Subnational | PANORAMA

East and South Africa

Catalyzing Community Action for Resilient Grasslands

Neovitus

Sianga

Access & Connect with the Community

A man stands in front of a presentation projected on to a wall

Rangeland team member speaks at a community meeting

Emmily Tunuka/African People & Wildlife

Maasai man sits in a community hall with other local people

Man listens to discussion at community rangeland meeting

Emmily Tunuka/African People & Wildlife

In all of our endeavors, we deploy our signature ACTIVE™ (Access, Connect, Team, Implement, Verify, Evolve) Community Engagement approach. Guided by this community-driven and adaptive approach, we prioritize a deep, holistic understanding of the political, economic, ecological, and cultural factors that shape how each community interacts with and manages its natural resources. This ensures that our conservation efforts are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the community, creating a strong foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions. We begin with preparatory activities, including a pastoral livelihoods and rangeland management dialogue, which fosters open communication and builds trust. Focusing on understanding the unique governance structures and rangeland management practices already in place, we conduct a participatory mapping exercise to identify critical pastures used by the community and wildlife alike. A plot ID – coded with both indigenous and scientific names – is designated for each pasture and baseline quality data are collected using a customized Survey123 form for site selection and assessment. The data include both ecological metrics (e.g., grass height, soil type) and social factors (e.g., cultural significance, accessibility).

It is necessary to have an established relationship of mutual trust with the community and a thorough understanding of existing governance structures before engaging in monitoring efforts. APW seeks to recognize how different governance structures function and which decisions are made by which governing bodies. For instance, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, traditional leaders make pasture management decisions through the Ilaigwanak structure, an informal council of respected elders who serve as advisors and decision makers in community affairs, while the village government often focuses more on political decision-making. As is customary in this region, pastoralists have tremendous respect for the traditional leadership and their decisions. Abiding by decisions made by the Ilaigwanak is deeply rooted in the local culture and way of life. Support from traditional leaders is critical for the uptake and implementation of data-driven rangeland management decisions.

Prior to making any effort to effect change, APW clarifies the decision-making process and seeks inclusive participation for project implementation. Conducting stakeholder analyses is key in contextualizing natural resource management efforts. This requires flexibility, adjusting as needed to ensure data are culturally and ecologically relevant and in the service of the community. To foster support and participation from traditional leaders, APW advises the leadership on the use of routine monitoring data.

Planning phase

Subnational

https://www.africanpeoplewildlife.org/publications/community-conservation-and-c…

West and Central Africa

East and South Africa

TREES: Accompanying Research on Restoration

Katharina

Löhr

International research tandems and co-

International research stays

Synergy research

Dissemination and learning

West and Central Africa

East and South Africa

TREES: Accompanying Research on Restoration

Katharina

Löhr

International research tandems and co-

International research stays

Synergy research

Dissemination and learning

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.

East and South Africa

Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict in Namibia Through a Rapid Response Unit

Dillon

Hooks

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

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational

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.

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational

PAMS Dashboard

Building Block 2. Restoration and Environmental Actions

New Stairs

Mercy Mbogelah

Level 5

Mercy Mbogelah

The Castle

Mercy Mbogelah

This Building Block involved the following actions:

Constructing a protective gabion wall to mitigate wave action and coastal erosion.
Planting mangrove trees along the coast to stabilize the shoreline and protect against sea level rise, erosion, and storm surges.
Rehabilitating stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace which had been impacted by natural forces, specifically wave action.

These actions were informed by the assessment carried out using the CVI.

The rehabilitation of the stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace was made possible through the involvement of built heritage specialists who were invited to train the "Ruins Committee"—a group of sixteen individuals responsible for managing the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara—on how to reconstruct the palace stairs using the original materials. The training programme was facilitated by the participation of a staff member and trainer to the Stone Conservation Course organised by ICCROM in Mexico in 2018. The learnings of the course were greatly helpful in knowledge sharing during the course and in monitoring restoration activities.

The main lesson learned from these actions is the importance of integrating capacity building and nature-based solutions with traditional restoration techniques to enhance climate resilience and heritage preservation.

Implementation

Local

Subnational

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

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local

Subnational