Integration ESD to curricula of the national educational institutions

The core objective to achieve sustainability was to integrate the Education for Sustainable Development methodological course using the GIZ manual, into regular teachers training courses. This particularly contributes to the achievement of SDG 4 “Quality of Education”. 

Another main objective was to integrate a methodological course on ESD into the standard curricula of teacher training institutions, both for in-service teacher training and pre-service teacher training. To achieve this goal CAMP Alatoo and GIZ consultant made a stakeholders’ mapping and identified educational institutions responsible for in-service pre-service teachers training and willing to develop ESD in the country.

In 2021-2022 three institutions (I. Arabayev Kyrgyz State University (KNU), M. Rakhimova Institute of Professional Development and Retraining at I. Arabayev KNU, the Republican Institute of Professional Development and Retraining of Educators at MoI and KR) on a basis of a Memorandum of Understanding were trained and coached throughout the process of developing ESD based courses, testing and adaptation of the learning materials and training of pre-service and in-service teachers. 

The fourth institution Osh state university inspired by the ESD trainings requested support in training its teachers. After trainings the university also introduced ESD into its curricula. 

  • High commitment from implementing partners of educational institutions
  • Clear division of roles between partners, good coordination between partners
  • Activation of local teachers after the conducted ESD trainings
  • Coaching of the institutions throughout the process of ESD courses development and integration 
  • Clear communication of the importance of mainstreaming ESD into programs to ensure that goals and objectives and potential benefits are fully understood. 
  • The importance of strong partnerships.
ESD Manual offers Biology and Geography teachers additional teaching methods adapted to Kyrgyzystan that are in sync with the curricula

Modern teaching methods and materials are often adapted to a European context and setting, making it hard to impossible to integrate them into a system that works differently. The ESD Manual offers Biology and Geography teachers additional teaching methods adapted to Kyrgyzystan that are in sync with the curricula. Teachers can use more interesting material to enhance their classes. Education is the basis towards a healthier planet, only by knowing how to act more sustainably, behavior can be adapted. 

The educational standards and the curriculum are showing access points for ESD, but they are not reflected in the school-books, because they are outdated.

Another weak link exists between the educational standards and the school curriculum on the one hand and the implementation through the teachers training institutions on the other hand.

  • Integration of sustainable development and ESD approaches and principles in Kyrgyzstan is experiencing some difficulties due to low interest of the Ministry of Education. Today, most of the teaching staff is ready for this work, as evidenced by the results of numerous trainings conducted by the NGO "CAMP Alatoo".
  • Low interest and capacity of specialists of educational institutions in the development of ESD standards and programmes;
  • Lack of optimization of pedagogical workload (a teacher with a high workload is not able to prepare for classes and improve his/her professional skills).
Breeding and Husbandry Techniques for the Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Breeding technology for broodstock selection involves choosing individuals of different sexes and origins from the same region as parents. The feed suitable for breeding should be diversified, mainly consisting of feed that is high in protein, low in fat, low in calories, and rich in trace elements. One month before and after the breeding period, feed that is high in protein, high in fat, and high in calories should be provided.

Feed selection and proportioning experiments involve feeding different aquaculture ponds with different feeds, and conducting trials with different combinations to determine the optimal feed plan and the best nutritional structure for the ecological breeding of the giant salamander. By mastering the most suitable feed and nutritional combination for different periods of the giant salamander, the sperm quality of male broodstock can be improved, and the egg-bearing capacity of female broodstock can be increased.
 

Essential factors:

1. Avoid inbreeding. Selecting parents of different sexes and origins from the same region can effectively prevent inbreeding;
2. Choice of feed. Choose feeds that are more easily obtained and have comprehensive nutritional components, such as grass carp, silver carp, loach, shrimp, frogs, pork, and pig liver, etc.
3. Feed processing. Live fish should be freshly killed, and inedible parts such as heads, bones, and spines should be removed; pork and other meats should have fat (if any) removed and cut into long strips weighing about 50 to 100 grams. Dead bait should be soaked in a 30% saltwater solution for 10 minutes; live bait should be soaked in a 2-3 ppm chlorine dioxide solution for 10 minutes.
4. Feeding of feed. Feed should be provided on a regular schedule, with consistent quality, and in fixed quantities. Dead bait should be offered every three days, around 6 pm, with the standard that it should be consumed within one hour. Live bait should be fed at 5% of the total weight of the giant salamanders in each area, with discretion to increase the amount as appropriate.
 

By recording the feeding, weight gain, activity, ovulation, and fertilization of the giant salamander (see attached figures). It was found that Group B had a significantly higher feeding efficiency than the other two groups, indicating that the giant salamander will turn to dead bait with lower predation difficulty when hunting live prey is challenging. Data from Group A show that the giant salamander gains weight quickly when fed a diet high in protein and fat for a long period, but has a low ovulation and fertilization rate. In combination with the analysis of the main nutritional components of various baits, it is suitable for the giant salamander's bait to be diversified, mainly consisting of baits that are high in protein, low in fat, low in calories, and rich in trace elements, such as various fish, loach, shrimp, crabs, frogs, etc. One month before and after the breeding period, appropriately high protein, high fat, and high calorie foods can be fed, such as various fish and poultry meat and internal organs, which is beneficial for the giant salamander to accumulate energy before breeding and to recover and overwinter after breeding.
 

Breeding area mimicking wild habitat environment

Addressing the existing technical challenges, namely the differences between ecological breeding environments and wild habitats, and the low natural reproductive capacity of the giant salamander, characterized by slow growth, late sexual maturity, and low survival and breeding rates. A method for ecological breeding suitable for the giant salamander, based on the environmental factors of its natural habitat, is provided.

The ecological imitation environment is established based on the ecological and environmental factors of the giant salamander's natural habitat, and the selection of the reference object for this ecological environmental factor model is crucial.

After long-term research and discussions among scholars, we have established an environmental factor model based on geographical and climatic factors, river section influence factors, cave environmental factors, and water environmental factors. Based on this model, we have established the best construction parameter system for "ecological stream ditches" and "caves." For example, the surface vegetation coverage of the cave area on both sides of the ecological stream ditch should be greater than 85%; the stream ditch should be constructed in an irregular shape, with a gradient of 30° to 45° extending into the stream, a width of 50 to 300 cm, a depth of 50 cm, and a stream bed covered with a 15 to 20 cm thick layer of sand and pebbles composed of river sand and pebbles, a stream water depth of 25 to 30 cm, and a flow rate of 0.05 to 1 m/s; the cave area ratio should be ≥1.5, and other specific parameter requirements.
 

Biodiversity Studies

Intensive studies were conducted to assess the biodiversity of the protected area. These studies provided valuable insights into the ecological balance, species richness, and overall health of the ecosystem.

Training and capacity building with women in the community

This building block focuses on empowering women in local communities through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives. The aim is to equip women with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to engage in sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation. By fostering leadership and entrepreneurial abilities, women can play a pivotal role in driving positive change in their communities and contributing to broader socio-economic development.

  • Collaboration with local leaders and organisations for community engagement.
  • Access to resources, tools, and technology that enhance training programs.
  • Inclusion of gender-sensitive approaches in curriculum design.
  • Continuous mentorship and follow-up support for sustained impact.
  • Financial and institutional support from government and NGOs
  • Tailored training programs that address the specific needs and contexts of women are more effective.
  • Building trust and community ownership leads to greater participation.
  • Ongoing support is essential to ensure long-term success and capacity retention.
  • Encouraging peer-to-peer learning boosts confidence and leadership among participants.
Women at the forefront of Mangrove restoration to inspire more people to join mangrove conservation efforts.

Women face multifaceted challenges that hinder their active participation in climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. These include limited access to financial capital and technology, heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts, limited education and awareness, gender-based discrimination, and restricted entry into leadership roles. Additionally, women's access to markets and capital is constrained by gender roles, insufficient skills, resources, and mobility.

Working together with coastal communities, fishermen and the Beach Management Unit (BMU) in Dar Es Salaam, also through our local partners, Aqua Farm Organization (AFO), Girls in Climate Change (GICC) and Tanzania Forestry Service.

Meeting with the local leaders to be able to work closely with the young women in the community. 

Carried out research on the challenges that were impacting the mangroves and issues causing the lack of conservation of the mangroves by the coastal communities. 

Ensured community ownership in this process, so that the women feel they are a part of the solution and are willing to volunteer in these conservation efforts. 

Women’s involvement in mangrove conservation is a vital tool for empowering women to feel they are part of the solution and can take on more leadership roles in environmental conservation.

Involving community members before project implementation is crucial, they feel more mob to be part of the process and adds value to project implementation

Conservation of endangered and rare wild animals and plants.

Carry out field species population monitoring surveys, artificial breeding, field reintroduction experiments, and environmental factor habitat surveys, etc.
 

Institutional strengthening & sustainability

The ACReSAL project collaborates with three key ministries: Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources. It operates across multiple institutional levels, including state, national, local, and community levels. This approach ensures that project implementers at all ministerial levels have their capacities strengthened, thereby sustaining the project's investments and efficient landscapes management.

  • Effective collaboration across the three Ministries and the Institutions that are implementing the project through regular stakeholder engagements.
  • Technical support from the World Bank, the team provide support across project activities and ensure impactful project implementation.

The synergy between the Ministries and institutions is key to producing results, because for impactful results for the project it is key that all Ministries must work closely together. The synergy has provided more innovative and collaborative ideas for effective project delivery.

Implementation and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Effective policy lobbying and advocacy must address the implementation of both existing and newly finalized policies to ensure they meet their intended goals. This involves continuous monitoring to track progress and assess the effectiveness of policy implementation. All partners involved in a program or policy must participate in this ongoing process to ensure alignment with objectives and adapt strategies as needed.

  • Regularly assess and compare the goals and objectives to evaluate progress and identify gaps. Research and analysis support this comparative review
  • Working through coalitions enhances policy advocacy efforts by uniting diverse voices, amplifying impact, and strengthening influence
  • Policy implementation is a lengthy process involving diverse stakeholders with varying priorities. Patience and persistence are crucial
  • Initially, we overlooked sectors like tourism that have significant stakes in natural resource management. Including all relevant sectors can reveal important interests and enhance advocacy
  • Engaging a wide range of stakeholders is essential. Excluding key players can hinder progress and make achieving objectives more challenging