To achieve the aims of the project, funding was secured through two Horizon Europe research calls, in the form of projects PLANET4B and InSPIRES. Although some parts can be done on a voluntary basis, according to the experts and teachers, some source of funding is essential to support the school and the researchers. Funding can also be used to invest in nature-based solutions, such as insect hotels, to support local biodiversity. Spending money on complementary activities, like the participatory theatre or the photovoice study and related photo exhibition, can further strengthen engagement and environmental stewardship.

This step seeks to ensure, on a scientific basis, that products labeled with the seal do not contain shark or other species that are threatened or protected by law. This principle is the backbone of the seal's credibility. 

To this end, random genetic sampling will be carried out on the protein used to prepare or has been used to prepare ceviche labeled with the seal, at least twice a year. The samples are sent to a certified genetic analysis laboratory (e.g., COIBA AIP, in the case of Panama) to verify whether or not species excluded by the seal are being used. 

The company covers the costs of the analysis, and if prohibited protein is detected, the right to use the seal is withdrawn.

The main objective is to establish the rules of the game by defining what the seal is, what is expected of those who use it, and how its integrity is guaranteed. In this first stage, the legal, scientific, and operational basis of the seal is established to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the process. 

This involves informing interested parties of the regulatory documents, such as the regulations for use of the seal, the checklist, the brand manual, and the application form, which have been developed by Fundación MarViva. Their function is to guide the application, verification, and renewal process step by step.

This building block supports the integration of ABS and biotrade into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), aligning them with the Global Biodiversity Framework - particularly Target 13 - and fostering synergies with other instruments, such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. 

ABS mainstreaming involves embedding ABS into policies and plans across sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, finance, and research, rather than limiting its implementation to conservation authorities. At the 13th Pan-African ABS and Biotrade Workshop, participants discussed challenges, including limited funding, complex regulations, and insufficient involvement of non-environmental ministries. They explored Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approaches, with a strong focus on private sector engagement in valorisation to generate socio-economic benefits.

Country examples, such as Uganda’s multisectoral working group involving local authorities, NGOs, IPLCs, and businesses, showed how early stakeholder mapping, integration into national development plans, and cross-sector collaboration can make ABS integration into NBSAPs more practical, inclusive, and impactful.

1. Digital MRV (Measurement–Reporting–Verification) System

• What it is: AI-powered monitoring platform combining drones, satellite imagery, and blockchain verification.
• Why it matters: Ensures transparency, traceability, and credibility of every planted tree.
• Transferability: Can be adapted to monitor other nature-based solutions (wetlands, grasslands, mangroves, etc.).

2. Blockchain-Verified Tree Registry & Certificates

• What it is: Each planted tree is assigned a digital ID and certificate stored on blockchain.
• Why it matters: Builds trust with funders, companies, and individuals by proving tree ownership and survival.
• Transferability: Applicable to carbon markets, biodiversity credits, or ecosystem services accounting.

3. Youth Volunteer Engagement Model

• What it is: Mobilization of students and local youth (e.g., “Green Volunteers”) for tree planting, maintenance, and awareness-building.
• Why it matters: Builds long-term stewardship and community ownership of restored areas.
• Transferability: Can be replicated for climate education, waste management, or community energy projects.

4. Corporate Partnership & CSR Integration

• What it is: Businesses (telecom, finance, events, resorts, etc.) co-finance tree groves as part of CSR/ESG strategies.
• Why it matters: Provides sustainable funding for reforestation while aligning with companies’ branding and SDG goals.
• Transferability: Can be applied to other green initiatives (renewables, circular economy, eco-labels).

5. Three-Year Maintenance & Survival Guarantee

• What it is: Each planting project includes watering, fencing, and maintenance for at least 3 years.
• Why it matters: Addresses high mortality rates in tree planting, ensuring long-term carbon sequestration.
• Transferability: Maintenance-first approach can be adopted in agriculture, conservation, or infrastructure projects.

6. Community Education & Reward System

• What it is: Local residents and households (e.g., ger districts) participate and receive recognition, small rewards, or utility discounts.
• Why it matters: Incentivizes grassroots climate action and strengthens community buy-in.
• Transferability: Rewards model can support recycling, clean cooking, or water conservation programs.