• Cross-sectoral collaboration is essential for advancing agroforestry technologies and promoting standardised, research-based approaches to native species conservation and sustainable use

The coordination of regional organizations and authorities in the local communities is essential for the correct development of this next step to follow, as well as for the adoption of new regulatory and operational guidelines for tourism. 

The main contribution of this tool has been changing the behavior of tour operators, visitors, fishermen, and the community at large to adhere to these minimum measures for the protection and conservation of whale sharks. This shows a considerable degree of effectiveness and receptiveness to this type of measure, as well as the creation of positive perceptions of a scientific, responsible, and conservation-oriented tourism model.

Building trust in the feedback mechanism requires consistent engagement, transparency, and responsiveness. Early on, accessibility proved critical - placing lock boxes in multiple zones ensured community members could submit concerns easily and confidentially. However, initial lack of awareness limited participation, highlighting the need for repeated sensitization meetings to explain the process and reassure people of confidentiality.

Impartiality was another key lesson. By involving multiple organizations (FZS, DNPW and CICP) in the review team, the mechanism gained credibility, reducing fears of bias. Timely responses were also essential; delays in addressing grievances risked eroding confidence, emphasizing the importance of clear timelines and interim updates.

Additionally, managing expectations was necessary. Not all concerns could be resolved immediately, and some fell outside of the NTCP’s mandate. The set up of the mechanism stipulated that such issues were to be passed onto relevant bodies such as the Zambia police (no serious grievances requiring this action have been received to date). Communicating what the mechanism could and couldn’t address helped maintain trust. Ultimately, transparency, follow-through, and ongoing dialogue proved vital in ensuring the community viewed the process as fair and reliable.

Ensuring transparency in the feedback mechanism has provided key lessons that strengthen trust and accountability. 

Accessibility played a crucial role, as lock boxes in four zones allowed community members to submit grievances confidentially, increasing participation. 

Impartiality in reviewing the feedback was also important. Having a response team composed of multiple organizations reduces bias and reassured the community that concerns would be handled fairly. 

Regular communication proved essential, with meetings providing updates on any grievances and actions taken, reinforcing trust. 

A clear governance structure of the CICP and zonal committees, ensured consistency in handling feedback. Additionally, involving elected Zonal Committee representatives in oversight strengthened local ownership and legitimacy.

33. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE OPERATIONALISATION OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. The government needs to introduce fast growing trees to enable communities get more access to sources of fuelwood and charcoal and not to encroach in forests.

2. The government needs to subsidize the cost of gaz (for household cocking) to make it more accessible to rural communities in order to reduce the pressure on forests. This should be possible because in Togo the price of one liter of fuel is 700 CFA FRANCS whereas in Senegal it is 990 CFA FRANCS. This implies that there is a possibility to subsidize the gaz and to make it accesible to communities.

3. There is a need to take full dvantage of the demographic dividend to involve youth in restoration activities in Togo. In fact in all African countries, the youth represent a significant percentage of the population. 

4. There is a need to find a student from the University of Lomé to work on charcoal exports from Togo as a master’s thesis. The reality is that Togo should not export charcoal. The sociological, ethical and political factors behind need to be understood. 

5. The improved stoves put up by the NGO, AGAIB need to be widely disseminated and scaled up to reduce the use of fuelwood and charcoal in rural areas.

6. The restoration of water sources needs to be encouraged to enable communities to get access to more potable water and to improve their health.

7. Restoration in community forests and in communal forests should always inlude non-timber forests products such as karité (Vitelaria paradoxa) and néré (Parkia biglobosa) which are very valuable species to communities.

Cultural campaigns are powerful tools for mobilizing large-scale community participation and fostering long-term commitment to FLR:

• Cultural Integration: Linking the "Miti" tree planting festival to cultural traditions created a sense of pride and ownership among community members, making restoration efforts relatable and engaging.
• Use of Social Media Influencers: Mobilizing local influencers expanded the reach of the campaign, ensuring broad public participation and awareness, particularly among younger demographics.
• Collaboration with Institutions: Partnerships with schools, businesses, and local government institutions ensured diverse participation and contributed to large-scale community engagement.
• Annual Campaign Model: Establishing "Miti" as an annual event institutionalized restoration activities, ensuring sustained momentum and recurring public interest in FLR.
• Localized Messaging: Tailored communication materials and campaigns addressed local environmental challenges, making FLR goals more relevant to the community