Through our experience establishing external partnerships, we've learned that consistent communication is key to long-term success, especially given the shifting priorities, staffing changes, and set capacity of partner organizations. We've found that flexibility and openness to compromise are essential when aligning content to meet the goals of both organizations. We've also become more adept at navigating contracts and formal agreements, adjusting timelines as needed.

A key lesson learned from the remote externship program is the importance of flexibility and feedback from both participants and program leads. While virtual spaces offer global reach, they also come with challenges such as technology issues and inconsistent internet access, especially those from less developed regions. By meeting externs where they are, whether they need more support or are confident in their project approach, the program remains inclusive and responsive. Continuous feedback has been vital in refining the program and ensuring that it remains relevant and accessible for all participants, fostering its growth over time.

One of the most valuable lessons learned in implementing the externship program has been the critical role of strong collaboration and consistent communication among partners. From the beginning, program leads from The Nature Conservancy and the National Geographic Society worked closely to align goals, share insights, and co-develop a strategy for program implementation and growth. This collaborative foundation has not only strengthened the program’s structure, but also opened doors to expand opportunities and adapt to evolving needs. The program’s growth from zero to 1,300 alumni has presented both challenges and milestones, highlighting the importance of program design and collaborative partnership models. As the program has evolved, both partners continue to refine and enhance the experience, demonstrating how shared commitment and strategic alignment can drive long-term success.

Through our video production process, we've learned that successful projects require early planning and collaboration with both production and subject matter experts. By involving the right teams from the start, we ensure smoother development and a stronger final product. Flexibility is key, as content and scripts can evolve over time. Additionally, nature-focused videos benefit from careful consideration of outdoor conditions, including weather and seasonal timing.

We also learned the importance of selecting the right video-sharing platform. While YouTube is widely used, it may be blocked in schools, so alternative platforms like Vimeo or hosting videos directly on a landing page offer better accessibility for educators.

When creating digital teaching resources, we recognized the need for ongoing maintenance. PDFs are convenient but can present challenges when updates are necessary, as changes require reloading the resource. Regular checks for broken links and ensuring easy access for teachers are essential for keeping resources up to date.

Through our experience establishing external partnerships, we've learned that consistent communication is key to long-term success, especially given the shifting priorities, staffing changes, and set capacity of partner organizations. We've found that flexibility and openness to compromise are essential when aligning content to meet the goals of both organizations. We've also become more adept at navigating contracts and formal agreements, adjusting timelines as needed. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) to create advanced conservation strategies. AI can analyse vast datasets on ecological patterns, climate change impacts, and biodiversity trends, while TKS provides invaluable localized, nuanced understanding of ecosystems and sustainable resource management. This synergy can lead to more precise conservation interventions and predictive models.

Areas of Focus: Continue to lead international webinars and symposiums on critical environmental topics such as "Rights of Nature in the Anthropocene" and "Science and Environmental Law Interface." Dedication to advocating for environmental causes at international conferences and universities, fostering regional and global collaboration, is paramount.

In conclusion, by strategically intertwining environmental law and policy with the profound wisdom embedded in cultural practices and Traditional Knowledge Systems, and by judiciously integrating advanced technologies like drones for reforestation and AI for enhanced analysis, a more sustainable and equitable path to biodiversity conservation can be forged. This framework, passionately designed offers a powerful means to engage communities, influence policy, and ultimately secure a healthy planet for all future generations.

For Example:

• Nature Worship: It is observed that nature worship is a fundamental part of human society, with divinity ascribed to various natural elements. This community-based practice is increasingly vital for effective nature and natural resource conservation.
• Symbolism of Deities and Vahanas: The portrayal of Hindu deities with animal or bird "vahanas" (vehicles)—such as Ganesha with his rat (Mooshika), Shiva with the bull (Nandi), Durga with the lion or tiger, and Vishnu with Garuda—instills deep respect and protection for these animals. This cultural veneration fosters a natural inclination towards animal welfare and conservation.
• Festival Connections: Many Hindu festivals incorporate elements that inherently promote environmental consciousness, ranging from the ceremonial use of specific plants to rituals honouring natural elements. Highlighting these connections strengthens the cultural impetus for conservation.

For Example:

• Sacred Plants: The immense cultural and religious significance of plants worshipped since the Vedic era is highlighted. The "Panchvati" – the combination of Banyan, Peepal, Fig, Bilva, and Amla trees – described in "The Ramayana," symbolizes health, medicinal value, and enhanced cognitive well-being. Other sacred trees such as Ashoka, Bael, Bamboo, Banana, Bhang, Coconut, Lotus, Mango, Neem, Red Sandalwood, and Tulsi are associated with deities and hold significant medicinal value, showcasing their multifaceted importance.
• Deity Associations: It is emphasized how specific native plants are linked to various Hindu gods, goddesses, and planets, such as Tulsi with Vishnu and Krishna, Bilva with Shiva, and Lotus with Lakshmi and Saraswati. By promoting the planting and nurturing of these species through the lens of spiritual devotion, significant contributions to biodiversity can be made, complemented by technological solutions for wider reach.

Prophet/Holy Men Associations: Trees like the Banyan, Sala, Peepal, and Ber, which are revered due to their association with prophets and holy figures across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, are highlighted. Work in this area includes supporting the establishment and protection of groves featuring these trees, reinforcing both cultural heritage and biodiversity

By strategically intertwining environmental law and policy with the profound wisdom embedded in cultural practices and Traditional Knowledge Systems,a more sustainable and equitable path to biodiversity conservation can be forged.

Lessons learned: 

• Authenticity is key to influence
  One of the most important lessons is that athlete ambassadors must be genuinely passionate about and involved with environmental issues. Authenticity drives credibility. When athletes speak and act from personal conviction, as have Christine Cavallo and Martin Helseth their impact is significantly greater.  
• Support and structure to succeed 
  Active athletes have busy schedules, often centered around training and competition, without proper logistical support and good communication even highly motivated ambassadors may struggle to sustain momentum. Providing clear guidance, toolkits, media support will help them translate their ideas into action. 
• Visibility and storytelling amplify impact
  Sharing the journeys and projects led by athlete ambassadors through videos, interviews, and social media is critical. These stories humanise environmental action and make initiatives relatable. For example, showcasing Martin Helseth’s leadership in cleaning up the Oslo Fjord not only inspired local rowing communities but also generated national media interest and highlighted practical, replicable environmental actions that the global rowing community can take. 

• Structured programming ensures strategic growth & equal opportunities

  Transitioning from ad hoc ambassador appointments to a structured global Athlete Ambassador Programme with representation from each continent is a necessary step. It ensures balanced representation and allows for better integration into the broader Healthy Waters Alliance strategy. 

• Athlete-led initiatives benefit from local partnerships. 
  Successful campaigns, like the Oslo Fjord Clean-up & Restoration initiative, have demonstrated that athlete leadership is most effective when paired with local NGOs, clubs, and institutions. These partnerships provide operational capacity, local knowledge, and continuity. 

Challenges:

• Time constraints and competing priorities for active athletes, especially around major competitions. 
• Geographic imbalance, with early initiatives being concentrated in a few countries, highlighting the need for broader athlete ambassador recruitment and representation. 

Recommendations:

• Provide a clear ambassador onboarding process, including expectations, support available, and example ideas and activities. 
• Offer flexible engagement formats (e.g., single-event involvement, or year-long ambassador roles) to accommodate diverse schedules.