Local capacity building

As a following step to the shark camp, we seek to contribute to the generation of conservation measures for the protection of the whale shark, based on scientific tourism and knowledge, as mechanisms of transformation.

In doing so, we intend to strengthen local capacities and contribute to the development of sustainable local productive activities, aware of the need to protect the marine ecosystems in the northern Colombian Pacific. Thus, generating behavioral changes that contribute to the conservation of this endangered species. 
 

This next step is supported by the Save the Blue Five project, which is funded by the BMUV (German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). This alliance seeks to have a more significant positive impact in other areas of the Colombian Pacific where whale shark interactions also occur, raising awareness in local communities, promoting behavioral change to improve responsible sighting and tourism practices, and, when possible, promote local conservation agreements.

In addition, ongoing work and connections with the local community, especially those involved in marine megafauna tourism, are key factors in generating local capacity building and behavioral changes for conservation. 

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. 

Responsible code of conduct for whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) responsible tourism.

This protocol is contained in Resolution 0841 of 2024, issued by the Corporación Autónoma Regional para el Desarrollo Sostenible del Chocó (Codechocó), which seeks to define behavioral actions and establish measures for  responsible whale sharks tourism (including other species) to safeguard their welfare. It is aimed at fishermen, tourists and the community in general. 

Measures include the number of boats allowed with a shark or group of sharks at the same time, the maximum time and minimum distance, the mandatory use of life jacket and the carrying capacity of the area. It also prohibits feeding sharks, swimming near them,  free-diving, and throwing garbage in places not designated for it. 

In addition to drafting the protocol, which was subsequently approved and adopted by Codechocó, the initiative also developed an outreach strategy in which infographics (digital and printed) were designed that summarize the main guidelines of the protocol and the ecological characteristics of  whale sharks, highlighting the importance of protecting the species.  This material is used to support education and outreach activities (e.g. workshops, lectures) involving fishermen, local communities, tourists and tour operators. 

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.

Trust Building

Trust-building is essential for an effective feedback mechanism, ensuring stakeholders feel safe raising concerns. Without trust, people may hesitate to report issues due to fear of retaliation or inaction, undermining the system’s purpose.

As stakeholders see their concerns addressed, trust deepens, leading to greater participation and stronger relationships between communities and conservation partners. Over time, this trust improves conflict resolution and increases local support for conservation efforts.

Accessibility and confidentiality are key. Secure lock boxes in each zone allow safe, confidential submissions, encouraging participation. Impartiality is also crucial. The multi-organization response team, which includes representation from Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Chitimbwa Iyendwe Conservation Project, and Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife FZS, reassures stakeholders that feedback and grievances will be handled fairly.

Consistent communication and follow-ups further strengthen trust. Keeping complainants informed about progress and resolutions demonstrates commitment. Transparency, including sharing general grievance outcomes in meetings, reinforces confidence.

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.

Building block 1 – Title * [255] Transparency with communities

The feedback mechanism increases transparency by providing a structured, accessible, and confidential way for community members to voice concerns or share feedback. With lock boxes placed in four zones, individuals can submit feedback without needing to travel or fear retaliation. A multi-organization response team ensures impartial review, demonstrating accountability and reducing perceptions of bias. Regular feedback reviews and community meetings provide updates on how concerns are addressed, reinforcing trust in the process and strengthening community confidence in conservation efforts.

Transparency in the feedback mechanism is ensured through accessibility, impartiality, and accountability. Lock boxes in four zones allow confidential submissions, ensuring community voices are heard. A multi-organization response team ensures fair reviews, while regular meetings provide updates on actions taken. The project’s constitution guides decision-making, which is implemented by elected representatives at both the CICP and zonal levels, fostering trust and community ownership.

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.

CICP meeting attendees
East and South Africa
Courtney
Paisley
Building block 1 – Title * [255] Transparency with communities
Trust Building
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The operationalization of the Regional Commission on Sustainable Development of the Central Region of Togo within the framework of the AFR100 initiative was held in Sokode, Togo on 4 May 2023. It was attended by 67 participants from public, civil society organisations, prefets, mayors, religious and traditional leaders, communities.

The meeting was presided over by The Prefet of Tchaoudjo.  The speech of the CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, Dr Nardos-Bekele Thomas was read by Ousseynou Ndoye, the AFR100 Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa. The speech of GIZ-F4F was read by Simon Lange of GIZ-F4F. The Prefet of Tchaoudjo delivered the speech of the official opening ceremony.

 

32. FLR CHALLENGES IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF TOGO

  1. Tenure issues and conflict between smallholder farmers, pastoralists/herders, fishermen and managers of protected areas. 
  2. Degradation and reduction of forest cover due to increasing demand of fuelwood, timber and uncontrolled fires.
  3. In the Central region of Togo, Ricinodendron heudelotii is a threaten specy. This is interesting because in Central Africa, Ricinodendron heudelotii is not a threaten specy.

 

 

31. FLR HIGHLIGHTS IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF TOGO

  1. The restoration of mangrove is very important in the Central region.
  2. Several projects integrate agriculture-agroforestry-and forestry which is a good source of diversification and possibility for the ministry of agriculture and environment to collaborate on FLR issues.
  3. There is a need to summarize all projects managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources, compile them and shared them with decentralized administration like prefets and mayors 
  4. It has been mentioned that Togo used to export charcoal in Central Africa. This is not realistic because countries in Central Africa have more forests resources than Togo.
  5. Plantations of Anacardium occidentale reduce the pressure on forest resources since they provide additional incomes to rural communities.
  6. The central region of Togo offer an opportunity to restore more than 1400000 hectares of degraded forests and lands which exceeds the government pledge to the AFR100 initiative. This implies that Togo has a possibility to commit more than 1400000 hectares if one considers the entire country.

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.

 

Public Awareness and Community Mobilization Through Cultural Campaigns

The KCNRN promotes FLR awareness and community participation through innovative campaigns, such as linking restoration efforts to cultural events. The "Miti" festival mobilizes schools, businesses, and government institutions for large-scale tree planting, using social media influencers to amplify participation. This campaign integrates cultural identity with environmental action, fostering a sense of ownership among community members. By making tree planting a shared cultural event, the network raises awareness of sustainable land use while strengthening public support for FLR initiatives.

  • Use of cultural events like the "Miti" festival to anchor restoration campaigns.
  • Engagement of social media influencers to increase public participation.
  • Collaboration with schools, businesses, and local government institutions.

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
Establishing Strong Support Systems and Monitoring

Ongoing support and monitoring ensure that FFS efforts are sustained over time. External partners provide technical guidance, while local governance structures, like Village Natural Resources Committees, maintain accountability. Regular monitoring allows for adjustments based on feedback

Ongoing support from FAO, IUCN and BMUV funding ensures that the FFS model is well resourced and technically guided during the establishment phase. Local governance structures, such as Village Natural Resource Committees, will be established to maintain accountability and monitor progress within the community. These committees help to coordinate activities, track restoration milestones and maintain community commitments. Regular monitoring allows for adaptation based on feedback, ensuring that FFS activities remain effective and relevant. Ongoing engagement with external partners provides additional guidance, reinforcing community-led monitoring and helping to address emerging challenges.

Long-term success depends on sustained support and adaptive management. Building local capacity for monitoring and maintenance creates a lasting impact beyond the initial project phase.

Addressing Socio-Economic Needs Through Livelihood Alter-natives

This building block aligns Farmer Field School (FFS) activities with the economic needs of local communities by introducing sustainable livelihood options. By teaching agroforestry, diversified crops and other commercial enterprises, FFS help farmers improve soil health, increase crop yields and find alternatives to unsustainable practices such as charcoal production. This approach provides economic incentives to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating that FLR can improve both environmental and economic well-being.

Financial and logistical support from project partners enables the initial implementation of agroforestry and income-generating activities. Training on alternative livelihoods through FFS demonstrates the economic value of sustainable practices, making them more attractive to farmers.

Aligning FLR activities with local economic needs is essential for long-term success. When farmers see improved yields and increased incomes, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Ensuring that restoration efforts contribute to immediate livelihood improvements motivates community members to actively participate in FLR.

Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices

FFS combines traditional land management practices with sustainable FLR techniques, allowing communities to build on their existing knowledge. This integration respects cultural practices and promotes acceptance, facilitating the transition to sustainable land management. This step is also essential when communities make comparisons between what they are learning and their own knowledge/skills/practices.

A key component of FFS success is the integration of traditional knowledge, achieved through open dialogue with local elders and knowledge holders. Facilitators and project leaders are encouraged to understand and respect existing land use practices, which helps to integrate these practices with modern sustainable techniques. This culturally sensitive approach facilitates the acceptance of new methods, while increasing their effectiveness by building on familiar practices. Support from project partners ensures that traditional methods are respected and combined with ecological restoration techniques, increasing both community buy-in and practical relevance.

Combining traditional and modern practices makes FLR more relevant to local contexts. When restoration techniques resonate with familiar practices, communities are more likely to engage in and adopt FLR activities because these methods feel accessible and practical. When local knowledge forms the basis of the restoration approach, communities feel that they are partners rather than passive recipients of aid. This sense of ownership is essential for the long-term management of restored areas, as communities feel personally responsible for maintaining and protecting these landscapes. Traditional knowledge also often includes time-tested methods that are well suited to the local environment, such as specific planting cycles or water conservation practices adapted to seasonal weather patterns.