Community based biodiversity monitoring

We develop wildcats and potential prey community based monitoring with the families associated with Serraniagua in their private natural reserves by employing a small set of five trap cameras.

Natural reserve land owners willingness to develop monitoring activities within their lands
Trap cameras availability, this is a limited resouce for our organization 
Financial resources availability
Public Order
Favorable climatic conditions

Through community-based biodiversity monitoring, many new, endemic, and/or endangered species of plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals have been recorded, contributing to scientific knowledge and the implementation of technologies that support wildlife identification and habitat conservation.

A notable result of this effort is the documentation of six out of the seven felid species of Colombia within the area, including the rediscovery of the jaguar in the Andean region of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Antonio, identified as an individual preying on livestock, has been tracked, revealing a movement route. We intend to explore this route as a landscape management strategy by implementing a robust trap camera monitoring program to identify potential anthropogenic impacts on wild mammals.

Planning for Human - Wildlife Coexistence

Collaborative planning space where all of the key actors at landscape scale work together to establish clear achievable goals that will lead to human-wild cats coexistence setting clear key indicators

  • Protected areas management groups including comunity based, agrucultural, gender based, and government authorities at regional and local scale working together to make the plans
  •   Fund finding: The co management cometee works together to find financial and technical support to handle with HWI within protected areas 

Serraniagua is part of regional and local co-management groups established for private and public protected areas within the Serranía de los Paraguas KBA. With financial support from the FAO, this co-management group has developed an interinstitutional action plan and protocol to address wildcat attacks on domestic animals. Between September and November, the group designed a pilot regional community-based monitoring of wild mammals using trap cameras (TC) within water resource conservation areas and private reserves, recording Antonio after two years since his last sighting. In 2025, we aim to conduct the "Plan4Coex" workshop for human-wildlife coexistence planning and incorporate the resulting plan into the updated management plan of the DRMI Serranía de los Paraguas. Additionally, we plan to provide the co-management committee with technological equipment to monitor landscape cover changes and GIS tools for managing regional and local natural reserves.

 

 

 

Evolution of on-board technologies and AI integration

Advancements in on-board technologies and AI integration hold great potential to further enhance the existing drone-based crocodilian monitoring method. Improvements in drone hardware, such as hybrid models with extended flight times and enhanced camera resolutions, allow for broader habitat coverage and the capture of more detailed imagery in complex environments. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) represents a significant opportunity to streamline image analysis by automating crocodile detection and size estimation using allometric models. These AI-driven enhancements could provide near real-time data processing, reducing reliance on time consuming manual analysis.

This improvements are currently under development with my collaborators

Our idea

In the context of fisheries and aquaculture, the fish trap represents an evolution of existing harvesting methods. Unlike active fishing gear, such as seines, the fish traps require less labor and energy, which makes them very efficient in terms of catch effort. In addition, the fish traps do not physically harm the caught fish, so the fish can be taken out of the trap alive and in good health. Early experiments on partial harvests in aquaculture in Malawi date back to the 1990s, when different tools for intermittent harvest were tested. However, due to the inefficiency and labor-intensity of the methods, there has been no broad application or further developments.

Based on this knowledge, further literature research, and expert discussions, the idea was born to build and test a size-selective fish trap to regularly harvest the juveniles of the initial fish stock. This innovation is thought to control the stocking density, to optimize the use of supplementary feeds, and to not exceed the carrying capacity of the pond. Ideally, a successful application of the fish trap would result in households increasing their overall aquaculture productivity, whilst harvesting small quantities of small fish much more regularly than has been customary in aquaculture to date. The intermittently harvested fish can be consumed within the household or used to generate small amounts of regular income. Meanwhile, the initial fish stock (parent fish) will be grown to a larger size for the final harvest.

The challenge

In a fish-loving country like Malawi, where fish is the main source of animal protein, but fisheries yields are in decline, great hope and effort is placed in the development of aquaculture. Better access to and regular consumption of fish, which is an important source of protein and essential micronutrients, can make an important contribution to overcoming development challenges. And food insecurity is one of the greatest in terms of public health. Women and children are particularly affected by malnutrition. The expansion and promotion of sustainable aquaculture represents an important approach to meeting a growing demand for fish.

This development requires – among many other aspects – innovations that contribute to successfully mastering challenges in the sector. With a focus on rural aquaculture, the Aquaculture Value Chain for Higher Income and Food Security Project in Malawi (AVCP), part of the Global Programme ‘Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture’ under the special initiative ‘One World – No Hunger’ of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is providing technical training to 4,500 small-scale producers in Malawi. Fish farming helps them improve both income and food security.

One of the common and complex challenges in rural aquaculture is the use of mixed-sex Tilapia fingerlings in low-input systems. This means that farmers only have a limited selection and quantity of agricultural by-products available with which to feed a rapidly growing fish population in the pond. This leads to increasing competition for oxygen and food, which leads to poor growth rates and often an acceleration of sexual maturity. Accordingly, final harvests often consist of rather small fish, which does not meet the widespread expectations of harvesting edible – “plate filling” – fish from aquaculture.

Given the unavailability or prohibitiveness of mono-sex fingerlings, fish feed and aerators in rural aquaculture, the project was challenged to find an alternative solution to improve the productivity of rural aquaculture and its contribution to household nutrition.

Mentors, trainers, and allies

Our goal is that our core portfolio of standardized training materials are delivered by female experts recruited from the local region, who we further engage in mentoring and leadership activities. By centering these role models throughout our programming, we provide our participants with a vision of their future careers. We strive to foster an inclusive environment for honest dialogue and encourage ongoing mentorship even after the program concludes. However, the very gender gap we aim to address often presents a challenge when it comes to recruiting female educators and role models for our programs. This situation has helped us to differentiate three leadership roles: “mentors” (female role models, who participate in training and mentorship), “allies” (male trainers and facilitators), and “trainers” (support from international organizing team). Participation of each to these types of individuals is critical to develop and support our participants.

  • Keen interest from female leaders to foster the next generation of conservationists, including willingness to engage honestly in vulnerable conversations and provide career advice 
  • Growing interest from allies to support development of women in their field and organizations 
  • Funding to support attendance and honorarium for high-quality mentors and allies 
  • We have established a code of conduct and set clear expectations up-front on how mentors and allies should engage with students during and after the program 
  • Mentors and allies with a background in training as well as expertise in conservation tech are preferred 
  • Wherever possible, we seek a combination of mid-career and established mentors, who can speak to participants about different stages of the conservation career journey 
  • Male allies need to be carefully selected to create a supportive, safe environment 
  • We maintain and cultivate female-only spaces at the workshop where male allies and trainers are not allowed 
Local partners and host institutions

This program aims to equip women with practical skills that are actionable within their local context, enabling them to seize opportunities such as funding and career advancement within their specific regions. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with local partners and host institutions to adapt our core training materials, ensuring they align with local challenges, processes, and institutions. By tailoring our trainings to address the unique needs and contexts of the women we support, we maximize the relevance and impact of our programming. 

  • Local partners with aligned visions in education, upskilling, and empowerment 
  • On-the-ground support from women within the host and collaborating organizations 
  • Networks of experienced local educators and trainers in the conservation technology space  
  • Educational systems vary significantly, even across countries in the same region. For example, certain types of trainings or activities - such as active learning approaches - may be more difficult for students from countries where education is centered on rote memorization. Understanding local learning preferences and adapting teaching methods accordingly can support deeper engagement. 
  • Certain technologies or methodologies, such as drones or cloud-based data storage, may be prohibited or prohibitively expensive in some. Partnering with local conservation technology experts ensures that we focus on accessible, actionable technologies for our participants.
Access & Connect with the Community

In all of our endeavors, we deploy our signature ACTIVE™ (Access, Connect, Team, Implement, Verify, Evolve) Community Engagement approach. Guided by this community-driven and adaptive approach, we prioritize a deep, holistic understanding of the political, economic, ecological, and cultural factors that shape how each community interacts with and manages its natural resources. This ensures that our conservation efforts are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the community, creating a strong foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions. We begin with preparatory activities, including a pastoral livelihoods and rangeland management dialogue, which fosters open communication and builds trust. Focusing on understanding the unique governance structures and rangeland management practices already in place, we conduct a participatory mapping exercise to identify critical pastures used by the community and wildlife alike. A plot ID – coded with both indigenous and scientific names – is designated for each pasture and baseline quality data are collected using a customized Survey123 form for site selection and assessment. The data include both ecological metrics (e.g., grass height, soil type) and social factors (e.g., cultural significance, accessibility). 

It is necessary to have an established relationship of mutual trust with the community and a thorough understanding of existing governance structures before engaging in monitoring efforts. APW seeks to recognize how different governance structures function and which decisions are made by which governing bodies. For instance, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, traditional leaders make pasture management decisions through the Ilaigwanak structure, while the village government often focuses more on political decision-making. As is customary in this region, pastoralists have tremendous respect for the traditional leadership and their decisions. Abiding by decisions made by the Ilaigwanak is deeply rooted in the local culture and way of life. Support from traditional leaders is critical for the uptake and implementation of data-driven rangeland management decisions. 

Prior to making any effort to effect change, APW clarifies the decision-making process and seeks inclusive participation for project implementation. Conducting stakeholder analyses is key in contextualizing natural resource management efforts. This requires flexibility, adjusting as needed to ensure data are culturally and ecologically relevant and in the service of the community. To foster support and participation from traditional leaders, APW advises the leadership on the use of routine monitoring data.

Partnership with Smithsonian Institute

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.

NoArk's Building Blocks

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.

The purpose of the building blocks in NoArk’s solution is to create an integrated and scalable system for addressing ecological, social, and economic challenges. Each building block plays a unique role and works in harmony with the others to deliver impactful outcomes.

How Each Building Block Works  

1. Bio-Acoustic and Chemical Sensors
  - Purpose: To monitor ecological and environmental health.  
  - How it Works: These sensors detect specific sounds (chainsaws, wildlife movement) and measure air and water quality, providing real-time data on biodiversity and pollution levels.  

2. Edge AI and IoT Integration
  - Purpose: To process data locally for faster decision-making.  
  - How it Works: Edge AI analyzes data directly on the devices, reducing reliance on cloud processing. IoT connectivity ensures data is transmitted securely and efficiently.  

3. LoraWAN Connectivity
  - Purpose: To enable cost-efficient, long-range communication.  
  - How it Works: LoraWAN ensures sensor data is transmitted over long distances with minimal power consumption, making it suitable for remote deployment.  

4. PAMS Dashboard
  - Purpose: To centralize and visualize data for actionable insights.  
  - How it Works: The dashboard aggregates data from all devices, providing tools for predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and decision support.  

5. Hyperlocal Climate Data
  - Purpose: To support precise, localized interventions.  
  - How it Works: Sensors generate accurate, auditable data that informs risk assessments, conservation planning, and disaster management.  

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
  - Purpose: To ensure effective implementation and adoption of the system.  
  - How it Works: Partnerships with local communities, researchers, and decision-makers foster collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term sustainability.

Enabling Factors


- Technological Infrastructure: Reliable sensors, robust AI, and IoT technologies enable seamless data collection and processing.  
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Engagement with local communities, governments, and research organizations ensures the system is tailored to specific needs.  
- Scalability: LoraWAN and modular design allow deployment in diverse ecosystems and scaling to larger projects.  
- Sustainability: The system’s low power requirements and stakeholder involvement ensure long-term functionality and impact.  

These enabling factors ensure the building blocks work cohesively to deliver a holistic, impactful solution for conservation and environmental management.

Conditions Important for Success  

1. Reliable Technological Infrastructure  
  - High-quality sensors, robust Edge AI, and IoT systems are essential for accurate and timely data collection and processing.  

2. Strong Connectivity
  - LoraWAN or similar long-range, low-power communication systems are critical to ensure seamless data transmission in remote or challenging environments.  

3. Stakeholder Engagement  
  - Collaboration with local communities, governments, and researchers ensures the solution is contextually relevant, widely accepted, and effectively implemented.  

4. Scalability and Modularity
  - Designing systems that can scale and adapt to various ecosystems and environmental challenges is key to broader impact and replication.  

5. Sustainability Planning  
  - Developing low-power solutions, clear funding strategies, and community-driven maintenance plans ensures long-term functionality.  

6. Capacity Building
  - Training stakeholders, including local communities and enforcement agencies, to utilize and interpret the system’s data enhances the effectiveness of the solution.  

Lessons Learned

1. Adaptability is Critical
  - Each deployment requires customization to address local ecological, social, and economic conditions effectively.  

2. Community Involvement Drives Success
  - Engaging local stakeholders early fosters ownership, increases trust, and enhances adoption.  

3. Robust Data Systems Improve Decision-Making
  - Providing accurate, auditable, and traceable data builds credibility with decision-makers and supports informed interventions.  

4. Connectivity Challenges Must Be Addressed
  - Remote deployments need reliable communication systems like LoraWAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow.  

5. Integration of Multi-Sensor Inputs Enhances Impact
  - Combining bio-acoustic and chemical sensors with climate data creates a comprehensive understanding of ecological challenges, enabling holistic solutions.  

6. Continuous Feedback Loops Improve Performance  
  - Iterative updates based on field experience and stakeholder feedback optimize system performance and impact.  

By meeting these conditions and applying lessons learned, NoArk’s solution ensures effective implementation and significant positive outcomes for conservation and environmental management.