This collaboration has been crucial for knowledge exchange and the adaptation of advanced metabarcoding techniques to Lebanon. The Smithsonian team provided best practices on implementing DNA-based methods in ecological studies and offered expert advice on selecting the most suitable tools and instruments for metabarcoding analysis. This partnership has strengthened the scientific foundation of our project and ensured that our approach aligns with international standards.

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

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

Through the Tunas Scholarship program and conservation education initiatives, HARPA builds long-term community support for conservation. This approach connects conservation with education and local development, ensuring sustainable impact through community involvement.

HARPA collaborates with specialized conservation NGOs who serve as expert implementers in their respective fields. Each NGO partner is carefully selected based on their expertise and track record. This framework enables effective program implementation while ensuring professional conservation standards are met.

HARPA leverages Kitabisa.org's digital platform to connect multiple funding sources (public donors and corporate partners) with conservation NGOs. The system enables transparent fund distribution, real-time tracking, and impact reporting. This approach ensures sustainable funding for conservation programs while maintaining accountability to all stakeholders.

The methodology of the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) was applied to assess the risks and threats posed by climate impacts like wave action, sea level rise, erosion, and precipitation, informing the actions taken. The application was carried out in combination with a regional training that took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, together with other site managers and heritage practitioners from Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda. The training and application was supported by the James Cook University, Australia. 

Phase 1: The project commenced with a comprehensive planning phase involving requirement analysis, market research, and site preparation for the hydroponic systems. 

The concept of using hydroponics for fodder production was born out of the urgent need for sustainable and efficient farming practices to combat ongoing challenges such as changing weather patterns and limited agricultural infrastructure in Tajikistan. Traditional farming methods have struggled to meet the growing demand for fodder, especially as these environmental and structural constraints intensify. Extensive research into innovative agricultural methods led to the discovery of hydroponics—a solution that offers enhanced productivity while minimizing the use of vital resources like water and land.

In collaboration with local partners, we identified vulnerable areas and conducted a survey in Matondoni village, Lamu, where traditional cookstoves are common. The survey assessed cooking needs and methods while raising awareness about the benefits of ICS for both mangroves and human wellbeing. Two cookstoves were initially set up to gather feedback from end-users over two months on their experiences, benefits, and challenges. Following this pilot, an additional 51 cookstoves were built to inform scaling efforts in other areas of Lamu.

A scoping survey was conducted along Kenya’s coast to identify efficient cookstove models, assess their sustainability, and recommend the best options for adoption. This survey provided insights into the need for cookstoves, suitable designs, and market considerations for effective community interventions.

Three-levels of a Co-living community

By implementing a three-level urban renewal strategy of shared neighborhood, shared courtyard, and shared building, the scattered and limited spaces in the Fayuan Temple area are organized.A top-down communal living system is established to solve the difficulties of residents' relocation, outdated infrastructure, and the protection and utilization of historical buildings. 

Shared Neighborhood

We analyzed the activity paths of different groups of people in the Fayuansi neighborhoods. The clear functional division of different areas leads to lack of intersection among various groups, which invisibly forms social barriers and is not conducive to long-term development of the city.

In the shared neighborhood, the entire block is taken as a shared space and considered as a whole, with a management center as the core to lead the co-living system. By dispersing the public functions throughout the block, the daily life of the local residents in the block has been transformed into a distinctive experiential tourism product. Overlapping activities are happening in composite physical spaces, which generates continuous energy for the neighborhood.

Shared Courtyard

The current living condition inside the courtyards is barely acceptable. Illegal construction such as kitchens and bathrooms has become a common phenomenon and the importance of public spaces are severely downgraded. There is hardly any public spaces left other than basic transportation space. 

Most of the young generations have moved out. Among the remaining residents , elderly and young children are the majority as well as some short-term tenants. The continuous reduction of vitality among the neiborhood has become an attention-grabbing problem.

While improving the overall courtyard environment, priority is given to ensuring the basic living needs of residents. This project adopts a four-step (evaluation, repair, demolition, and addition) measure of courtyard renovation. As the number of vacated households increases, existing illegal buildings will be demolished and public service facilities such as shared kitchens and shared laundry rooms will be added. These facilities will be integrated with internal courtyards and public green spaces to form a pubic core for the neighborhood.

Shared House

The vacant houses in the Fayuan Temple district are all made up with "rooms" with various ownerships. Using "room" as a basic unit for renovation is an effective way to reduce the risk of conflicts regarding property ownerships, and also flexible units can better adapt to the living needs of different types of people. By analyzing the dimensions of the courtyards, a 10-12 square-meter room unit was determined as a standard renewal module. The combination of dual and multiple units enables the possibilities for various functions such as long-term apartment, youth hostel, and Café etc.