Subnational | PANORAMA

Experimental courtyard renovation

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.

Implementation

Monitoring

National

NoArk's Building Blocks

The building blocks of NoArk's solution are interconnected to create a comprehensive, efficient system for conservation and environmental management. Bio-acoustic and chemical sensors collect critical ecological data, while Edge AI processing ensures rapid, on-site analysis, enabling immediate detection and response. These components are supported by LoRaWAN connectivity, which facilitates reliable, long-range communication in remote areas. The processed data is centralized on the PAMS dashboard, where it is visualized and analyzed for actionable insights, fostering better decision-making.

This system is strengthened by hyperlocal climate data, which enhances precision in risk assessments and planning. Finally, community and stakeholder engagement ensures the data and tools are effectively utilized, promoting collaboration and adaptability. Together, these elements form an integrated solution that empowers conservation efforts, addresses ecological threats, and supports sustainable development.

The purpose of the building blocks in NoArk’s solution is to create an integrated and scalable system for addressing ecological, social, and economic challenges. Each building block plays a unique role and works in harmony with the others to deliver impactful outcomes.

How Each Building Block Works

1. Bio-Acoustic and Chemical Sensors
- Purpose: To monitor ecological and environmental health.
- How it Works: These sensors detect specific sounds (chainsaws, wildlife movement) and measure air and water quality, providing real-time data on biodiversity and pollution levels.

2. Edge AI and IoT Integration
- Purpose: To process data locally for faster decision-making.
- How it Works: Edge AI analyzes data directly on the devices, reducing reliance on cloud processing. IoT connectivity ensures data is transmitted securely and efficiently.

3. LoraWAN Connectivity
- Purpose: To enable cost-efficient, long-range communication.
- How it Works: LoraWAN ensures sensor data is transmitted over long distances with minimal power consumption, making it suitable for remote deployment.

4. PAMS Dashboard
- Purpose: To centralize and visualize data for actionable insights.
- How it Works: The dashboard aggregates data from all devices, providing tools for predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and decision support.

5. Hyperlocal Climate Data
- Purpose: To support precise, localized interventions.
- How it Works: Sensors generate accurate, auditable data that informs risk assessments, conservation planning, and disaster management.

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Purpose: To ensure effective implementation and adoption of the system.
- How it Works: Partnerships with local communities, researchers, and decision-makers foster collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term sustainability.

Enabling Factors

- Technological Infrastructure: Reliable sensors, robust AI, and IoT technologies enable seamless data collection and processing.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Engagement with local communities, governments, and research organizations ensures the system is tailored to specific needs.
- Scalability: LoraWAN and modular design allow deployment in diverse ecosystems and scaling to larger projects.
- Sustainability: The system’s low power requirements and stakeholder involvement ensure long-term functionality and impact.

These enabling factors ensure the building blocks work cohesively to deliver a holistic, impactful solution for conservation and environmental management.

Conditions Important for Success

1. Reliable Technological Infrastructure
- High-quality sensors, robust Edge AI, and IoT systems are essential for accurate and timely data collection and processing.

2. Strong Connectivity
- LoraWAN or similar long-range, low-power communication systems are critical to ensure seamless data transmission in remote or challenging environments.

3. Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaboration with local communities, governments, and researchers ensures the solution is contextually relevant, widely accepted, and effectively implemented.

4. Scalability and Modularity
- Designing systems that can scale and adapt to various ecosystems and environmental challenges is key to broader impact and replication.

5. Sustainability Planning
- Developing low-power solutions, clear funding strategies, and community-driven maintenance plans ensures long-term functionality.

6. Capacity Building
- Training stakeholders, including local communities and enforcement agencies, to utilize and interpret the system’s data enhances the effectiveness of the solution.

Lessons Learned

1. Adaptability is Critical
- Each deployment requires customization to address local ecological, social, and economic conditions effectively.

2. Community Involvement Drives Success
- Engaging local stakeholders early fosters ownership, increases trust, and enhances adoption.

3. Robust Data Systems Improve Decision-Making
- Providing accurate, auditable, and traceable data builds credibility with decision-makers and supports informed interventions.

4. Connectivity Challenges Must Be Addressed
- Remote deployments need reliable communication systems like LoraWAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow.

5. Integration of Multi-Sensor Inputs Enhances Impact
- Combining bio-acoustic and chemical sensors with climate data creates a comprehensive understanding of ecological challenges, enabling holistic solutions.

6. Continuous Feedback Loops Improve Performance
- Iterative updates based on field experience and stakeholder feedback optimize system performance and impact.

By meeting these conditions and applying lessons learned, NoArk’s solution ensures effective implementation and significant positive outcomes for conservation and environmental management.

PAMS Dashboard

Action research on impact on mangroves and human well-being

In collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, and Kenyatta University, a research study was initiated to quantify the impact of ICS on pollution reduction, health outcomes, and deforestation. The study aims to assess social implications related to health and savings, evaluate the contribution of efficient stoves to mangrove conservation, analyse the role of fuelwood in carbon emissions at both county and national levels, and provide actionable recommendations for short- and mid-term strategies at national and local levels.

Monitoring

Upscaling and Integration in Development Plan

Following the successful pilot in Matondoni village, there has been high demand and acceptance of the ICS, with neighboring villages and organisations seeking support. As part of the upscaling effort, 41 cookstoves were built in Pate village including Pate Primary School and involved an additional 13 trainees.

Further, the County Government of Lamu partnered with Wetlands International to install 10 cookstoves in five wards on a pilot basis. This initiative aligns with the County's Integrated Development Plan 2023-2027, which highlights the significance of cookstoves in enhancing energy efficiency. A total of 3,010 people continue to benefit from these cookstoves in Lamu.

Scoping for community needs-based intervention

A scoping survey was conducted along Kenya’s coast to identify efficient cookstove models, assess their sustainability, and recommend the best options for adoption. This survey provided insights into the need for cookstoves, suitable designs, and market considerations for effective community interventions.

Planning phase

City renewal strategy

Three-levels of a Co-living community

By implementing a three-level urban renewal strategy of shared neighborhood, shared courtyard, and shared building, the scattered and limited spaces in the Fayuan Temple area are organized.A top-down communal living system is established to solve the difficulties of residents' relocation, outdated infrastructure, and the protection and utilization of historical buildings.

Shared Neighborhood

We analyzed the activity paths of different groups of people in the Fayuansi neighborhoods. The clear functional division of different areas leads to lack of intersection among various groups, which invisibly forms social barriers and is not conducive to long-term development of the city.

In the shared neighborhood, the entire block is taken as a shared space and considered as a whole, with a management center as the core to lead the co-living system. By dispersing the public functions throughout the block, the daily life of the local residents in the block has been transformed into a distinctive experiential tourism product. Overlapping activities are happening in composite physical spaces, which generates continuous energy for the neighborhood.

Shared Courtyard

The current living condition inside the courtyards is barely acceptable. Illegal construction such as kitchens and bathrooms has become a common phenomenon and the importance of public spaces are severely downgraded. There is hardly any public spaces left other than basic transportation space.

Most of the young generations have moved out. Among the remaining residents , elderly and young children are the majority as well as some short-term tenants. The continuous reduction of vitality among the neiborhood has become an attention-grabbing problem.

While improving the overall courtyard environment, priority is given to ensuring the basic living needs of residents. This project adopts a four-step (evaluation, repair, demolition, and addition) measure of courtyard renovation. As the number of vacated households increases, existing illegal buildings will be demolished and public service facilities such as shared kitchens and shared laundry rooms will be added. These facilities will be integrated with internal courtyards and public green spaces to form a pubic core for the neighborhood.

Shared House

The vacant houses in the Fayuan Temple district are all made up with "rooms" with various ownerships. Using "room" as a basic unit for renovation is an effective way to reduce the risk of conflicts regarding property ownerships, and also flexible units can better adapt to the living needs of different types of people. By analyzing the dimensions of the courtyards, a 10-12 square-meter room unit was determined as a standard renewal module. The combination of dual and multiple units enables the possibilities for various functions such as long-term apartment, youth hostel, and Café etc.

Public participation

pre-design public participation

ISA-Internationales Stadtbauatelie

During the 2019 Beijing International Design Week, we invited the local citizens from the nearby neighborhoods to participate in the workshop of "urban additions and subtractions" in order to collect public opinions and expectations for the renovation of Fayuan Temple district.

The followings are the conclusions that we drawn from the interviews and questionnaires collected from the workshop.

For the multiple choice question of “What do you want to add to the district?” , pocket parks were selected the most by 19.78% of the participants.
Many of the citizens complained that the space within Hutong (the Alley) was cramped and lack of greenery.
The inhabitants of Hutong complained that the public restrooms and markets were relatively far, it can hardly meet the daily needs.
Many of the inhabitants expected more communication and social space within the neighborhood.
A majority of the inhabitants deemed that the amusement facilities for children and fitness equipment for the public were not sufficient.

The visitors of Hutong claimed that the hotels and recreational facilities were not sufficient to support the basic tourism needs.

District Pasture Commission-platform for involving stakeholders to discuss pasture issues

District Pasture Commission with the involvement of stakeholders

CAMP Alatoo

In the framework of the project, in terms of achieving sustainable management of forest pastures, a District Pasture Commission (DPC) was established to discuss and make necessary decisions at the level of the administrative territory of Bazar-Korgon district. The Commission consists of directors of forestry services, heads of pasture committees, representatives of the district state administration, district department of agrarian development, and members of the district association of pasture committees.

The main task of the committee is to regulate the sustainable management of pasture resources at the level of one district.

Meetings of the District Pasture Commission(DPC) are held as needed, but at least three times a year.

In the meetings of the District Pasture Commission at the district level, there are discussed urgent issues on pasture use, interaction between forest services, pasture committees and rural municipalities.

Decisions of the district pasture commission are recorded in the protocols and are required for all members of the commission.

Since the existence of the district pasture commission, many issues were discussed and decisions were made. The agenda of the DPC meeting mainly includes such pressing issues on pastures as:

The main issues of discussion at the DPC were the following:

Information on pasture capacity and grazing rates
Access to new pastures
Timing of moving cattle to SLF pastures
DPC's contribution to infrastructure development
Provision of information on pasture users by pasture committees
Allocation of pastures within forestry farms
Procedures for issuing pasture tickets
Collection and payment for pasture use
Control of animal diseases
Organization of resting places for livestock when moving to pastures
Review of the implementation of the tasks to identify problems

All decisions of the District Pasture Commission are accompanied by relevant orders from the District State Administration, which gives the activities legal status and efficiency in the implementation of the decisions.

Formally, the legal status of commission decisions is that of a ‘recommendation’, but the District Administration can issue an order to implement the DPC decisions, and that order is legally binding. The DPC therefore plays a consultative role, involving diverse stakeholders to (a) facilitate the flow of information among stakeholders, (b) represent stakeholders’ interests in consultations on the allocation of grazing rights to different communities and on pasture management plans, (c) generate consensus on allocation of grazing rights and pasture management plans, (d) resolve disputes, and (e) enable stakeholders to have oversight of the management of SFF pasture resources by the FMUs and PCs.

The District pasture commission also has limitations. First and foremost, the commission cannot significantly reduce demand for pastures in the forest areas. This is because livestock numbers and increases in livestock overall are driven by economic factors that cannot be addressed by the DPC, and there is limited opportunity to increase the supply of pastures.

At national level, there is agreement that the DPC should be effective in conflict management, demonstrate ability to make and implement decisions, and have added value in comparison to existing institutions or mechanisms. Based on the expectations of national partners for the DPC, as well as feedback from the local stakeholders, the commission has added value because:

(1) The DPC is able to convene multiple stakeholders to coordinate, negotiate, generate consensus and make decisions, whereas no other actor has the same convening power;

(2) The decisions of the DPC and orders of the district administration are mandatory for all actors to implement on district level;

(3) The DPC is able to make decisions on numerous aspects of the annual grazing cycle that require coordinated action among stakeholders.

Planning phase