, to operate legally in the market, the enterprise must register officially and gain approval to sell its products, such as sanitary pads. Official registration enhances the company’s credibility among customers, partners, and regulatory bodies, opening doors to wider distribution opportunities.

Finally, it is critical to insure the factory, machinery, and assets against potential risks like fire, natural disasters, burglary, or other damages. Having appropriate insurance coverage provides financial protection and ensures business continuity even during unforeseen events.

By following these structured steps, the enterprise not only secures its legal standing but also strengthens its reputation, improves sustainability, and creates a solid platform for growth and social impact.

  • Transparent Communication: Sharing project plans early with government builds trust.
  • Understanding Legal Requirements: Knowing laws and regulations ensures smooth operation.
  • Strong Local Relationships: Good ties with local offices help in faster approvals.
  • Timely Legal Compliance: Completing permits and registrations early prevents delays.
  • Insurance Coverage: Protects the enterprise against damages or losses.
  • Hire Local Staff
    Hiring local people provides more than just employment opportunities, it builds trust, improves communication, and creates smoother coordination with community members and local authorities. Locals understand the cultural and political dynamics and can help navigate formal and informal systems more effectively.
  • Visit Similar Factories First
    Before setting up your own facility, visit other factories, especially those producing sanitary pads or similar products. Learning from their challenges and operations can save you from repeating mistakes. You’ll better understand what machinery to use, what space you’ll need, how to manage waste, and how to streamline operations.
  • Secure and Legalize Land Early
    Before starting any construction, ensure that you have the correct amount of land required for your facility. Consider space for production, storage, waste management, and possible future expansion. Make sure land ownership or lease documents are fully legal and registered to avoid future disputes.
  • Evaluate Surroundings Carefully
    Survey the neighboring properties and evaluate your factory’s impact on the local environment and community. Avoid locations too close to residential zones or schools that might raise noise or hygiene concerns. A peaceful relationship with neighbors ensures long-term sustainability.
  • Ensure Road Access for Transport
    A factory must be accessible by road, especially for the transport of raw materials, machinery, and finished products. Good road connectivity reduces logistic costs, speeds up delivery, and enables regular visits from partners, government, or donors.
  • Start Government Communication Early
    Informing local and national government bodies from the beginning builds transparency and trust. Officials who understand your goals are more likely to support your work or provide valuable guidance, making your operations smoother and more credible.
  • Understand Local Regulations Thoroughly
    Be aware of legal requirements such as construction permits, environmental clearances, import duties, and licensing rules. Complying with these from the beginning prevents delays, fines, or shutdowns. Seek legal consultation when needed.
  • Get Proper Insurance
    Factory operations involve risks like fire, theft, and natural disasters. Insuring your buildings, equipment, and products protects you financially and offers peace of mind, especially in emergencies.
  • Budget for Legal and Administrative Costs
    Often underestimated, these costs can include permits, taxes, legal consultations, and registration fees. Having a buffer in your budget for such expenses ensures your progress isn’t stalled by unplanned costs.
  • Collaborate with Local NGOs and INGOs
    Identify local organizations that work on women’s health, empowerment, or education. They can be strong partners for community engagement, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts. Their networks and local trust can help scale your impact more quickly.

 

Transboundary Marine Conservation Area (TBCA)

Transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs) are designated regions that extend across international borders and are collaboratively managed by multiple nations or administrative divisions. These areas are pivotal for biodiversity conservation and ecological connectivity, serving as vital corridors for wildlife migration and fostering cooperation in preserving shared ecosystems. The significance of TBCAs is underscored by their role in addressing the challenges posed by habitat fragmentation and climate change, as they encompass large, ecologically critical regions that facilitate the movement of species and support the resilience of natural habitats.

International community has increasingly recognized the value of TBCAs, leading to the establishment of various initiatives and agreements to enhance collaboration among nations. Africa hosts at least 27 TBCAs, approximated to cover an area of 847,158 square km. TBCAs have become an important tool for promoting environmental sustainability and diplomatic relations between neighboring countries. These areas serve as platforms for dialogue and cooperation, addressing the paradox of globalization and the challenges posed by militarized interstate disputes in conservation efforts. 

The Kenya-Tanzania Transboundary Marine Conservation Area (TBCA) delivers ecological, socio-economic, and governance benefits. It links vital habitats like mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs, supporting biodiversity, species migration, and ecosystem resilience to climate change. The TBCA provides annual ecosystem services ranging between US$127–229 million/year (UNEP, 2023). Eco-tourism and recreational services contribute an additional US$65-117 million annually, improving livelihoods and advancing conservation efforts.

Regional and local efforts by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Nairobi Convention, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), and other institutions have aimed to address transboundary issues in East Africa’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Identified challenges required tailored management strategies to mitigate and minimize externalities and negative impacts, prompting conservation initiatives across Western Indian Ocean (WIO) countries. Regional decisions, starting with the 8th COP of the Nairobi Convention (2015) emphasized transboundary conservation areas and joint management efforts to meet international targets and improve ecosystem governance. The Decision was supported by a technical report jointly developed by Kenya Wildlife Service and Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit. This was followed in 2019 by reviewing coordination mechanisms and institutional capacity to implement TBCA, supported through the Indian Ocean Commission. In 2020, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and WIOMSA initiated a project to integrate the Kenya-Tanzania TBCA into the broader WIO Marine Protected Area network through a comprehensive conservation plan.

Through the TBCA, collaborative research between Kenya and Tanzania focuses on biodiversity monitoring, climate change mitigation and ecosystem health. Integrating local and indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts enriches scientific insights and ensures inclusivity, enhancing the effectiveness of strategies.