The SIREN app is a mobile tool developed by AMMCO to collect data on marine wildlife sightings, strandings, and bycatch, while simultaneously serving as an educational and engagement platform for coastal communities. Beyond data collection, SIREN helps raise awareness among fishers and youth by delivering marine conservation messages directly through mobile technology.

What makes this approach unique is the dual function: it informs and empowers users to act as citizen scientists, while also fostering a sense of community through shared environmental responsibility. Users, mainly small-scale fishers and local conservation volunteers are connected through common reporting goals and periodic in-person exchanges (e.g. during trainings or events like the Street Whale Symposium), enhancing trust and collaboration across regions.
The app is introduced through outreach sessions in coastal villages.
 

To implement SIREN, we apply the following steps:

• Users receive basic training on species identification and reporting procedures.
• Each report (sighting reported through the app) is reviewed by AMMCO staff, who provide feedback and clarification.
• Educational content (Virtual Reality, posters, storybooks, videos) is developed based on the reports, and delivered through schools or fisher meetings.
• Shared results and feedback loops build trust and stimulate user engagement and connections.

The creation of a comprehensive, open-access DNA reference library of native plant and animal species was foundational to our solution. Recognizing that global databases lacked coverage for many Eastern Mediterranean species, we built the first Lebanese library encompassing plants, mammals, and now expanding to insects, birds, and fungi. This reference database improves the accuracy of DNA sequence matching and enables precise identification of species present in environmental samples. It also fills a critical regional data gap and facilitates ecological studies, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning. By publishing the library openly, we promote transparency, collaboration, and the potential for adaptation in similar biodiversity hotspots.

This building block provides hands-on training for researchers and conservationists in Benin and South Africa (offline) and globally (online via Zoom) on using Declas. The sessions cover:

• Software use: Uploading data, interpreting AI-generated results, and integrating findings into conservation strategies.
• Conservation advocacy: Raising awareness on vulture decline and AI’s role in scalable monitoring.

Trainees will learn to deploy Declas in field surveys, reducing reliance on manual counts while improving data accuracy. The hybrid approach ensures broad accessibility, empowering local teams with cost-effective technology.

To promote the application of IoT technology on wetland management, this research project and experience learnt has been shared throughout the project by:  

• Organizing webinars for conservation managers and wetland stakeholders  
• Installing outdoor interpretation panels in MPNR  
• Promoting through social media platform and media engagement  
• Producing promotional video  
• Publishing technical report of the project  
• Organizing public and school tours to introduce the application of IoT technology in wetland management at MPNR 

L'atlas en ligne de la faune et de la flore du parc national des Écrins met à disposition l'ensemble des données collectées par ses agents depuis plus de 40 ans.

Agroecology is a holistic approach, often described as a practice, a science and a social movement. Agroecology is the base for all interventions suggested in this solution.

As the initiated mindset change requires a fundamental, global behavioural change, an essential part of the efforts are directed to advocacy and awareness building activities such as information spreading through media houses, social media channels and conducting field visits with stakeholders from government, policy makers, educational entities, NGOs, donors and the private sector. 

Malawi has a population of around 22 million (worldometer 2025), of which almost 18 million are smallhoder farmers. If the initiated grassroot movement can be strengthened, Malawi could act as a leader in the global agroecological movement.

Successfully establishing and scaling a social enterprise like a pad factory requires careful coordination with government authorities and strict compliance with legal requirements. This building block focuses on creating a strong foundation by building trust, ensuring legality, and protecting the enterprise from future risks.

The first step involves informing local and national government bodies about your project plans and activities. Regular communication not only builds transparency and trust but also makes it easier to gain support when needed. It ensures that the enterprise is seen as a responsible and contributing part of the community's development.

Secondly, it is crucial to coordinate with local or provincial offices to confirm that the factory is located appropriately and meets all zoning, operational, and environmental requirements. Early consultation helps avoid future legal complications and promotes smoother project implementation.

Before any physical construction begins, the enterprise must complete all legal steps, such as securing land use permits, building approvals, and environmental clearances. This process prevents future disputes and ensures that the factory is legally protected at every stage.

If the enterprise plans to import machinery or raw materials from abroad (for example, from India and Chaina), it is essential to follow all import rules, including documentation and tax payments. Compliance with import regulations helps avoid customs delays, penalties, and additional operational costs.

Further, to operate legally in the market, the enterprise must register officially and gain approval to sell its products, such as sanitary pads. Official registration enhances the company’s credibility among customers, partners, and regulatory bodies, opening doors to wider distribution opportunities.

Finally, it is critical to insure the factory, machinery, and assets against potential risks like fire, natural disasters, burglary, or other damages. Having appropriate insurance coverage provides financial protection and ensures business continuity even during unforeseen events.

By following these structured steps, the enterprise not only secures its legal standing but also strengthens its reputation, improves sustainability, and creates a solid platform for growth and social impact.

FLR is a long-term investment and local communities desire short term benefits to support their households and change behaviour. The support from National Bank enabled communities to get jobs for the completion of silvicultural tasks.  

Transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs) are designated regions that extend across international borders and are collaboratively managed by multiple nations or administrative divisions. These areas are pivotal for biodiversity conservation and ecological connectivity, serving as vital corridors for wildlife migration and fostering cooperation in preserving shared ecosystems. The significance of TBCAs is underscored by their role in addressing the challenges posed by habitat fragmentation and climate change, as they encompass large, ecologically critical regions that facilitate the movement of species and support the resilience of natural habitats.

International community has increasingly recognized the value of TBCAs, leading to the establishment of various initiatives and agreements to enhance collaboration among nations. Africa hosts at least 27 TBCAs, approximated to cover an area of 847,158 square km. TBCAs have become an important tool for promoting environmental sustainability and diplomatic relations between neighboring countries. These areas serve as platforms for dialogue and cooperation, addressing the paradox of globalization and the challenges posed by militarized interstate disputes in conservation efforts. 

The Kenya-Tanzania Transboundary Marine Conservation Area (TBCA) delivers ecological, socio-economic, and governance benefits. It links vital habitats like mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs, supporting biodiversity, species migration, and ecosystem resilience to climate change. The TBCA provides annual ecosystem services ranging between US$127–229 million/year (UNEP, 2023). Eco-tourism and recreational services contribute an additional US$65-117 million annually, improving livelihoods and advancing conservation efforts.

Another key component of the Agroecology Leadership Academy was the regular evaluation of its outcomes. Participants were frequently surveyed about their experiences with the Academy, its content, and their personal progress. This feedback was utilized not only to adapt the Academy's programme flexibly to meet the demands of the participants - an aspect previously identified as a success factor in other building blocks – but also to evaluate the entire programme more effectively and derive lessons learned for potential future academies. After the Academy concluded, these findings were compiled and discussed in an internal workshop involving the implementing organisations. The lessons learned, along with other relevant materials, are shared on various platforms, particularly Agroecology TPP, to assist organisations in planning and implementing similar projects. Additionally, the project was presented in a public webinar upon completion. During this webinar, Academy participants had the opportunity to showcase their transformation initiatives, providing a valuable chance to expand their networks and enhance the sustainability of the Academy.