Institutional arrangements and identification for implementation of policies plays a vital role in acheiving abjectives. With a huge playing field of stakeholders and actors to be chosen from, proper assessment and identification of agencies whose deliverables capabilities cannt be questioned in a much desired task. Keeping this in mind, various agencies from different level of governance and organisations have been identified agaisnt each of the 12 deliverable Targets Set.

The National Biodiversity Action Plan that have been set in the updated strategizing, incorporates policies drafted at the International and National levels.

In order to upkeep with these changes, the State level policy has also been revised and updated wherein Biodiversity Targets, Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Targets have been aligned. Thus, the State level policy contributes to at least 15 SDGs and 18 Aichi Targets

Biodiversity and its resources are the backbone of any rural economics, whose population is directly dependent on it. Urban economics too has a plethora of activities with direct linkages to biological resources. In other words, each and every activity is in a way or another, related to the usage and management of it. Identification of each and every stakeholder doesn't seem a feasible option as all are a party to it.  It was therefore implied that those related to policy decisions and governance would be the apt group for consultative processes and thus was followed.

             The key feature in preparing this document and for effective implementation is the involvement of interdisciplinary working groups/different stakeholders - Government Agencies, Experts, NGOs, traditional institutions, educational and research institutes and local communities concerned with biodiversity

The demonstration of the Jhum optimization measures in the farmers field on pilot basis involving the community would show results which will convince the farmers how small modification on the present system of jhum management would make a difference in terms of conserving soil, increasing fertility level and improve soil moisture while increasing crop yield and improving eco system services.The outcome of the positive results would built their confidence and encourage the land users to adopt in larger area and finally incorporate them in their system in managing their jhum field.

A weeklong exposure visit to Nagaland starting from 15-20 th of July 2019 was arranged for the farmers and community leaders of the village. During the exposure visit they were taken to the jhum fields and jhum optimization measures adopted by the Naga farmers was shown. Farmers to farmers’ interactions were also arranged, whereby the farmers got the opportunity to clarify their doubts. They were also taken to the State Agriculture Research Station (SARS) where research on jhum optimization measures are being carried out and interaction with the scientist gave them newer insights.

The  exposure visit to Nagaland  created an impact in understanding the methodology and benefits of improved practice in their jhum.

Inorder to create awareness on the measures of jhum optimization already being practiced by the farmers of Nagaland,  a 2- days workshop was organised at project village for the community leaders , farmers  and field functionaries of forest department. Although jhum was being practiced for generations by the villagers, they were not aware of the measures for jhum intensification and its optimization. Benefits of these measures in increasing their farm income  and  improving biodiversity and ecosystem services were explained through a participatory process and a power point presentation. Involving community leaders and community elders  along with women and youth leaders in the training programme was an added advantage as this leveraged the urgency of the programme and its implementation . 

FFS have been proven to have successful outcomes all over the world. They bring together aspects of agroecology, adult learning methods and community development and are widely adapted by NGOs, governments and international agencies. Overall there are some aspects that need to be considered to have successful outcomes:

• Gradual learning process: Changing processes and mindsets needs time and enough space within the workshops. Problems occur in real time and good solutions need to be practiced. This gives everyone the experience of positive outcomes and advantages in changing their perspective. Seeing something new work with success usually starts an open thought process.
• Farmers need to take the lead and define the programme.
• The learning process should be done in a structured and practical oriented process with regular meetings.
• Trainers need to facilitate rather than teach: Adult education needs to be considered by heart and supported by facilitators.
• Group processes need to be established. Therefore, training should focus on:
  • Practical group work with exercises in the field
  • Critical and analytical skills
  • Planning skills
  • Evaluation and feedback skills
• Situational and locally adapted approach during workshops.
• Fitting training fields need to be available.

In order to run FFS successfully, training material used by farmers must be developed. To adapt it to local needs and language it should be prepared together with local partners.

According to the bottom up approach of FFS it is best developed in a participatory manner. Needs and challenges should be assessed within the project region(s). Together with local partners the training material should be developed on an ongoing basis while FFS are running. This opens the possibility to adapt the material to the needs of the farmers and to respond to slight changes in the curriculum.

The material is best developed in collaboration with local partners. To shift partners from a top down approach towards a bottom up approach, training on adult learning methodologies enables new capacities. Contextualizing and local adaptation of techniques and methods should be kept in mind to have a high-quality outcome of the FFS.

Creating a learning environment that suits to adult education is a crucial point. Learning needs to be seen as a communicative and thought exchanging process among adults who respect and support each other. Contradictions will occur repeatedly during FFS. It is important to take these up and clarify them in a bottom up approach. In a high-quality learning process farmers need to solve and answer challenges and questions among themselves. This will allow farmers to create new ownership and be emancipated. It enables a process that leads to a local group of farmers building trust, widening their agro-ecosystem knowledge and learning from each other at a personal level.

Following Jürgen Habermas theory adults mainly learn from three reasons: Work, social interaction and power. To keep this in balance and initiate a group process where learners find an intrinsic motivation the workshops need to be facilitated by the right trainers.

Trainers need to facilitate rather than teach or train. They do not only need technical skills but must be open minded and need to take adult education seriously. During the workshops there will be a learning process that needs to be adjusted to changing needs of the participants. This can then lead to the right practical and participatory adult education.

The Mayotte echinoderm inventory project has enabled us to develop resource management proposals. It has also enabled the resolution of environmental issues associated with echinoderms, notably through :

• Participation in the revision of Mayotte's list of protected marine species.
• Collaboration to increase the number of holothurian species included in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
• Drafting a report for the health services on venomous echinoderms in Mayotte, to improve nature/society interactions.