The results of our demonstrative models provide us with recommendations to improve national public policy and strengthen public agencies. The components of this program are:

1. Identification of problems and potential solutions. We conduct participatory research that engages both experts and local knowledge.

2. Evaluation of working arena. We develop a stakeholder map and an assessment to have the political context and identify key allies, including our community partners.

3. Work plan design. We design a plan (strategies and actions) aligned with national goals and international agreements, using the most best information available.

4. Work plan implementation. We implement and evaluate our activities and strategies to ensure our impact is strengthening public policy and agencies.

Currently, we have five strategies: capacity building for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; the creation of the National Prize for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; the strengthening public participation in fisheries management and research; and the alignment of local actions to international agreements and instruments (Aichi Goals, SDG14, and FAO SSF Guidelines).

Wudalianchi Geological Park covers an area of 1,060 square kilometres, in the area it has a town, two farms, a township, a forest farm, three military farms, and some villages, with a total population of 56,730. The good management of the geological park depends not only on the supervision of the government, the implementation of the management committee, the cooperation of the local residents, but also relies on external support. Thus, Wudalianchi Geological Park reached out to various domestic and international research institutes, colleges and universities, and other stakeholders to carry out research projects, cooperation, and promotional activities, the goals are to 1) improve geological park’s research and implementation capacities; 2) learn and exchange management/development/research experiences; 3) leverage external capacity to achieve more for the best protection of the geological park while taking into account the sustainable development of the local communities.

Once protected areas and Business Mentors are matched, they are brought together on a 10-day Residential Training Programme, set within an inspiring and relevant protected area setting. This aims to: build relationships between Business Mentors and protected area managers that allow for effective ongoing mentoring and collaboration; develop business and leadership skills that enable protected area managers to perform better in their roles and manage the protected area more effectively; build a clear action plan for enhancing management effectiveness; provide an opportunity for networking between African protected areas; and build a shared understanding of the importance of effective protected areas, and the possible impact of business decisions. Following the residential training, protected areas and their mentors work together in a mentor-mentee relationship for at least 12 months. Mentoring from this point is usually conducted remotely, although mentors sometimes visit their site to support the roll-out of business planning activities.

Applying the principles of fair trade and inclusive business, we create efficient community-based supply chains for raw materials (plastics and seaweed carrageenan) that are available in abundance. We link these raw materials to conservation actions that reduce plastic pollution and restore coastal ecosystems. Increasing incomes from these raw materials reduces dependence on fishing – enabling communities to set aside larger no-take zones to replenish fish stocks.

The implementation of the Waterevolution model not only increases resources and energy efficiency within industries but also translates into significant cost savings and consequently increases competitiveness. We pioneered an operational framework to apply and improve environmental standards and transparency in supply chains that affect the oceans and facilitated investment in marine conservation. A key component of the application of this model is that marine industry cluster partners embrace stewardship of the marine environment by reinvesting a percentage of savings into meaningful marine conservation programs proven for their efficiency.Thanks to the pilot project, the following projects were financially supported: - Funded the Tethys Research Institute to update research on the Pelagos Sanctuary, largest marine protected area in the Mediterranean Sea, covering about 90.000 km2 - Funded an entire year of research and strategic planning of the IUCN WCPA-Marine Marine Mammal Task Force’s work on Important Marine Mammals Areas (IMMAs) - On-the-ground marine conservation and awareness activities and communication campaigns for ocean sustainability and conservation including various conferences held in Milan for the Universal EXPO

Collaborative data and information gathering was used to: identify and acquire secondary information; document local knowledge of resources and space-use; develop an appropriate habitat classification scheme; conduct marine habitat mapping field surveys; validate information produced; and ascertain the technological capacity and information preferences of stakeholders. Furthermore, participatory research demonstrates the relevance of information provided by stakeholders, strengthens capacity and provides ownership of the information produced.