Team & Implement

After needs have been identified and the approach has been agreed upon, the site selection process begins. The APW team collaborates with the village government and grazing committee to conduct a participatory mapping exercise, using Google Earth Pro to visualize the village’s land use plan and identify grazing areas. Community members help identify key pasture areas by walking transects. Monitoring plots are then identified, typically recommending one plot per square kilometer of critical pasture.

A plot ID–utilizing a local name–is designated for each plot and baseline data is collected using a mobile data collection form. The data includes both ecological metrics (e.g., grass height, soil type) and social factors (e.g., cultural significance, accessibility). 

GIS technology is utilized to overlay selected plots onto the village’s land use plan using Google Earth Pro, ensuring the final sites reflect the ecological diversity and grazing importance of the rangelands.

APW recognizes that traditional practices are often more feasible, accepted, and relevant to community leadership than new approaches to rangeland management. The team spends significant time during the preparatory phases learning about indigenous methods of pasture management and biophysical interventions. For instance, many pastoralist communities traditionally implement zoning practices through rotational grazing or livestock species control. Since these practices are already a way of life for the pastoralists in these communities, they are accepted and implemented more successfully. 

By strengthening these practices with modern, user-friendly technology, APW maintains support from village leadership while introducing innovative methods for data collection, analysis, and feedback. This builds ownership and trust in the communities, leading to long-term success.

Collaborative Analysis and Application of Results

Our team analyzed the data with the combined expertise of our partners and in collaboration with a local NGO dedicated to reforestation efforts. This NGO is using our scientific findings to guide practical restoration actions, including the selection of plant species that attract and support local wildlife. This partnership ensures that our research is directly applied to enhance reforestation efforts, promoting self-sustaining and resilient forest ecosystems

Experimental courtyard renovation

In terms of overall architectural appearance, the courtyard enclosed layout is retained, with a focus on creating courtyard space. The building color is mainly green and gray, inheriting traditional charm. At the same time, simplify the complex decoration of traditional architecture and use modern and simple lines.
The main structure of the building continues the traditional wooden structure form and adopts mortise and tenon technology to ensure the integrity of the structure. Using rough stones and strip stones as the foundation, effective moisture-proof and anti-corrosion measures are achieved to ensure the durability and applicability of the building. In terms of materials, in addition to traditional wood and bricks, new materials such as metal and glass are also combined to enhance living comfort and quality. Color matching adds flexibility to traditional colors, creating a warm and fashionable atmosphere. The internal space layout is more in line with modern living needs, with open living rooms, dining rooms, etc., combining traditional artistic conception with modern functions.

Establishing Repair and Testing Facility for Long-Term Sustainability

To support the long-term sustainability of green energy solutions, a dedicated repair and testing facility was established to serve as a local resource for maintaining and enhancing green energy equipment. The repair and testing facility  provide repair services, regular testing, and technical assessments for solar pumps, storage units, and other renewable systems, ensuring optimal functionality and durability. In addition, the center offers training programs for local technicians, creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting green energy equipment across rural areas. This initiative not only guarantees that farming businesses have reliable access to well-maintained energy systems but also promotes local job creation, fosters self-reliance, and strengthens the resilience of the agricultural sector’s green transition.

Provision of technical training session to farmers for the maintainance of the solar infrastructure

To enable farming businesses to significantly reduce energy costs and minimize irrigation and storage losses, this initiative focuseson deploying solar-powered irrigation systems and storage solutions tailored to the needs of rural farmers. Through these renewable energy systems, farmers can achieve up to 70% reduction in energy expenses by shifting from diesel and the public grid to solar power. This transition also decreases irrigation and storage losses by up to 40%, improving water and resource management. Technical training sessions will be provided to farmers, equipping them with the knowledge to maintain and optimize these systems, ensuring reliable and sustained energy savings and operational efficiency for a more resilient agricultural sector.

Financial Viability

The financial viability of solar solutions with reduced operational costs made them highly attractive to farmers. The installation of solar panels and pumps in Tajikistan currently has a payback period of approximately 8 to 10 years, given the existing energy tariffs. However, through the project, which covers about half of the farmers' expenses, this payback period could be reduced by half for those with access to the power grid. On the other hand, farmers without grid access often do not engage in gardening or agriculture. Some farmers are using diesel generators, which significantly increases their costs and contributes to atmospheric pollution. In such cases, the installation of solar solutions could serve as an effective alternative.

Monitoring and evaluation for evidence-based practice and sustainability

This building block emphasises community participation in monitoring, utilising citizen science and accessible data platforms to ensure local knowledge informs adaptive management and contributes to the long-term success of mangrove restoration.

Effective monitoring and evaluation is necessary for adaptive management and long-term success in mangrove restoration. In implementing CBEMR, Wetlands International developed a restoration plan with clearly defined goals and objectives aligned with measurable and relevant indicators.

To ensure accurate and consistent data collection, a variety of methods were employed, including surveys, field observations, remote sensing, and the use of the Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool. This tool, integrated with the Global Mangrove Watch platform, provided a standardised framework for documenting and tracking restoration progress, facilitating learning and information exchange among practitioners. 

Strengthening the capacities of mangrove champions from Lamu and Tana counties through standardised CBEMR trainings and tools provided for the integration of citizen science initiatives in mangrove restoration monitoring.  

Creating platforms for community feedback and input such as the national and sub-national mangrove management committees ensures that local knowledge and perspectives are incorporated into adaptive management strategies. By using monitoring data to inform decision-making and adapt project strategies, restoration efforts such as those in Kitangani and Pate restoration sites have been continuously improved to maximise effectiveness and achieve long-term success.

In implementing the CBEMR approach in Kenya, we have learned the following: 

  • Adaptive management is key: Monitoring data has allowed for ongoing learning and adaptation of restoration strategies based on observed outcomes.
  • Community involvement is necessary: Engaging communities who interact with the ecosystem on a daily basis in monitoring restoration efforts strengthens ownership and ensures that local knowledge informs decision-making.
  • Data accessibility and transparency are essential: Sharing monitoring results with stakeholders promotes accountability and facilitates collaboration and cross-learning. 
  • Long-term monitoring is necessary: Tracking progress over time provides valuable insights into the long-term impacts of restoration efforts.
NoArk's Building Blocks

The building blocks of NoArk's solution are interconnected to create a comprehensive, efficient system for conservation and environmental management. Bio-acoustic and chemical sensors collect critical ecological data, while Edge AI processing ensures rapid, on-site analysis, enabling immediate detection and response. These components are supported by LoRaWAN connectivity, which facilitates reliable, long-range communication in remote areas. The processed data is centralized on the PAMS dashboard, where it is visualized and analyzed for actionable insights, fostering better decision-making.

This system is strengthened by hyperlocal climate data, which enhances precision in risk assessments and planning. Finally, community and stakeholder engagement ensures the data and tools are effectively utilized, promoting collaboration and adaptability. Together, these elements form an integrated solution that empowers conservation efforts, addresses ecological threats, and supports sustainable development.

The purpose of the building blocks in NoArk’s solution is to create an integrated and scalable system for addressing ecological, social, and economic challenges. Each building block plays a unique role and works in harmony with the others to deliver impactful outcomes.

How Each Building Block Works  

1. Bio-Acoustic and Chemical Sensors
  - Purpose: To monitor ecological and environmental health.  
  - How it Works: These sensors detect specific sounds (chainsaws, wildlife movement) and measure air and water quality, providing real-time data on biodiversity and pollution levels.  

2. Edge AI and IoT Integration
  - Purpose: To process data locally for faster decision-making.  
  - How it Works: Edge AI analyzes data directly on the devices, reducing reliance on cloud processing. IoT connectivity ensures data is transmitted securely and efficiently.  

3. LoraWAN Connectivity
  - Purpose: To enable cost-efficient, long-range communication.  
  - How it Works: LoraWAN ensures sensor data is transmitted over long distances with minimal power consumption, making it suitable for remote deployment.  

4. PAMS Dashboard
  - Purpose: To centralize and visualize data for actionable insights.  
  - How it Works: The dashboard aggregates data from all devices, providing tools for predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and decision support.  

5. Hyperlocal Climate Data
  - Purpose: To support precise, localized interventions.  
  - How it Works: Sensors generate accurate, auditable data that informs risk assessments, conservation planning, and disaster management.  

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
  - Purpose: To ensure effective implementation and adoption of the system.  
  - How it Works: Partnerships with local communities, researchers, and decision-makers foster collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term sustainability.

Enabling Factors


- Technological Infrastructure: Reliable sensors, robust AI, and IoT technologies enable seamless data collection and processing.  
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Engagement with local communities, governments, and research organizations ensures the system is tailored to specific needs.  
- Scalability: LoraWAN and modular design allow deployment in diverse ecosystems and scaling to larger projects.  
- Sustainability: The system’s low power requirements and stakeholder involvement ensure long-term functionality and impact.  

These enabling factors ensure the building blocks work cohesively to deliver a holistic, impactful solution for conservation and environmental management.

Conditions Important for Success  

1. Reliable Technological Infrastructure  
  - High-quality sensors, robust Edge AI, and IoT systems are essential for accurate and timely data collection and processing.  

2. Strong Connectivity
  - LoraWAN or similar long-range, low-power communication systems are critical to ensure seamless data transmission in remote or challenging environments.  

3. Stakeholder Engagement  
  - Collaboration with local communities, governments, and researchers ensures the solution is contextually relevant, widely accepted, and effectively implemented.  

4. Scalability and Modularity
  - Designing systems that can scale and adapt to various ecosystems and environmental challenges is key to broader impact and replication.  

5. Sustainability Planning  
  - Developing low-power solutions, clear funding strategies, and community-driven maintenance plans ensures long-term functionality.  

6. Capacity Building
  - Training stakeholders, including local communities and enforcement agencies, to utilize and interpret the system’s data enhances the effectiveness of the solution.  

Lessons Learned

1. Adaptability is Critical
  - Each deployment requires customization to address local ecological, social, and economic conditions effectively.  

2. Community Involvement Drives Success
  - Engaging local stakeholders early fosters ownership, increases trust, and enhances adoption.  

3. Robust Data Systems Improve Decision-Making
  - Providing accurate, auditable, and traceable data builds credibility with decision-makers and supports informed interventions.  

4. Connectivity Challenges Must Be Addressed
  - Remote deployments need reliable communication systems like LoraWAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow.  

5. Integration of Multi-Sensor Inputs Enhances Impact
  - Combining bio-acoustic and chemical sensors with climate data creates a comprehensive understanding of ecological challenges, enabling holistic solutions.  

6. Continuous Feedback Loops Improve Performance  
  - Iterative updates based on field experience and stakeholder feedback optimize system performance and impact.  

By meeting these conditions and applying lessons learned, NoArk’s solution ensures effective implementation and significant positive outcomes for conservation and environmental management.

Community Education and Engagement

Through the Tunas Scholarship program and conservation education initiatives, HARPA builds long-term community support for conservation. This approach connects conservation with education and local development, ensuring sustainable impact through community involvement.

Enabling factors:

  • Structured education programs
  • Local community partnerships
  • School network collaboration
  • Scholarship program framework
  • Regular community engagement activities

Lessons learned:

  • Education programs are most effective when combined with direct community benefits
  • Long-term engagement proves more impactful than one-off activities
  • Local wisdom and cultural sensitivity are crucial for program success
  • Scholarship programs effectively build next generation of conservation advocates
Strategic NGO Partnership Framework

HARPA collaborates with specialized conservation NGOs who serve as expert implementers in their respective fields. Each NGO partner is carefully selected based on their expertise and track record. This framework enables effective program implementation while ensuring professional conservation standards are met.

Enabling factors:

  • Network of verified conservation NGOs
  • Clear partnership agreements
  • Defined roles and responsibilities
  • Regular coordination meetings
  • Standardized reporting protocols

Lessons learned:

  • Clear roles and responsibilities must be established at partnership initiation
  • NGO partners need autonomy in technical implementation within their expertise
  • Regular coordination and standardized reporting are essential for quality maintenance
  • Proper credit and recognition sharing is vital for successful partnerships