The creation of a comprehensive, open-access DNA reference library of native plant and animal species was foundational to our solution. Recognizing that global databases lacked coverage for many Eastern Mediterranean species, we built the first Lebanese library encompassing plants, mammals, and now expanding to insects, birds, and fungi. This reference database improves the accuracy of DNA sequence matching and enables precise identification of species present in environmental samples. It also fills a critical regional data gap and facilitates ecological studies, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning. By publishing the library openly, we promote transparency, collaboration, and the potential for adaptation in similar biodiversity hotspots.

DNA barcoding and metabarcoding are cutting-edge molecular techniques that allow precise identification of species from small biological samples such as animal scats. Barcoding targets a single species by sequencing a standard gene region, while metabarcoding amplifies multiple DNA markers simultaneously, enabling comprehensive analysis of complex mixtures. These methods provide detailed insights into animal diets, predator-prey relationships, and seed dispersal patterns without invasive sampling. In our solution, these techniques were adapted to the Lebanese ecological context, enabling high-throughput biodiversity assessment and revealing key interactions between fauna and flora. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional ecological surveys and opens new possibilities for monitoring biodiversity changes, especially in regions with scarce baseline data.

This building block focuses on cultivating place attachment—an emotional, cultural, and cognitive bond between youth and Komodo National Park. Through storytelling, field immersion, and reflective learning, students begin to see the park not just as a tourist destination, but as a vital part of their identity and future. The program employs experiential tools such as ranger-led nature walks, local legends, visual storytelling, and ecological mapping to foster deeper connections with the landscape and its inhabitants. These experiences help reposition the park from a backdrop of economic activity into a living, shared heritage. As students develop a sense of belonging and pride, their motivation to protect and advocate for the environment increases. This shift is crucial in transforming passive knowledge into active stewardship, inspiring long-term behavioral change and conservation leadership. Building place attachment ensures that youth understand both the ecological and emotional value of the park, anchoring their sense of responsibility in a place they call home.

A leading cause for people not adopting pro-environmental behaviours is low self-efficacy. That is, they do not believe they can employ the action themselves. Therefore, at the Station we simplified key conservation actions which UK and Jersey consumers can do to support wild Sumatran orangutans. One of these steps was to download the PalmOil Scan app, which enables consumers to identify companies actively sourcing sustainable palm oil. This then allows people to make informed decisions as to which products they buy, and as a result which companies they support. 

Throughout the development and delivery of the Station, mammal keepers at Jersey Zoo were consulted regularly to ensure the resources were both accurate and not disruptive to the animals (e.g. the sound button recordings). This collaboration also allowed the keepers, who were enthusiastic of the idea, to share details of their daily routines and anecdotes of the orangutans which could then be incorporated into the Station's storytelling element. The keepers also helped supply materials and biofacts to use at the Station, along with ideas on how to use them effectively. These elements, including some real orangutan teeth, significantly increased the attraction power and impact of the Station. Feedback from volunteers and those running the Station was also encouraged to ensure the resources met the needs of the educators, as well as the audience. 

The resources at the Station are organised into five themes: 'Sounds & Smells', 'How you can help', 'Could you be an orangutan?', 'What does an orangutan feel like?' and 'Orangutan Observations'. However, the flexibility of the resources means they can easily be mix-and-matched and tailored to both the audience's curiosity and the staff/volunteer's expertise. That is, no resource is dependent on any other. Furthermore, resources from each of the themes can easily be connected together. 

For example, the armspan ropes, handprint and sound buttons could be combined to talk about orangutans' arboreal lifestyle and how they have adapted to their habitat. This can then lead to a conversation about the destruction of their habitat and the need for sourcing sustainable palm oil. Alternatively, the handprint and grip strength dynamometer can be used to create a sense of awe and subsequently a memorable impression on the visitor. 

The different sensory-based elements of the Investigation Station offer alternative pathways for visitors to access conservation messages, away from traditional signage. Interactive methods, such as this, allows information to be conveyed in a memorable and, therefore, more impactful way. It also meant visitors with a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) were still able to engage with the station and learn something new. 

To promote the application of IoT technology on wetland management, this research project and experience learnt has been shared throughout the project by:  

• Organizing webinars for conservation managers and wetland stakeholders  
• Installing outdoor interpretation panels in MPNR  
• Promoting through social media platform and media engagement  
• Producing promotional video  
• Publishing technical report of the project  
• Organizing public and school tours to introduce the application of IoT technology in wetland management at MPNR 

Goal: To lay the foundation for integrating I&T solutions into traditional wetland management

Objectives: 

 - To introduce three proposed IoT applications to wetland stakeholders and I&T sectors 

 - To consult wetland stakeholders and I&T sectors for their views and comments 

 - To review potential IoT applications beneficial to the management of MPNR 

 - To identify and integrating relevant IoT solutions for gei wai operation and wetland research into MPNR  

1. Integrated Technical and Traditional Knowledge

Mussel production combines modern aquaculture techniques with the traditional knowledge of local fishermen. This integration facilitates the acceptance of the practice and its alignment with community routines. 

Enabling factors: proximity to the sea and familiarity with tidal cycles. Lessons learned: valuing local knowledge increases engagement and the effectiveness of adopted practices.

2. Cultivation System with Longlines

Mussel farming in Machangulu involves several meticulous steps that require specific materials and aquaculture techniques. Long ropes, 50 meters long on which sachets with mussel seeds are hung, are prepared and are held fixed by a concrete weight to serve as an anchor on the seabed, a procedure that keeps the longlines stretched and where the signaling buoys are placed. This system keeps the mollusks submerged even during low tides and requires ongoing maintenance.

The main materials include nets, ropes better known as longlines, buoys, mussel seeds, hand tools and sea transport. The longlines, cotton nets are sewn in the form of sachets, where the mussel seeds are placed, with initial dimensions between 1 and 1.5 inches (small mussels). This system ensures that the mussels remain submerged in water, even during the lowest tides, during cycle lasts eight months.