A group of 13 people looking into the camera . They appear to be inside, the walls are made out of wood. They are all wearing warm clothes, it must be cold outside.
bottom-up approach
Diverse ways to participate
Long term commitment
Open communication
Collaboration of local knowledge and science
A group of 13 people looking into the camera . They appear to be inside, the walls are made out of wood. They are all wearing warm clothes, it must be cold outside.
bottom-up approach
Diverse ways to participate
Long term commitment
Open communication
Collaboration of local knowledge and science
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 the Public Enterprise for the Management of National Parks (PENP), as well as managers of the 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 leads 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 in 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 the capturing of 12,746.015 bark beetles during three months, 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 the National Park Prokletije, a pilot initiative has introduced a tree tagging system that enables the identification and monitoring of individual trees. Each tree tag stores key information, including the 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, resulted in the identification and tagging of 20,000 trees over 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 crucial role in future forest conservation and management efforts, particularly in 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 precise alignment with global and regional environmental sustainability goals motivated the initiative.
  • Scalability Requires Infrastructure: The success of digital tagging underscores the need for robust digital infrastructure to support the expansion of 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 and effectiveness.
Biodiversity Montenegro
Digital Tree Tags: Revolutionizing Forest Monitoring and Data Collection
Pheromone Traps: A Smart Approach to Controlling Bark Beetle Infestations
Drones in Conservation: Enhancing Monitoring and Resource Management
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE COMMUNAL COMMISSIONS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (CCDD)

In the framework of an inclusive environmental management, Togo established Communal Commissions for Sustainable Development (CCDD) which comprise decentralized consultation platforms to improve the participation of communities in environmental discussions. These commissions also deal with issues related to FLR. F4F-Togo supported the creation of CCDDs in three communes of the prefecture of Tchamba in order to improve the operational capacity to carry out FLR measures. A CCDD is a multisectoral platform composed of the mayor, canton chiefs, presidents of village committees, heads of decentralized services, women's groups and NGOs. It acts as a management committee for environmental aspects, in general, and for  FLR, in particular. Members of these commissions are resource persons for advisory support and capacity-building, enabling the commissions to assess environmental problems, propose solutions and mobilize resources.

  • Strong interest of local population
  • Commitment by local authorities
  • Financial and technical support by GIZ-Forests4Future

Impacts

  • Ensuring the legitimacy and adaptability of restoration options through the involvement of CCDDs
  • Implementation of legal provisions to ensure compliance with Togo's commitments to the Bonn Challenge and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Ensuring the inclusiveness of FLR measures to be proposed in the prefecture's municipal development plans
  • Support for sustainable management measures for community forests and restoration of agro-forestry landscapes through planting material produced by communal plant breeders
Establishment of the CNDD in Togo
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE COMMUNAL COMMISSIONS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (CCDD)
Conducting Demonstration Days and Hands-On Learning

FFS emphasizes hands-on training through demonstration days where participants practice sustainable techniques like soil conservation, agroforestry, and erosion control. These field-based sessions allow farmers to learn by doing, improving retention and adoption of new practices.

The success of demonstration days relies on providing accessible plots and necessary materials (such as seeds, tools, and equipment) that allow farmers to engage directly with FLR techniques. External support from partners helps ensure that FFS are equipped with resources to run effective, hands-on sessions. Additionally, experienced facilitators guide these practical sessions, ensuring that participants understand the application and benefits of each technique, from soil conservation to agroforestry. This approach increases confidence among participants and reinforces learning by allowing them to see and feel the results of their efforts in real-time

Hands-on learning is more impactful than theory alone. Demonstration days help farmers see immediate results, which increases confidence in applying the techniques on their own land.

Selecting and Training of Lead Farmers

Choosing lead farmers who act as champions for FFS is a critical step. Lead farmers are selected based on community recommendations and receive additional training to guide FFS sessions. They serve as role models, facilitate peer learning, and ensure that new techniques are correctly implemented. Lead farmers help maintain motivation and act as local points of contact for any issues that arise.

Selecting lead farmers from within the community is crucial, as these individuals are respected and trusted by their peers. Training for lead farmers is supported by technical expertise from project partners (e.g., FAO, IUCN), who provide knowledge on sustainable practices and techniques. These lead farmers act as both role models and facilitators, bridging the gap between formal training and community-level implementation. Their position as local champions allows them to encourage participation, maintain motivation, and ensure that sustainable practices are being correctly followed by FFS participants.

Empowering respected individuals as lead farmers boosts local credibility of FFS and ensures that skills and knowledge are effectively transferred.