The partnership was set up by using a multi-stakeholder approach involving a wide range of actors such as communities from the regions, private partners from Germany (Original Food), local administration and public authorities (e.g. Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority) as well as partners from civil society (NABU, GEO Protects the Rainforest) and international partners (GIZ on behalf of BMZ). The partnership took advantage of the specialized know-how and networks of its members combining knowledge about local production, international quality standards, administrative procedures, capacity development and process advice.

A cooperative structure was set up jointly with local administrations helping farmers to export the forest products. Now, the majority of smallholders is organised in cooperatives and the project partners work closely with unions to establish a quality assurance system for the supply chains.

Both the smallholders and the employees of the cooperatives and unions receive trainings to extend their knowledge and take over the tasks in the new value chains. The economic activities were accompanied by several social projects such as family planning, youth centres HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives etc.

Results of the participatory mapping and forest inventory allowed to assess forest resources and identify concrete priority options for landscape restoration in 4 zones.

Criteria for selecting priority options:

1. promote the restoration of natural forests, fragile and specific ecosystems,
2. achieve societal goals and objectives related to the conservation of biodiversity and human well-being,
3. to be implemented in the framework of existing projects in different land tenure types (protected areas, community or village forests, sacred sites),
4. limiting the fragmentation of forest areas and maintaining the connection of natural habitats.

Restoration options include the following:

1. Densely populated land (forest land, farmland, settlements): forest enrichment, agroforestry, river bank restoration)
2. Agricultural land: improved community forest management, enrichment of agroforestry systems, buffer zones around water bodies, wood energy forests
3. Dense forest, shrubland, riparian forests & savannahs: restoration of swampy savanna, riverbanks & community forests, fallow enrichment, improved pasture management
4. Wetlands, marshes, mangroves, grasslands: wetland & mangrove restoration

The inventory of natural forests and plantations was based on the participatory mapping. It covered the following steps:

1. Training of forest inventory teams

2. Definition of forest types and layers (stratification): analysis and interpretation of RapidEye 2013-2014 satellite images (resolution of 5 m x 5 m)

3. Implementation of pre-inventory: Assessment of results from national forest inventory, preparation of field work, determination of variation coefficient and statistical method, measurement of 20 circular plots. Inventory of main forest stand with a 20 m radius for samples ≥ 10 cm in diameter and ≥ 1.30 m height; inventory of forest undergrowth in circular plots with 4 m radius on trees and shrubs samples with a diameter between 5 and 10 cm open and a height ≥ 1.30 m

4. Implementation of inventory: preparation of field work, measurement of 173 circular plots with same sample plot features as during pre-inventory and with the support of local cartographers.  

5. Data processing at regional management level with support from the inventory database management unit

6. Zonation and identification of forest landscape restoration options
 

Participatory mapping was done by local communities in collaboration with the forestry administration and support by GIZ. It involved a true ‘cantonal’ approach by facilitating joint meetings between communities. They prepared their land use maps with guidance from advisors. This allowed to develop the relevant knowledge base for land use and restoration opportunities at regional scale and showed the importance of ecosystem connectivity in a landscape. Main steps of mapping:

1. Preparation: Analysis & documentation of existing information, local visits to potential restoration sites, meetings with leaders of the prefecture and a launching workshop
2. Awareness raising campaign in all 9 cantons and identification of two local cartographers per village (150 in total)  
3. Training of local cartographers in the development of participatory maps and the use of geoinformation tools including GPS  
4. Participatory mapping with 77 communities including joint identification of problems, mapping, verification and ground truthing of land use units by local experts and cartographers
5. Development of final maps, validation and return of maps to local stakeholders

Using modern communication network, Sapu Jerat campaign at Kitabisa.com opens new opportunity for local, national and international communities to get involved volunteering to protect endangered species like sumatran tiger by donating through the Sapu Jerat campaign and getting involved in clearing sumatran tiger traps in the buffer zones and national park areas.

Potential communities to be involved in Sapu Jerat campaign are Tiger Heart Community by Forum Harimau Kita, Sumatran Tiger Project advocacy communities (journalists, communication officers), artists, students, tourists, forest rangers, etc. 

Local, national and international communities involvement in Sapu Jerat Campaign should be closely coordinated with national park officials.