The experimental monitoring system consists of a set of parameters to track the behaviour of the species, visitor mobility practices, and risk detection:
GPS transmitters: they are programmed for data collection and with a download scheduling; there is a zoning around the nest.
Axis Station software: Axis Loitering Guard tracks moving objects and triggers alerts (e.g. a user exists the trail for x amount of time), sound alerts, and notifications when a threshold is exceeded. Axis Fend Guard detects interaction events (e.g. the bird leaves the next, two users leave the trail).
Alerts for potential mortality, potential territory expulsion, absences at the nest, users near the nest, and noise thresholds.
Other data related to trail usage by user type and the Bonelli’s eagle breeding process.
Annual reports on raptor spatial mobility, semi-annual reports on interactions and critical events.
It is essential to count on a simple-to-use software programmed with the desired parameters. It is fundamental to make the parameters as relevant as possible to the specific monitoring needs, and as concise as possible so that park managers are able to do a proper follow-up and respond to any alerts.
It should be noted that certain situations involving wildlife cannot be controlled. For example, in our case, we faced the reproduction failure of the pair of Bonelli's eagles, which partly modified the monitoring objective.
Although the use of a more sophisticated alert management software based on artificial intelligence is being explored, a simple software such as Axis Station can do the trick to start developing a functioning monitoring programme that notifies critical risk events. Processes and procedures for pre-alert management and data collection and analysis need to be periodically optimised based on the lessons learned during the process.
Technological Architecture Implemented in the Project
IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation
The technological infrastructure is composed of two cameras along the nearby trail to monitor visitor flows, and a panoramic camera in front of the nest, which were installed in October 2022. The cameras are powered by solar panels and also have integrated mics that detect noise disturbances. Two GPS transmitters, installed in December 2022, are used to track the behaviour of for the pair of eagles. Data transmission from the cameras is carried out through point-to-point microwave antennas via a separate Internet line. The information is stored on the NAS and on Huawei’s cloud. The GPS units include a small solar power plate, and the data is transferred via radio frequency to the Move Bank cloud.
To enable the success of this building block, it is essential to count on the technical equipment (GPS trackers and cameras), a wireless connection to allow data transmission, and a storage system. Human capacity to know how and where to install the equipment in order to avoid disturbances to the species is also key, ensuring that the reproduction cycle of the species isn’t affected.
As in many experimental projects, the monitoring programme encountered technical challenges, mainly due to connectivity issues and the need to coordinate various systems and teams. Legal-administrative considerations, such as data use and installation permissions, are also essential when implementing this building block.
Concerning the GPS trackers, the programming of the transmitters according to different geozones makes it possible to optimise the reception of locations and improve the updating of the data for possible emergency inquiries. Besides, the double solar plate transmitter model placed on the female has proven to be more effective than the single plate model placed on the male during the months of less insolation.
The nest camera needs to be installed using and adequate distance to avoid disturbances while ensuring a good image resolution. In this case, the need for a higher-resolution device has been identified in order to make a good interpretation of the behaviour, identify the ringed individuals and their preys, as well as to implement the automation of alarms.
Capacity building and informed decision-making for the monitoring of species
Building cross-sectoral partnerships
Integrated Approaches to Peacebuilding Through Joint Livelihoods
Farmers and Herders Learning how to make Briquettes with Animal and Crop waste 2
GIZ PEACECORE
Farmers and herders in Ancha Community making hay and silage with their harvested congo grass
GIZ PEACECORE
The PEACECORE project uses sustainable, climate conscious livelihood support as a tool to restore traditional, and create new, trade and exchange opportunities for farmers and herders in 6 Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. The aim is to replace negative conflict behaviors with mutually beneficial economic relations, while mediation and dialogue also supported through the first building block. Participants from communities affected by conflict have been brought together and trained across various organic agricultural and dairy value chain opportunities, cooperative formation and operation, and conflict resolution. Through such efforts we have been able to bring together conflicting livelihood groups of farmers and herders to establish trade agreements and form cooperatives around value chains including organic fertilizer supply, supply of cow dung and crop waste for briquette production, fodder and forage production, dairy and tofu production etc.
The selection of value chains that are beneficial to both parties such as fodder production, organic fertilizer.
Strong reputation of GIZ in implementation of agricultural and development programmes meant participants were willing to trust the process.
Willingness of conflicting partners to find solutions to the conflict.
Availability of resources for the project and initiatives such as technical skills and equipment, financing etc meant that participants could create tangible structures and operations.
Trust building is essential as well as involving participants across all stages of project interventions.
Adding value to existing business and products is a useful first step to engagement.
New ideas and processes are welcome as long as the benefits can be perceived.
Using connectors (things that both parties need in common) is essential.
Community Peace Architecture Forum (C-PAF) in Riyom
GIZ PEACECORE
Security Personnel Addressing Community Peace Architecture Forum (CPAF)
GIZ PEACECORE
The project has brought conflicting parties using platforms such as the Community Peace Architecture Forum CPAF and the People First Impact Method P-FIM. This approach has succeeded in bringing people at the community level together to discuss and resolve their issues at the local level using community driven solutions. Communities have been able to resolve disputes arising through mediation of the CPAF and articulate their needs, and goals through P-FIM. All of which have helped the project to design and deliver on its objectives with the buy in of local communities.
1. Involvement of local actors, stakeholders and capacities for peacebuilding.
2. Creating a safe space for dialogue and discussions.
3. Strengthening the capacities of local civil society organizations familiar with the communities and trusted by them to better implement.
4. Decentralised strategy.
5. Empowering structures to mediate directly in conflict, with links to relevant authorities.
1. Mediation is easier at local levels where the conflicts occur, than through centralized strctures which might be more cumbersome and present generalized solutions which might not be adequate to local challenges.
2. Communities have capacities for resolving conflicts and addressing their developmental issues by themselves. These should be identified and supported over external solutions as they are often more sustainable.
3. Bottom to top approaches are more effective than top to bottom approaches.
4. Decentraization of dialogue structures at community level, reduces the logistics of conducting such dialogues and encourages their continuation after projects exit.
