Establishing alternative livelihoods for the locals was as a result of the need for effective and sustainable management of the restored sites long after the life of the project. Once the local communities benefit from the restored grasslands, then they would manage the sites well and with the knowledge and skills imparted on them, they would continue increasing grasslands relatve to tree cover. In addition, the alternative livelihoods perfectly complemented the hirola rangelands restoration efforts. It was an excellent win-win situation. The locals produce hirola briquettes (certified high-heat, low-emission, compacted logs for use as cooking fuel) from the invasive trees and harvest native grass seeds from the restored sites for sale.

Historical conservation efforts within our region was probihitive because of the insecurity within the horn of Africa, remoteness of the region and language barriers. However, our community based approach that involved the locals in all the conservation activities eventually led to effectively bridging the gap between the local communities and conservation agencies in an otherwise historically prohibitive region due to cultural barriers between the Somalis and other ethnic groups.

Wildlife security entails more than bullets and boots on the ground. The Black Mambas are the first line of defence. They are the eyes and the ears of the reserve and are unarmed. Militarization of wildlife security can create conflict between communities and protected areas. Although armed forces are necessary, it is critical that a bond is formed between the community and the reserve through rangers that are not involved with the militarized side of conservation. The aim is to create a positive platform where the women are seen as role models for their families, children in the community and other community members. 

Community upliftment is key to the protection of natural areas. Communities are the custodians of natural heritage. Protected areas must connect with local communities in order for long-term protection of flora and fauna. Through the empowerment of women, education, food security and animal welfare, communities will be uplifted and will see the benefits of working together with the reserve. 

There is a five-tiered process to becoming a WHS.

1. An initial online application that ensures there are no fundamental prohibitive issues. 

2. A candidacy review of the initial application is carried out by impartial representatives.

3. Technical advice to discuss and advise on areas for improvement and on how to submit an application with the greatest chance of success.

4. Final application including supporting evidence, a justification for the geographical delineation of the site and a detailed explanation of how the site achieves each of the criteria. 

5. If successful, Whale Heritage Site (WHS) designation. It must then prepare and submit annual reports explaining how criteria are met.

By going through the accreditation process, The Bluff had to show that they could ensure responsible, sustainable practices and livelihoods would be continually improved thus ensuring the health and welfare of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their ocean habitats. 

The building block is built on the principle that a community based initiative to protect cetaceans and their habitats is best done when owned by the local communities itself. It incentivizes, empowers and engages a community and its businesses so that they benefit directly from a healthy and thriving ocean. 

To coordinate and facilitate the development of a WHS initiative, a steering committee is formed by local stakeholders. These are enthusiastic, creative and passionate individuals who steer the process and help launch, maintain, and sustain the application process.

An effective WHS steering committee should be fully diverse and inclusive and representative of the community and include staff, volunteers, and community members. Its purpose is to serve as a mobilizing force, not a bureaucracy. Making the process meaningful and purposeful for everyone involved. Within the process there is guidance on establishing sub-committees or workgroups to focus on specific goals and activities. 

As well as leading and manageing the process of application, the steering committee must show continual improvement across the community with its various initiatives, through annual reporting as a measure of WHS's excellence.

We are constantly working to measure our environmental and social impact in terms of the internationally known Sustainable Development Goals. This has allowed us to find synergies between our project and other organizations which in turn has accelerated our growth.

The work of the Sanghatan is merely to empower the Van Gujjars within the Chaur by propagating techniques of breed conservation but are not directly involved with the day-to-day milk trade and profit. Nonetheless, the Sanghatan keeps a tab on the number of bulls, young calves, pregnant buffaloes, and those which produce milk on a monthly basis. Out of the 1528 buffaloes raised within the Chaur, around 475 buffaloes at present produce milk during this season. On a daily basis, a total of 700-800 litres of milk is collected in this season but this number rises to 1100-1200 litres in winters as it is the season when buffaloes give birth to young calves.

The Van Gujjar Tribal Yuva Sanghatan has initiated several initiatives for the youth amongst them to turn towards education, both from schools as well as self—study groups which also initiate them towards traditional knowledge protection, bird watching, nature guiding, outdoor education through trails and games, handicrafts and cultural orientation of the community, to preserve their forest identities. The tribal identity is further promulgated in their sincere efforts to file for individual and community claims through the Forest Rights Act, 2006 as well as initiate community restoration drives, practices of herd mobility by empowering pastoral opportunities, prepare forest fire prevention squads and protect forests from poachers and cattle smugglers. They have currently undertaken a project to document the traditional knowledge and ecosystem benefits of 20 species of flora, which have food, medicinal, household or cultural uses for the community. 

Rehabilitation of the irrigation system to mobilise alternative sources of income

The district's damaged irrigation canal had led to a loss of income from agricultural activities. The community could not afford maintenance. With the support of the programme, the irrigation system was put back into operation and the residents were able to successfully resume the cultivation of maize, barley and vegetables the following year. The financing of the 1.5km long canal provided a sustainable alternative source of income.