Participants engage in classroom activities at RISE Grumeti
Dany Samwell
This program aims to equip women with practical skills that are actionable within their local context, enabling them to seize opportunities such as funding and career advancement within their specific regions. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with local partners and host institutions to adapt our core training materials, ensuring they align with local challenges, processes, and institutions. By tailoring our trainings to address the unique needs and contexts of the women we support, we maximize the relevance and impact of our programming.
Local partners with aligned visions in education, upskilling, and empowerment
On-the-ground support from women within the host and collaborating organizations
Networks of experienced local educators and trainers in the conservation technology space
Educational systems vary significantly, even across countries in the same region. For example, certain types of trainings or activities - such as active learning approaches - may be more difficult for students from countries where education is centered on rote memorization. Understanding local learning preferences and adapting teaching methods accordingly can support deeper engagement.
Certain technologies or methodologies, such as drones or cloud-based data storage, may be prohibited or prohibitively expensive in some. Partnering with local conservation technology experts ensures that we focus on accessible, actionable technologies for our participants.
Our team analyzed the data with the combined expertise of our partners and in collaboration with a local NGO dedicated to reforestation efforts. This NGO is using our scientific findings to guide practical restoration actions, including the selection of plant species that attract and support local wildlife. This partnership ensures that our research is directly applied to enhance reforestation efforts, promoting self-sustaining and resilient forest ecosystems
Given Lebanon’s unique climate and sample conditions, we tailored our field and lab methodologies to optimize DNA extraction from local animal scats. This customization involved developing protocols specific to the Mediterranean environment and sample quality, ensuring accurate results and maximizing the data yield from each sample.
In terms of overall architectural appearance, the courtyard enclosed layout is retained, with a focus on creating courtyard space. The building color is mainly green and gray, inheriting traditional charm. At the same time, simplify the complex decoration of traditional architecture and use modern and simple lines. The main structure of the building continues the traditional wooden structure form and adopts mortise and tenon technology to ensure the integrity of the structure. Using rough stones and strip stones as the foundation, effective moisture-proof and anti-corrosion measures are achieved to ensure the durability and applicability of the building. In terms of materials, in addition to traditional wood and bricks, new materials such as metal and glass are also combined to enhance living comfort and quality. Color matching adds flexibility to traditional colors, creating a warm and fashionable atmosphere. The internal space layout is more in line with modern living needs, with open living rooms, dining rooms, etc., combining traditional artistic conception with modern functions.
Monitoring and evaluation for evidence-based practice and sustainability
This building block emphasises community participation in monitoring, utilising citizen science and accessible data platforms to ensure local knowledge informs adaptive management and contributes to the long-term success of mangrove restoration.
Effective monitoring and evaluation is necessary for adaptive management and long-term success in mangrove restoration. In implementing CBEMR, Wetlands International developed a restoration plan with clearly defined goals and objectives aligned with measurable and relevant indicators.
To ensure accurate and consistent data collection, a variety of methods were employed, including surveys, field observations, remote sensing, and the use of the Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool. This tool, integrated with the Global Mangrove Watch platform, provided a standardised framework for documenting and tracking restoration progress, facilitating learning and information exchange among practitioners.
Strengthening the capacities of mangrove champions from Lamu and Tana counties through standardised CBEMR trainings and tools provided for the integration of citizen science initiatives in mangrove restoration monitoring.
Creating platforms for community feedback and input such as the national and sub-national mangrove management committees ensures that local knowledge and perspectives are incorporated into adaptive management strategies. By using monitoring data to inform decision-making and adapt project strategies, restoration efforts such as those in Kitangani and Pate restoration sites have been continuously improved to maximise effectiveness and achieve long-term success.
In implementing the CBEMR approach in Kenya, we have learned the following:
Adaptive management is key: Monitoring data has allowed for ongoing learning and adaptation of restoration strategies based on observed outcomes.
Community involvement is necessary: Engaging communities who interact with the ecosystem on a daily basis in monitoring restoration efforts strengthens ownership and ensures that local knowledge informs decision-making.
Data accessibility and transparency are essential: Sharing monitoring results with stakeholders promotes accountability and facilitates collaboration and cross-learning.
Long-term monitoring is necessary: Tracking progress over time provides valuable insights into the long-term impacts of restoration efforts.
