It refers to the joint participation of the nature reserve or neighboring communities and the nature reserve in the management and protection of the natural resources of the nature reserve, so that the natural resources of the nature reserve can be rationally developed and utilized, the biodiversity of the nature reserve can be protected, and the living standard of the community residents can be promoted.
 

Problems to be solved: give full play to the initiative of community residents, so that community residents participate in the management of the reserve, solving the problem of insufficient management personnel; establish trust and a good relationship between the reserve management bureau and the village collectives, which is conducive to the long-term sustainable development of the reserve.
 

Solution: Establish the “Mulinzi Reserve Co-construction and Co-management Committee”, specifically responsible for the leadership, command, supervision and coordination of the construction and management of the Mulinzi Reserve. Through the participation of many parties and the initiative of the local community, it will coordinate the relationship between the protection and utilization of natural resources, and promote the effective protection of biodiversity in the Mulinzi Reserve and the sustainable development of the regional economy.

Compensation for ecological protection refers to the incentive system arrangement of compensating units and individuals who carry out ecological protection in accordance with regulations or agreements through mechanisms such as financial vertical compensation, inter-regional horizontal compensation and market mechanism compensation. Ecological protection and restoration refers to a method of comprehensively restoring damaged ecosystems through biological restoration, physical restoration, chemical restoration as well as engineering and technical measures under the guidance of ecological principles, aiming to improve the quality and stability of ecosystems.
 

Problems to be solved: It is necessary to seek financial project funding support at all levels to ensure that the project can be implemented on the ground; it is necessary to fully understand the wishes of community residents and consult the relevant village committees before determining the planting varieties and the number and area of the planting; good planting techniques and rich experience in field management are required.
 

Solution: Include the community ecological protection compensation and restoration project in the central financial forestry and grassland ecological protection and restoration funds project to ensure that the project funds are in place; organize sharpshooter classes to go to the households to understand the community people's willingness to develop; hire professional cooperatives experts to carry out training to guide farmers in planting and field management.

 

The intention is to ensure access and availability of water for farmers and for domestic use and irrigation purposes for pastoralists in the community. Farm-led irrigation will help farmers be able to carry out year round agricultural activity, which will contribute to increased food production as well as improving livelihoods.

The ACReSAL project collaborates with three key ministries: Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources. It operates across multiple institutional levels, including state, national, local, and community levels. This approach ensures that project implementers at all ministerial levels have their capacities strengthened, thereby sustaining the project's investments and efficient landscapes management.

The ACReSal portfolio aims to lift 3.4 million Nigerians out of poverty, recognising that land degradation is a key factor contributing to poverty. A crucial tool in achieving climate smart agricultural initiative while also promoting environmental sustainability. The lease of land by both the private and government sector will enable landless farmers to farm and improve their livelihoods.

Enhance community's capacity to manage the environment, recognizing that over 80% of environmental issues occur in rural areas. This underscores the importance of upskilling and empowering them to improve environmental management.

The integration of sustainable agriculture and landscape management practices in land restoration efforts is crucial in conserving soil and water, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. This approach also improves livelihoods, enhances ecosystem services, and builds resilience. To achieve this, we conducted thorough assessments, engaged local farmers and other stakeholders, developed context-specific plans, provided training, monitored progress, and foster policy support. This ensures a holistic and sustainable restoration of degraded lands, benefiting both people and the environment, including water resources. It's important for the community to collaborate, contribute, and learn effective environmental management approaches to ensure the project's long-term sustainability and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Some community members had heard of success stories from elsewhere but were pessimistic, considering the unpaying efforts they had already put into restoring the area. Sensitization meetings were conducted regarding the hydrological restoration approach to ensure that the community was adequately included. Through VAJIKI CFA, the community was informed of the upcoming hydrological activity. Through the village heads, 30 communities participated in the hydrological restoration and monitoring training. 

Regular communication with the local community throughout the hydrological restoration project ensured ongoing involvement and support. This engagement helped keep the community informed, addressed their concerns and fostered a sense of ownership over restoration efforts.

This project was initiated against the backdrop of an existing community forest association (VAJIKI) that had expressed interest in the conservation of mangroves. The community had already been engaging in planting mangroves, but in this specific area, attempts had yet to bear fruit. Although no meaningful salt production took place, salt pans had earlier on been excavated in the area, resulting in the clearing of about 10 ha of mangroves. The site had since remained bare due to the extremely high salinity levels that hindered the recovery of mangroves even upon abandonment of salt production. 

Guiding the restoration efforts based on research and ecological principles ensured that the hydrological interventions were scientifically sound and ecologically appropriate. This approach involved applying research findings to address specific challenges related to water flow, salinity, and mangrove health.