An immersive experience of “being a researcher for a week”.

Scientific tourism constitutes the primary activity of the initiative. Over several days, visitors from various regions of the country and the world engage in scientific research  focused on data collection for whale shark conservation. A variety of activities are designed to encourage dialogue, reflection, and learning about the experiences of the day,  aiming to raise awareness and inspire attendees to share knowledge within their communities.

A crucial factor in the success of the initiative is the alliance with the local tourism agency, Bahía Solano Me Llama, in terms of logistical organization, activity planning, visitor registration, and other associated activities.

In addition, establishing connections with the local community, particularly those engaged in artisanal fishing, has enabled the expansion of the initiative's scope and the dissemination of sustainable fishing practices, responsible consumption, and responsible tourism.

Adopting a simplified scientific perspective is advantageous for effectively communicating with non-scientific audiences, making academic language more accessible. This approach enables knowledge exchange and promotes understanding of the project as an opportunity for conservation. It is also essential to transform the dissemination of knowledge into an enjoyable, simple, and engaging activity.

Talks include didactic material and use photographs and videos to enhance participation and immersion . These sessions are structured to foster questions, exchange and dialogue, thereby eliminating the conventional instructor-student dynamic. Following the sightings and research sessions, participants share their field observations to enhance collective knowledge. It is important to acknowledge the involvement of fishermen and local community members in the educational process. They act as educators and disseminators of traditional knowledge, particularly regarding best practices and responsible fishing. Consequently, they assume the role of "conservationist leaders".

Value added services

The integration of value-added services with solar-powered cold storages strengthens the overall service model, enhances farmer incomes and improves their ability to pay the user fee. Two value-added services were introduced in this pilot: solar-powered sorting and grading operations and the app "Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant" (YVCCA).

Sorting and grading operations, which are conventionally performed at packhouses, have been brought to the farmgate and solarised to avoid diesel consumption. This setup enables farmers to access reliable information about the quality of their produce during price negotiations with buyers.

Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant (YVCCA) is a mobile and web-based application that supports improved cold storage use, farmer decision-making and planning for scaling. It integrates three core functions. First, it enables farm produce management and predicts the quality and shelf life of apples based on a quality assessment at harvest and data on temperature and humidity in the cold storage units. Second, it identifies underserved areas without access to cold storages but high potential for implementation, by analyzing production data, satellite imagery and socio-economic indicators. This supports planning and targeted expansion of infrastructure. Third, it offers data-informed market linkage advice by combining data on weather, market volume and location, fresh-produce yields, real-time market prices and shelf-life estimates to recommend optimal sale timing and locations. Together, these functions improve both farmer income and the operational efficiency of cold storage services.

  • Availability of spatial and socio-economic data, including production levels, satellite imagery and infrastructure access, provides a foundation for identifying underserved areas and supporting targeted planning of cold storage and related services
  • Collaboration with international research institutions contributes to the continued development and refinement of digital decision-support tools such as quality and shelf-life modelling
Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant (YVCCA) App

Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant (YVCCA) is an app that supports improved cold storage use, farmer decision-making, and planning for scaling. It integrates three functions. First, it enables farm produce management and predicts the quality and shelf life of apples based on a quality assessment at harvest and real-time data on temperature and humidity in the cold storage units. Second, it identifies underserved areas without access to cold storages but with large potential for adoption, by analysing production data, satellite imagery, and socio-economic indicators through. This supports planning and targeted expansion of infrastructure. Third, it offers data-informed market linkage advice by combining data on weather, market volume and
location, satellite images, fresh-produce yields, hygrothermal cold-storage sensors,
forecasted remaining shelf life of produce, and real-time market prices. Together, these functions improve both farmer income and the operational efficiency of cold storage services.

Cooling as a Service - Business Model

The Cooling as a Service (CaaS) model enables smallholder farmers and cooperatives to access solar-powered cold storage infrastructure without the burden of high initial investments and ownership. A technology provider (CoolCrop) installs, operates and maintains the cold storage units at or near the farmgate, and farmers or cooperatives pay a service fee to use the facility. This fee can be based on the quantity of produce stored, such as by weight or crate, or defined as a flat rate and is based on the total costs of installing, operating, maintaining, and financing the equipment. The viability of the intervention depends on selecting an appropriate pricing strategy and the financial structure of the initial investment. Service providers earn revenue through storage and transportation fees, as well as through value-added services such as sorting and grading, and potentially through net metering of surplus solar energy. Farmers and cooperatives benefit from the reduction of post-harvest losses, preservation of quality and shelf life and the possibility to delay sales beyond market gluts, leading to improved income.

  • Availability of a technology provider with the technical expertise to install, operate and maintain solar-powered cold storage units in remote and high-altitude areas
  • A well-designed user fee model that balances affordability for farmers with financial viability for the service provider
  • Reliable demand for cold storage services within a defined region, supported by seasonal apple production and sufficient marketable surplus
  • Basic enabling infrastructure, including road connectivity or grid access for net metering
  • Interest and coordination capacity of farmer groups or cooperatives to support shared use and communication with the service provider
  • Access to finance or support schemes that help reduce the investment burden and support early-stage viability

In Himachal Pradesh, poor accessibility and weak road infrastructure expose storage providers to high operational costs. The management and maintenance of cold storage units remains the greatest hurdle to achieving economic sustainability. To address these challenges, the model includes a long-term strategy of distributing cold storage units in a geographically clustered manner. However, this becomes economically viable only after the model is scaled up and widely disseminated, requiring substantial upfront capital or external subsidies in the early phase. The choice of pricing structure is also critical; it must cover operational costs while remaining affordable to farmers. Integrating value-added services such as sorting and grading increases farmers' ability to pay and improves model sustainability. Cold storage alone is not sufficient - bundling services like transport and market access is essential. Finally, clear contractual agreements with users are important to ensure accountability and service uptake.

Livelihood Improved

Randilen Wildlife Management Area (WMA) generates tourism income that directly supports community development, fostering sustainable growth and improving local livelihoods. Revenue from tourism activities, such as park entry fees, guided tours, and eco-lodges, is reinvested in key sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Additionally, these funds empower local communities by creating jobs, enhancing conservation efforts, and supporting small businesses. The income also contributes to cultural preservation and environmental sustainability, ensuring long-term economic stability while promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit both people and wildlife.

Protection of wildlife and the environment

Trust Building

Trust-building is essential for an effective feedback mechanism, ensuring stakeholders feel safe raising concerns. Without trust, people may hesitate to report issues due to fear of retaliation or inaction, undermining the system’s purpose.

As stakeholders see their concerns addressed, trust deepens, leading to greater participation and stronger relationships between communities and conservation partners. Over time, this trust improves conflict resolution and increases local support for conservation efforts.

Accessibility and confidentiality are key. Secure lock boxes in each zone allow safe, confidential submissions, encouraging participation. Impartiality is also crucial. The multi-organization response team, which includes representation from Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Chitimbwa Iyendwe Conservation Project, and Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife FZS, reassures stakeholders that feedback and grievances will be handled fairly.

Consistent communication and follow-ups further strengthen trust. Keeping complainants informed about progress and resolutions demonstrates commitment. Transparency, including sharing general grievance outcomes in meetings, reinforces confidence.

Building trust in the feedback mechanism requires consistent engagement, transparency, and responsiveness. Early on, accessibility proved critical - placing lock boxes in multiple zones ensured community members could submit concerns easily and confidentially. However, initial lack of awareness limited participation, highlighting the need for repeated sensitization meetings to explain the process and reassure people of confidentiality.

Impartiality was another key lesson. By involving multiple organizations (FZS, DNPW and CICP) in the review team, the mechanism gained credibility, reducing fears of bias. Timely responses were also essential; delays in addressing grievances risked eroding confidence, emphasizing the importance of clear timelines and interim updates.

Additionally, managing expectations was necessary. Not all concerns could be resolved immediately, and some fell outside of the NTCP’s mandate. The set up of the mechanism stipulated that such issues were to be passed onto relevant bodies such as the Zambia police (no serious grievances requiring this action have been received to date). Communicating what the mechanism could and couldn’t address helped maintain trust. Ultimately, transparency, follow-through, and ongoing dialogue proved vital in ensuring the community viewed the process as fair and reliable.

Building block 1 – Title * [255] Transparency with communities

The feedback mechanism increases transparency by providing a structured, accessible, and confidential way for community members to voice concerns or share feedback. With lock boxes placed in four zones, individuals can submit feedback without needing to travel or fear retaliation. A multi-organization response team ensures impartial review, demonstrating accountability and reducing perceptions of bias. Regular feedback reviews and community meetings provide updates on how concerns are addressed, reinforcing trust in the process and strengthening community confidence in conservation efforts.

Transparency in the feedback mechanism is ensured through accessibility, impartiality, and accountability. Lock boxes in four zones allow confidential submissions, ensuring community voices are heard. A multi-organization response team ensures fair reviews, while regular meetings provide updates on actions taken. The project’s constitution guides decision-making, which is implemented by elected representatives at both the CICP and zonal levels, fostering trust and community ownership.

Ensuring transparency in the feedback mechanism has provided key lessons that strengthen trust and accountability. 

Accessibility played a crucial role, as lock boxes in four zones allowed community members to submit grievances confidentially, increasing participation. 

Impartiality in reviewing the feedback was also important. Having a response team composed of multiple organizations reduces bias and reassured the community that concerns would be handled fairly. 

Regular communication proved essential, with meetings providing updates on any grievances and actions taken, reinforcing trust. 

A clear governance structure of the CICP and zonal committees, ensured consistency in handling feedback. Additionally, involving elected Zonal Committee representatives in oversight strengthened local ownership and legitimacy.

Drones in Conservation: Enhancing Monitoring and Resource Management

A key achievement of the project is the establishment of a new technological unit within the Ministry of Agriculture, which will leverage drone technology for more efficient monitoring of agricultural practices and their impact on biodiversity. This unit will also support environmental agencies and organizations in enhancing biodiversity management.

To operationalize this initiative, the project, in collaboration with Eco Fund, has secured the procurement of two drones and comprehensive training for the first-ever drone operator unit within the Ministry. Additionally, the project has established cooperation between this unit and Public enterprise for management of national parks (PENP) and managers of nature parks Komovi and Orjen, ensuring that relevant stakeholders gain access to critical monitoring data and analysis.

  • Strategic Intersectoral Collaboration: Coordinated efforts between ministries (ecology, agriculture, and forestry) and Eco Fund ensured a unified approach to biodiversity protection and natural resource management
  • Technology Integration: The procurement of drones, computers, and licenses introduced advanced tools for quality control, field monitoring, and transparent operations
  • International Support: The alignment with GEF 7 project objectives and funding provided essential resources and guidelines for implementing innovative solutions
  • Technology Enhances Efficiency: The use of drones and digital systems improves territorial coverage, reduces operational costs, and increases precision in monitoring biodiversity
  • Collaborative Frameworks Drive Success: Strong partnerships and interministerial coordination create synergies essential for tackling complex environmental challenges
  • Capacity Building is Key: Investment in modern equipment must be paired with training and institutional capacity to ensure effective utilization and sustainability
Pheromone Traps: A Smart Approach to Controlling Bark Beetle Infestations

Through the project’s efforts to assess the impacts of climate change on Montenegro’s biodiversity, it has become evident that bark beetles (Scolytinae) pose a significant threat to forest health across the country. These insects, which belong to the Curculionidae family, burrow into tree bark to feed and reproduce, causing severe damage that lead to large-scale tree mortality in Montenegro’s forests.

To combat this challenge, the project has procured 85 pheromone traps, which were strategically placed in National Park Prokletije and National Park Durmitor during May 2024. These traps function by attracting and capturing adult beetles, thereby reducing their population and mitigating the risk of further infestations. Initial results indicate capturing of 12.746.015 bark beetles during a three-month period showcasing the effectiveness of this targeted intervention.

  • Use of Advanced Monitoring Tools: Deployment of pheromone traps ensures accurate and targeted monitoring of bark beetle populations
  • Strategic Placement: Identification and targeting of high-risk areas, such as Babino Polje and Treskavac, to maximize the effectiveness of the traps
  • Organizational Capacity: The expertise and commitment of the National Parks of Montenegro team facilitate efficient monitoring and response
  • Data Collection Infrastructure: Regular maintenance and systematic data recording support informed decision-making for forest management
  • Timely Intervention is Critical: Early detection and control of bark beetles prevent significant damage to forest ecosystems
  • Continuous Monitoring is Essential: Regularly emptying and analyzing traps ensures up-to-date insights into insect populations.
  • Localized Approaches Yield Results: Focusing efforts on the most vulnerable areas provides a high return on conservation investments
  • Preventive Measures Reduce Long-Term Risks: Proactively reducing bark beetle populations mitigates their reproductive potential and limits the spread of infestation
Digital Tree Tags: Revolutionizing Forest Monitoring and Data Collection

Recognizing urgent issues within Montenegro’s national parks—such as deforestation caused by pests, lack of reliable forestry data, and illegal logging—the project has implemented cutting-edge technology to improve forest management. In National Park Prokletije, a pilot initiative has introduced a tree tagging system that enables individual tree identification and monitoring. Each tree tag stores key information, including tree species, age, health status, and geolocation.

Through this initiative, the project has procured OKO Business connected product cloud technology, 20,000 tree tags, and associated readers while providing specialized training for employees in the PENP and National Park Prokletije. The tagging process, conducted in collaboration with PENP and NP Prokletije, has resulted in the identification and tagging of 20.000 trees over a period of three months, leading to the creation of a digital forest inventory database. This database will be accessible to PENP and NP Prokletije and will play a role in future forest conservation and management efforts especially in the context of monitoring the status of the forest in NP Prokletije.

  • Advanced Technology Integration: The use of digital tagging tools and systems enabled precise tree monitoring and data collection
  • Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships among environmental organizations, National Park authorities, and technological experts ensured the project's success
  • Government and Stakeholder Support: Institutional backing and funding facilitated the implementation of this innovative approach
  • Focus on Sustainability: A clear alignment with global and regional environmental sustainability goals motivated the initiative
  • Scalability Requires Infrastructure: The success of digital tagging highlights the need for robust digital infrastructure to expand similar initiatives
  • Community Engagement is Crucial: Involving local communities can foster ownership, support, and long-term sustainability of conservation projects
  • Data Utilization is Key: Collecting data is not enough; it must be analyzed and acted upon to improve forest management practices
  • Adaptability to Local Conditions: Customizing technology and methods to suit the specific environmental and logistical challenges of the area enhances project efficiency