Phase 2: Training sessions were conducted for local farmers on hydroponic techniques and livestock management, emphasizing sustainable practices and resource efficiency. 

To bring this vision to life, a reputable Spanish supplier, known for its advanced hydroponic systems, was selected through a competitive tender process. This company, with decades of experience in developing hydroponic technologies, provided a full-service package, including business consultancy, system manufacturing, delivery, installation, and setup. Recently, the company’s expert visited Tajikistan to oversee the installation of the hydroponic system and provide hands-on training to local farmers. These sessions addressed common challenges in hydroponic farming, such as managing root rot and bacterial diseases, ensuring that farmers could effectively manage their new systems from the start.

Phase 1: The project commenced with a comprehensive planning phase involving requirement analysis, market research, and site preparation for the hydroponic systems. 

The concept of using hydroponics for fodder production was born out of the urgent need for sustainable and efficient farming practices to combat ongoing challenges such as changing weather patterns and limited agricultural infrastructure in Tajikistan. Traditional farming methods have struggled to meet the growing demand for fodder, especially as these environmental and structural constraints intensify. Extensive research into innovative agricultural methods led to the discovery of hydroponics—a solution that offers enhanced productivity while minimizing the use of vital resources like water and land.

Saint Martin Island has been selected by the Bangladeshi Department of Forest and  Department of Environment to go through the IUCN Green List process. A Bangladeshi expert in Marine Protected Area conducted the Green List self-assessment exercise with key stakeholders, and wrote the report, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the young marine conserved area. Coral reef protection and turtle conservation are both key management objectives in Saint Martin Island management plan. 

The site visit to Tioman was instrumental in bringing and reinforcing technical knowledge on both topics, to eventually improve conservation outcomes. The Green List engagement provides a strategic framework, encompassing these specific activities and ensuring they are sustained in the future, because they serve a higher ambition: inscribe Saint-Martin Island Marine Protected Area on the IUCN Green List. 

The expert also developed the site action plan, to guide improvement towards the Green List Standard. Turtle conservation and coral reef monitoring are included, which will help secure that the knowledge gained through the site visit in Tioman will be kept and put into practice.

When selecting the delegation from Saint-Martin Island to Tioman Island, we made sure to have representatives from local government and community. Local government representatives build ownership of the project activity and are then keen to support and guide the work in their area of jurisdiction. It also helps to formalize the adoption of new protocols. 

Regarding coral reef conservation, a local champion from Saint Martin Island community was trained in the reef check methodology. He successfully completed the certification in only 2 days, because he was already an excellent diver, - he is an underwater photographer -, and already knows coral and fish species identification. This training was for him a way to validate his existing competences, and gain access to a clear methodology that makes knowledge transfer to others easier.

Turtle hatchery management was not entirely new for local community members and authorities. Previous projects on Saint Martin Island had supported successful turtle conservation activities funded by UNDP. The Department of Environment also implements turtle hatchery initiatives during the breeding season. 

In Tioman, Juara Turtle Project, the host organization who trained the Bangladeshi delegation, formed by government officials and a local community champion, shared their turtle hatchery protocol. This protocol was discussed with Saint-Martin Island turtle conservation group members and adopted to upgrade their practices. 

The learnings from the site visit were easily transferrable, even if the learning exchange only lasted for a week, because Saint Martin Island’s stakeholders had already a good knowledge and practice of turtle hatchery. It was only a matter of adding some structure and process to their current practice. Even though, compared to Tioman, there are species-level differences; in Bangladesh, the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is predominant, whereas in Tioman, the Green (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles are more common. And there is a difference in the average temperature range. 

Besides, they also learned how to protect turtle eggs from predation, especially by feral dogs, the biggest threat for turtle conservation on the island. This latter aspect came as a bonus, as it was not expected to be part of the learnings.

In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, and Kenyatta University, a research study was initiated to quantify the impact of ICS on pollution reduction, health outcomes, and deforestation. The study aims to assess social implications related to health and savings, evaluate the contribution of efficient stoves to mangrove conservation, analyse the role of fuelwood in carbon emissions at both county and national levels, and provide actionable recommendations for short- and mid-term strategies at national and local levels.

Following the successful pilot in Matondoni village, there has been high demand and acceptance of the ICS, with neighboring villages and organisations seeking support. As part of the upscaling effort, 41 cookstoves were built in Pate village including Pate Primary School and involved an additional 13 trainees. 

Further, the County Government of Lamu partnered with Wetlands International to install 10 cookstoves in five wards on a pilot basis. This initiative aligns with the County's Integrated Development Plan 2023-2027, which highlights the significance of cookstoves in enhancing energy efficiency. A total of 3,010 people continue to benefit from these cookstoves in Lamu.