Planning phase | PANORAMA

Yunnan Yunlong Tianchi National Nature Reserve

Yunnan snub-nosed monkey conservation needs to rely on three core systems: technical support, collaborative network, and scientific management process, to systematically address new challenges such as habitat fragmentation, human interference, and insufficient conservation capacity, with specific components as follows:
I. Technical Support: Innovation in Instrumentation and Scientific Methods
1. Upgrading monitoring equipment
 High-precision observation tools: equipped with monoculars, GPS locators, infrared cameras (e.g. 1km×1km grid deployment) and Patrol Assistant App, realizing real-time recording and trajectory analysis of monkey activity sites, replacing the traditional paper records, and improving the data accuracy (e.g. 40% reduction in the error of monitoring the daily distance of movement of the Longmashan population).
 image and data analysis equipment: high-definition cameras and night-vision equipment are used to record the behavior of monkeys, and QGIS software analyzes the intensity of habitat utilization, solving the problem of habitat fragmentation and dynamic monitoring (e.g., identifying the core utilization areas such as tripods and waist hutches).
2. Standardized monitoring methods
 Population and Behavioral Monitoring: Using direct observation (e.g., counting more than 190 individuals in the Longma Mountain population in 2024), instantaneous scanning sampling (recording feeding/movement/resting/socializing behaviors at 15-minute intervals), and combining with one-way ANOVA to test the differences in behavioral rhythms, we will be able to accurately grasp the structure of the population (the ratio of adult females to infants of 2.10: 1) and activity patterns (e.g., the ratio of two females to two infants). 1) and activity patterns (e.g. bimodal feeding peaks: 8:00-11:00 and 15:00-18:00).
 Feeding and Threat Factors Survey: Record the feeding behavior of 26 species of plants from 12 families (e.g., 67.4% of pineapple), and establish a food resource database; record 96 anthropogenic activities such as grazing and mushroom picking through the disturbance intensity grading (level 1-3), and make clear the peak of disturbance in the summer (intensity of 4.23), so as to provide a basis for targeted prevention and control.
II. Collaboration network: synergistic mechanism of multiple subjects
1. Cross-sectoral scientific research cooperation
 Government-Scientific Research Institutions Linkage: Yunnan Yunlong Tianchi Protected Area has joined hands with the East Himalayan Research Institute of Dali University to form a team of experts with Wang Haohan as the core to carry out long-term monitoring (e.g., 49% population growth of Longmashan from 2013-2024) and to address the shortcomings of the grassroots protection team's technology.
 Integration of international experience: Referring to the IUCN primate conservation standards, introduce fecal DNA analysis, satellite tracking and other technologies to enhance the genetic diversity research capacity of small populations (e.g., the Tianchi population of about 20 individuals).
2. Community co-management and ecological compensation
 Alternative Livelihoods and Participatory Conservation: Reduce disturbances such as grazing and fuel wood cutting through ecological compensation (e.g., subsidizing the forest economy) and community patrols (training villagers to participate in monitoring the monkeys), and reduce the frequency of anthropogenic disturbances in Longmashan by 15% year-on-year in 2024.
 Conservation publicity and education: community lectures for the peak summer mushroom picking season to enhance residents' knowledge of the Dian snub-nosed monkey's dietary habits (e.g., pineapple dependence) and reduce the risk of food resource destruction.
III. Management process: whole chain protection strategy
1. Data standardization and long-term monitoring
 standardized data collection: unified record templates (e.g., monkey activity sites, plant species fed on) to ensure that valid data are available for 42 of the 88 days of monitoring; established a three-level database of "individual-population-habitat", integrating 26 food specimens and habitat altitude distribution (3000-3200 m core zone). The three-level database of "individuals and populations and habitats" has been established.)
 dynamic assessment mechanism: using the population growth model (1.13:1 ratio between adult and juvenile individuals) to judge the habitat capacity, and adjusting the focus of protection according to the intensity of seasonal disturbance (e.g., strengthening the patrolling in the Waipangzi area in summer).
2. Habitat restoration and risk prevention and control
 Habitat corridor construction: In response to the problem of isolation of Tianchi population (only 0.7km away from the village), plan corridors between forest patches (e.g. connecting 1.24km² and 1.58km² core area) to alleviate the blockage of gene exchange caused by roads and villages.
 Emergency Response System: establish a mechanism to help individuals with injuries and illnesses (e.g., the case of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys in Shangxiao Village in 2015), and equip with first-aid equipment and expert consultation process to reduce the risk of accidental death.
3. Policy and financial support
 Legal and planning support: Relying on the Wildlife Protection Law, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is listed as a national-level protected species and included in the ecological protection red line; the local government allocates special funds for infrared camera deployment (e.g., 5 cameras in the Tianchi area) and the training of monitoring personnel.
 long-term funding mechanism: integrating donations from public welfare organizations (e.g. Tencent Public Welfare's "Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Program") and funds from international cooperation projects to ensure the sustainability of the food resource database construction and community compensation.
Summary
Dian snub-nosed monkey conservation has formed a closed loop of "monitoring-research-intervention-feedback" through technology-enabled monitoring accuracy, collaboration to resolve human conflicts, and process-guaranteed management effectiveness. In the future, it is necessary to further strengthen the tracking technology of the southern populations (e.g., Tianchi population) and expand the coverage of community co-management, in order to cope with the new challenges of climate change and habitat retreat, and to promote the transition from "stable recovery" to "high-quality growth" of the population.

I. Policy and Legal Protection
China has listed the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey as a national-level key wildlife under rigid protection under the Wildlife Protection Law, and strictly controls the habitat through the ecological protection red line system. Governments at all levels have issued special plans and established a number of national nature reserves, such as Baima Snow Mountain and Yunlong Tianchi, to build a protection network covering the core distribution area and provide institutional support for the survival of the population.
Improvement of Protected Area System
The protected areas have improved habitat fragmentation through measures such as returning farmland to forests and building ecological corridors. For example, the Yunlong Tianchi Protected Area, as the southernmost distribution area of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, has discovered a new "Tianchi population" of about 20 individuals in recent years, which confirms that the protection measures have effectively expanded the distribution range of the species and alleviated the pressure on the isolation of the habitat.
Community co-management and ecological compensation
The "community co-management" model has been implemented to reduce residents' dependence on the habitat through eco-compensation and alternative livelihoods (e.g., under-forest economy, eco-tourism). The local community has formed a patrol team to participate in monitoring, forming a virtuous cycle of "protection - benefit" and reducing anthropogenic interference such as grazing and mushroom harvesting. In 2024, monitoring showed that the Longmashan population numbered more than 190, an increase of 49% compared with 2011.
Science and Technology and Scientific Research Support
Infrared cameras, GPS tracking and other technologies are introduced to improve monitoring accuracy, and a food resource database and population dynamics model are established. A team of experts has been stationed at the site for a long time to provide guidance and optimize the science of conservation strategy by combining with behavioral ecology research (e.g., daily activity rhythms and food habits analysis), and provide data support for population management.
V. Social Concerns and International Cooperation
As a "flagship species", it has received wide public attention, and public welfare organizations, enterprises and international institutions have supported the conservation project through financial donations and technical cooperation. The research team has cooperated with IUCN and other international organizations to publish research results, which has enhanced the international recognition of conservation practices.

I. Conservation experience

1. Effective protected area system and population recovery

 Protected area network construction: Through the establishment of national nature reserves such as Yunlong Tianchi, core habitat protection barriers have been formed. The population size of Longmashan has increased from more than 50 in 1988 to more than 190 in 2024, with a continuous rise in the last 30 years, and an increase of 49% from 2011 to 2024. The ratio of adult females to infant monkeys has been stabilized at 2.10:1, and the population structure is healthy.

 New Population Discovery and Distribution Expansion: In 2024, a new "Tianchi population" of about 20 monkeys was discovered in the southwest of Tianchi Reserve, pushing the southern boundary of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey's distribution southward by 40 kilometers and making it the southernmost population, which confirms the effectiveness of the conservation measures in expanding the distribution of the species.

2. Scientific monitoring and research support

 technology application: Infrared cameras (1km×1km grid deployment), GPS tracking, QGIS habitat analysis and other technologies are used to realize accurate monitoring of population dynamics and habitat utilization. The Longmashan population recorded behavioral data by instantaneous scanning sampling method (15-minute intervals) to clarify the feeding peaks (8:00-11:00 and 15:00-18:00) and core activity zones (3000-3200 m elevation band).

 Food habits and habitat study: establish a food habits database containing 26 species of plants, confirm that Pinus sylvestris accounts for 67.4% of the food composition, and target the protection of key vegetation such as Yunnan hemlock forests to safeguard the food supply in winter.

3. Community Participation and Disturbance Prevention and Control

 Community co-management model: form villagers' patrols to participate in monitoring, and reduce disturbances such as grazing and mushroom harvesting through ecological compensation (e.g., subsidies for the underforest economy). 2024 anthropogenic disturbances in the Longmashan population will decrease 15% year-on-year, and the intensity of disturbances in the summer will decrease by 23% compared with that in 2015.

 Conservation Awareness Enhancement: community publicity combined with infrared camera images will be conducted to promote residents to set up a fire line inspection system on their own initiative to reduce the impact of anthropogenic activities on the monkeys.

4. Cross-regional collaboration and policy guarantee

 Linkage of scientific research institutions: Yunlong Tianchi Reserve has joined hands with Dali University and other universities to form a team of experts to carry out long-term population genetics research and confirm the genetic diversity of the Tianchi population through fecal DNA analysis in 2024.

 Legal and planning support: Relying on the Wildlife Protection Law, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey was listed as a national-level protected species and included in the ecological protection red line, and the local government made special allocations for the upgrading of monitoring equipment (e.g., five infrared cameras were installed in the Tianchi area).

II. Key Lessons

1. Habitat fragmentation and isolation threats

 Geographic isolation has intensified: existing populations are severely isolated by roads and villages. Longmashan and Tianchi populations are only 40 kilometers apart, but genetic exchange is impossible due to habitat isolation; the habitat area of Tianchi population is only 3.23km², divided by pastures and firebreaks, with a perimeter-area ratio of 14.57, which exacerbates the risk of decline for small populations.

 Bottleneck of environmental capacity: The ratio of adult to juvenile individuals of Longmashan population reaches 1.13:1, close to the upper limit of environmental capacity, and the average annual growth rate of 2012-2024 is 42% lower than that of pre-2011, so it is necessary to strengthen the expansion of habitats and the construction of corridors.

2. Insufficient monitoring capacity and data standardization

 Data quality problems: unstandardized monitoring records resulted in only 42 days of valid data out of 88 days of field work, and the completeness rate of monkey activity site records was less than 60%, affecting the accuracy of population dynamics analysis.

 Lagging technical equipment: lack of high-definition cameras and night-vision equipment to record key behaviors of monkeys crossing open areas; only 5 infrared cameras were installed in the Tianchi population, and only 2 fecal samples were obtained in 2024, which is not enough data to assess the population size.

3. Human disturbance and conservation conflicts

 Seasonal disturbances are prominent: anthropogenic disturbances result in 18% shorter feeding times and a 27% increase in daily distance traveled by monkeys.

 Limited coverage of alternative livelihoods: some communities still rely on traditional animal husbandry, and the ecological compensation rate (annual per capita subsidy of about 1,200 RMB) is insufficient to offset the economic losses.

4. Insufficient articulation between scientific research and conservation

 Lack of expert guidance: the agreement requires 60 days of expert guidance per year, but in practice only the Longmashan population is covered, and the Tianchi population has missed opportunities to track monkeys due to a lack of technical training and insufficient ability of rangers to recognize traces.

 Long-term monitoring mechanisms are weak: no inter-annual population database has been established, and there is a lack of early warning models for the long-term trend of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey's "retreat to higher altitudes" (300 m/decade of elevation gain in its southern range), making it difficult to respond to potential threats from climate change.

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey conservation has achieved population recovery through policy protection, scientific and technological support, and community participation, but the problems of habitat fragmentation, insufficient monitoring capacity, and human interference still need to be broken through. In the future, we need to strengthen the construction of habitat corridors, standardized data collection, cross-regional scientific research collaboration and community support for sustainable livelihoods in order to cope with the compounding challenges of small population decline and environmental change.

Planning phase

National

Using funds to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations while promoting tree planting and ongoing maintenance in an integrated way

Crowdfunding raising funds for forest restoration

UNDP

Ana Lilliam Corrales, Association of Agro-industrial and Ecological Women of Zota El-Zota de la Rita-limon, Pococi.

UNDP Costa Rica

Funds raised were used both to cover reforestation costs and to create hundreds of green wages and jobs. On the one hand, Costa Rica aims to reach 60% of forest cover by 2030, and seedlings require ongoing care to ensure they survive and thrive. On the other hand, the socioeconomic conditions of already vulnerable communities in the northern region of the country worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic.

#Footprints4ourFuture addresses these two challenges in an integrated way. Each tree planted comes with a five-year maintenance plan to ensure its survival. This plan is implemented by local workers who plant and prune trees, improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations and providing a sustainable source of income beyond the period of the pandemic. This approach also contributes to raising local awareness and promoting community ownership of reforestation efforts.

Community interest and willingness to carry out green jobs, along with the long-term availability of funds for the five-year maintenance plan, are key factors for success.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives have a higher likelihood of success when combined with financial support for vulnerable participant populations. This approach allows initiatives to address both socioeconomic and environmental issues simultaneously, besides encouraging local community participation and fostering openness to environmental education.

Furthermore, reforestation and other environmental activities should prioritize ongoing maintenance, as it ensures that the initial investment yields long-term results.

https://www.biofin.org/news-and-media/how-crowdfunding-campaign-costa-rica-rais…

Combining a variety of donation options and marketing strategies to promote contributions

Donors can contribute to the campaign through different packages/amounts: “My Footprint” (one tree for 15 USD), “Family Footprint” (10 trees for USD 150), “Small Business Footprint” (100 trees for USD 1,500), and “Corporate Footprint” (1,000 trees for USD 15,000).

These packages can be purchased on the campaign’s website, that launch to a national account for FUNBAM. It is also possible to contribute by directly making bank transfers to an account in dollars or Costa Rican colones, or quickly donate using SINPE Móvil, the country’s instant mobile money transfer system. Companies and organizations, as well as Embassies made the transfer through this modality under a signed agreement with FUNBAM (the executing agency). Initially, it was also possible to donate through UNDP’s international platform, which was later removed since outreach activities were nationally focused.

Moreover, through a partnership with the corporate hardware store Ferretería EPA, customers in seven physical stores are invited to donate their spare change and complement to plant a tree, reaching those who may not have been initially aware of the campaign.

Finally, for the 1,000-tree corporate package, meetings were arranged with potential partner companies to encourage collaboration. Embassies such as Spain, Italy and others also used this modality.

The effective promotion of the campaign has gone hand in hand with the success of these various donation platforms. The marketing strategy has included social media, Google and TV ads, as well as support from the national television program Más que Notícias through specials and interviews.

The availability of technology, human expertise, and funding to sustain the online donation platform are other enabling factors.

It is important to align the campaign with larger impact, policy or institutional goals (in Costa Rica, to achieve 60% forest cover by 2030).
Engaging high-level champions, such as former Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Campbell, fosters mobilization for the campaign.
Delivering with credible public organizations (FONAFIFO, UNDP) contributes to building public trust in the campaign.
It is fundamental to include measures for transparency and traceability of funds and results (georeferenced trees, and donor and results report).
Comms, comms, and more comms support campaign’s success:
- Clear graphic design throughout the campaign (logo, social media, life stories, press, presentations, face masks, videos, storyline, and alliances).
- Investment in a designer, a PR specialist, and dedicated time for campaign execution.
It is necessary to effectively mobilize resources through a diverse outreach and marketing strategy with target audiences:
- The donation page by itself is limited in mobilizing donations. It is more effective to engage funds, bilateral donors, and private and public companies through one-on-one meetings and interactions.

Campaign page on BIOFIN’s website

Creating the necessary incentives to foster the success of green bonds

Following the development of the legislative and regulatory framework for issuing green bonds, it was also necessary to create incentives that enhance their attractiveness for both issuers and investors. With BIOFIN’s advocacy and in close collaboration with the Working Group, two key incentives were established.

First, investors benefit from a 15% exemption in withholding tax on green bonds listed on a Zambian exchange with a maturity of at least three years. This measure encourages investment in projects with positive environmental outcomes and accelerates resource mobilization. It also motivates potential issuers, who can expect stronger investor demand and, consequently, higher returns on their bonds.

Second, the SEC introduced a 50% reduction in green bond registration fees in Zambia. By lowering issuance costs, this measure further strengthens the attractiveness of the market for issuers.

A key enabling factor is the support of government and regulators for developing a green bond market and their willingness to design and approve such incentives.

Recently developed green bond markets might be perceived as too risky by investors who are more familiar with traditional bonds and other investments. Creating incentives for both issuers and local investors is crucial to navigate their risk tolerance and to stimulate the market in its early stages.

Capacity building and technical support for market developers and green bonds issuers

Green Finance Mainstreaming Agenda in the Financial Sector Workshop

UNDP Zambia

Since 2018, UNDP BIOFIN has organized various capacity building workshops and provided support towards the development of the green bonds market in Zambia, engaging with key financial sector regulators. These activities have been instrumental in the formulation of the Green Bonds Guidelines and Listing Rules, and have also included targeted trainings for the SEC on the review and approval of green bond applications.

As an example, a series of capacity-building sessions to scale up the market for green bond issuances in Zambia was delivered to members of the Working Group and other key stakeholders (e.g., investment brokers, transaction advisors, institutional investors, etc) in July 2025. The sessions covered topics such as the fundamentals of green bonds, the structuring process, and eligibility requirements.

BIOFIN has also provided technical assistance to high-potential green bonds issuers in Zambia. In 2024, a global call was launched to offer tailored guidance for five companies or other prospective issuers. This support includes drafting green bond frameworks, identifying eligible project pipelines, liaising with investment banks, and engaging second-party opinion providers for certification. It also provides advisory services on aligning bonds with international standards, impact reporting, and market positioning.

Enabling factors include the availability of experts to deliver workshops and provide ongoing assistance, adequate funding to cover activities and logistics, the willingness of government and regulators to develop a green bond market, and the active participation of financial regulators.

During the capacity building and technical support activities, it was observed that financial agents often misunderstood the principles of project finance, which differs from more typical corporate finance transactions in its composition of guarantees and risk scenarios. The benefits of green bonds, compared to conventional government bonds, were also not immediately clear to all participants. This highlights the importance of ensuring that capacity-building efforts (1) explain in detail the distinct characteristics of project finance, (2) are complemented by a broad awareness-raising campaign, and (3) also focus on transferring knowledge on environmental sustainability and associated standards to meet investors’ expectations.

2024 Call for Expression pf Interest: UNDP BIOFIN Provision pf Technical Handho…

Bringing key stakeholders together under the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group

The picture shows participants of the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working group, fund managers, and representatives from CEC Renewables around a table in a meeting

UNDP BIOFIN, the Green Finance Mainstreaming Working Group, and Fund Managers meet with CEC Renewables to advance Zambia's green bond market development following the inaugural issuance.

UNDP Zambia

The development of a green bonds market in Zambia is anchored in the activities of the Green Finance Mainstream Working Group, which brings together financial regulators, standard-setting bodies, development partners, and other key institutions with the objective of mainstreaming green finance into Zambia’s financial landscape. Members include the Bank of Zambia, the SEC, and the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA). In addition, the Working Group includes strategic participation from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Zambian Institute of Chartered Accountants, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia.

The establishment of the Working Group provided a regular platform for collaboration among regulatory bodies, government agencies, and experts, fostering an enabling environment for the development and effective implementation of green finance solutions. Many of these solutions are multidisciplinary in nature, from legal requirements to technical expertise, and potentially could not have been developed without this collaborative effort.

Enabling factors include stakeholders’ willingness to participate in and dedicate time to the Working Group, their recognition of the interconnectedness of green finance and the importance of the topic, and the availability of funding to support the Group’s ongoing activities.

A key lesson learned is that establishing governance and collaborative structures is crucial for the development of green bond markets and other financial solutions. Regardless of the level of implementation, national or subnational, these solutions are typically multidisciplinary, and their implementation runs more smoothly not only when there is collaboration, but also when a dedicated platform with clear procedures for ongoing engagement is in place.

In addition, it is crucial to consider broader advancements in the financial system that, while not mandatory for issuing green bonds, are likely to strengthen their creditworthiness. In Zambia, the Working Group is also pursuing complementary solutions that support the development of the green bond market, including measures to enhance economic stability, credit ratings, and market infrastructure. Examples include the development of Zambia’s National Green Finance Strategy and Implementation Plan, as well as a green finance taxonomy, tagging, and reporting system.

Learn more about the work of BIOFIN with the Green Finance Mainstreaming Workin…

Creating the legal and regulatory enabling environment for green bonds in Zambia

The development of legislation and regulations was the foundation for establishing a green bond market in Zambia. The 2019 Green Bonds Guidelines are the main outcome of this process and serve as the enabling regulatory framework for green bonds issuances in the country. They were officially gazetted and developed in line with the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) Green Bond Principles, a voluntary protocol for the issuance of green bonds.

The Guidelines comprehensively cover the requirements for issuing green bonds, including the engagement of an independent external reviewer and the submission of a detailed, green bond framework to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This framework must explain the project selection criteria to be used, how funds will be utilized, the management of proceeds (the funds raised from selling the bonds), and how environmental objectives will be achieved. Together, these elements promote transparency, accountability, and investor confidence.

To complement the Guideline, the Green Bonds Listing Rules were also developed, providing a detailed pathway for issuers to list green bonds on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE). They also establish procedures for evaluating the environmental credentials of green bonds and reporting impacts, contributing to an orderly market.

The mobilization and coordinated efforts of all relevant stakeholders in capital markets and regulatory bodies, such as the SEC and the LuSE, are essential for the development and approval of the guideline and associated rules.

Developing green bonds based on clear legislation and regulations, transparent and accountable mechanisms, and adherence to international standards is crucial to building investor confidence and, consequently, ensuring the bond’s success in mobilizing resources for climate and biodiversity projects. This is particularly important for countries where lower credit ratings could affect the bond’s perceived creditworthiness.

In addition, developing a green bond market is a time-consuming process that requires engagement from multiple stakeholders and ongoing consultations. Therefore, it is essential to manage stakeholders’ expectations and allocate sufficient time to each stage.

Finally, although the effective issuance of green bonds must include independent reviewers, it was identified that this expertise did not exist locally. At the same time, contracting foreign reviewers is costly and time-consuming. Hence, it is important that initiatives for the development of green bond markets also include professional development initiatives to train domestic independent reviewers.

The Securities Green Bonds Guidelines 2019

Partnership with a “lighthouse teacher” and a supporting school community

The garden coordinator teacher and the students co-creating the garden

ESSRG Nonprofit Kft.

A passionate teacher takes the initiative and dedicates a huge part of her time coordinating the project, collaborating with researchers, and engaging students along with her colleagues. The democratic school community and the teacher(s)’ intrinsic motivation lead to a certain creative freedom to pursue their own ideas and pedagogical innovations, while creating a trusting, open atmosphere for experiential learning in the school garden and through arts-based practices.

Supporting school leadership, available green space of the school, dedicated teacher, teamwork

It is essential to have at least one teacher at the school who is willing to dedicate time and energy to the project. Our research showed that the teacher’s background is less important than their strong intrinsic motivation – their deep belief in the value of connecting with nature and integrating green spaces into school life. Naturally, this commitment alone is not enough; it must be supported by a democratic school environment, such as an encouraging principal or school district, which enables the teacher to turn their vision into reality. The drawback of this building block, however, is that if the success of a project depends too heavily on one individual, it may not be sustainable in the long term.

Although school gardens are included in Hungary’s national curriculum as an optional specialisation, this currently applies only to grades 5 through 7. However, the teachers and experts we interviewed suggested that it would be more effective if education in this area began earlier and continued beyond these years. Therefore, a potential additional building block could be the presence of a supportive educational policy environment.

Regulatory and technical framework

The main objective is to establish the rules of the game by defining what the seal is, what is expected of those who use it, and how its integrity is guaranteed. In this first stage, the legal, scientific, and operational basis of the seal is established to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the process.

This involves informing interested parties of the regulatory documents, such as the regulations for use of the seal, the checklist, the brand manual, and the application form, which have been developed by Fundación MarViva. Their function is to guide the application, verification, and renewal process step by step.

Have clear, detailed, and public regulations.
Ensure that regulatory documents can be adapted to other countries/contexts.
Have a reliable scientific or legal basis that facilitates understanding of the exclusion of certain species as a protein source for ceviche (e.g., sharks and rays).

Having clear regulations and standards builds trust and avoids ambiguities in certification. Otherwise, potential allies to the initiative may mistrust or misinterpret the requirements.
All documents should be properly shared in preliminary meetings, using previous cases as examples, without sharing business information.

Planning phase

Multi-national

Cash-for-work program to link financial assistance with positive environmental outcomes

The picture shows four men in a beach cleaning activity.

Participants in beach cleaning activity

UNDP Thailand

The crowdfunding campaign raised resources to provide cash transfers to taxi boat and small fishing boat drivers, who were identified as one of the most vulnerable groups due to the COVID-19 pandemic (for more information, please refer to building block 1). To achieve this, a cash-for-work program was established, in which temporary cash transfers are conditional on the provision of labor for the corresponding period. The boat drivers were hired for three months to clean beaches, collect marine debris, recycle the waste collected, and mobilize the local community for biodiversity conservation.

In this way, the campaign not only contributed to the livelihoods of boat drivers during the pandemic, but also increased their awareness of, and engagement with, biodiversity loss caused by unsustainable practices. These engagements strengthened a sense of ownership among locals towards the campaign and their own island, serving as an additional motivation for conservation and restoration, fostering behavior change after the cash-for-work program ended.

Willingness of locals to engage in the work, along with effective communication campaigns to increase mobilization of those participating in the cash-for-work program and for biodiversity conservation.

Cash-for-work programs have the potential to provide incentives for behavior change with long-term impacts by combining much-needed financial support with awareness raising and skill building efforts. These programs also uphold the agency of participants, who engage in meaningful work in exchange for income.