*Sensitization of women on their environmental rights on biodiversity conservation and capacity development on blue-green:

In safeguarding the ecosystem in the COVID - 19 recovery phase in campo Ma?an within the project cycle.
3 capacity building workshops were organized and 50 women were trained. , several topics were taught to the 50 women reached in Campo Ma'an. These topics aimed to enhance their understanding of their environmental rights and build their capacity in blue-green approaches to biodiversity conservation and COVID-19 recovery.
The topics covered in the workshops included:
1. Environmental rights: The workshops focused on educating women about their rights and responsibilities in relation to the environment. This included discussing national and international laws and policies that protect the environment and empower individuals to take action. Women were informed about their right to a clean and healthy environment, and how they can advocate for these rights.
2. Biodiversity conservation: The workshops provided information on the importance of biodiversity conservation and the role women can play in protecting and preserving it. Participants learned about the rich fauna and flora present in Campo Ma'an and the benefits of conserving these resources for future generations. They were also introduced to various conservation strategies and techniques.
3. Blue-green approach to COVID-19 recovery: The workshops emphasized the need for sustainable and nature-based solutions in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. Women were educated about the concept of a blue-green approach, which involves integrating nature into economic and social development plans. They learned about the benefits of this approach, such as creating green jobs, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing resilience to future crises.
4. Capacity development: The workshops also focused on building the capacity of women in various skills and knowledge areas related to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. This included sessions on waste management, sustainable agriculture practices, eco-tourism, and community-based natural resource management. Participants were provided with practical skills and tools to implement sustainable practices in their daily lives.
The workshops aimed to empower women with knowledge and skills that would enable them to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts and contribute to the blue-green recovery of Campo Ma'an. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and hands-on activities, the workshops provided a platform for women to learn, share experiences, and develop a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their environment.

The success of the capacity building workshops was evaluated based on the level of understanding and knowledge gained by the participants, as well as their ability to apply the skills and strategies learned in their daily lives.

*Community sensitization campaign (on the rich fauna and flora, Blue-Green approach to COVID 19 recovery, importance of waste management especially plastic waste) in campo man through a community radio program

During the community radio program 24 programs were produced and rebroadcasted reaching atleast 700 community members, , several topics were discussed to raise awareness among women in Campo Ma'an. These topics included:
1. Rich fauna and flora: The program focused on educating women about the diverse wildlife and plant species present in Campo Ma'an. It highlighted the importance of conserving these resources for future generations and the overall health of the ecosystem.
2. Blue-green approach to COVID-19 recovery: The program emphasized the need for sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. It discussed the benefits of adopting a blue-green approach, which involves integrating nature-based solutions into economic and social development plans.
3. Waste management: The program highlighted the significance of proper waste management, particularly the management of plastic waste. It discussed the negative impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and wildlife, and provided information on sustainable waste management practices such as recycling and reducing single-use plastics.
The community radio program had several benefits:
1. Increased awareness: By discussing these topics, the program helped increase awareness among women and community members on the importance of biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and waste management. It provided them with valuable information that they could apply in their daily lives.
2. Promoted behavior change by encouraging women to adopt sustainable practices and actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts. It helped them understand their role in protecting the environment and empowered them to take action.
Atleast 700 community members were reached during this reporting period.
The success of the community radio program can be evaluated based on feedback and participation: Positive feedback, active participation, and requests for further information or support indicate that the program resonated with women and other community members and had a positive impact on them.

*Carry out baseline survey to generate knowledge on women, gender and biodiversity conservation

A baseline survey was conducted to gather information and generate knowledge on women, gender, and biodiversity conservation. A total of 50 participants were involved in this survey.
The questionnaire used in the survey consisted of various questions related to women's involvement in biodiversity conservation, their roles and responsibilities, challenges faced by women in this field, and their access to resources and decision-making processes. Some specific questions included:
1. What is your gender?
2. Are you involved in any biodiversity conservation activities?
3. What roles do women play in biodiversity conservation in your community?
4. What are the main challenges faced by women in participating in biodiversity conservation?
5. Do women have equal access to resources and opportunities in biodiversity conservation?
6. Are women involved in decision-making processes related to biodiversity conservation?
The data collected through this questionnaire was extremely useful in generating knowledge on the relationship between women, gender, and biodiversity conservation. By analyzing the responses, researchers were able to identify the level of women's participation, their specific roles, and the challenges they face in this field.
The data also provided insights into the gender dynamics within biodiversity conservation activities, highlighting any existing gender disparities or inequalities. It helped identify barriers that hinder women's involvement and suggested potential strategies to address these issues.
Furthermore, the data shed light on the extent of women's access to resources and decision-making processes, which are crucial for effective biodiversity conservation efforts. This information can be used to advocate for equal opportunities and representation for women in decision-making bodies and ensure their voices are heard.

*Carryout 2 Inter community exchange visits to share indigenous knowledge and best practices on biodiversity conservation:

During this phase 1 intercommunity exchange visits was carried out with 20 beneficiaries to facilitate the sharing of indigenous knowledge and best practices on biodiversity conservation. These visits aimed to foster collaboration, learning, and the exchange of experiences between different communities involved in biodiversity conservation efforts.
During these visits, representatives from each community had the opportunity to visit and interact with members of another community that had expertise or successful practices in biodiversity conservation. The visits included various activities such as discussions, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations. These exchange resulted in:
Sharing indigenous knowledge: Women with rich indigenous knowledge and practices related to biodiversity conservation shared their insights, traditional methods, and cultural practices with other communities. This helped in preserving and promoting traditional wisdom and techniques that have proven effective in conserving biodiversity.
Exchange best practices, women that have implemented successful practices in biodiversity conservation shared their experiences, strategies, and techniques with other communities. This facilitated the identification and adoption of innovative approaches that can enhance conservation efforts.
Foster collaboration, the visits provided an opportunity for communities to establish connections, build relationships, and collaborate on future conservation initiatives. This collaboration can lead to joint efforts, shared resources, and collective action for biodiversity conservation.

*Capacity building on non-forest income generation activities and gender equality:

This activity included specific income-generating activities such as pig keeping, poultry farming, detergent production, and agricultural techniques. These activities were chosen based on their potential to provide sustainable income for communities without relying on forest resources. 35 women benefited from this activity.
Capacity building workshops and trainings were conducted to provide communities with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in these income-generating activities. This included training on animal husbandry practices, such as proper pig and poultry care and management, as well as training on detergent production techniques and agricultural practices that promote sustainable and efficient farming.
Efforts were also made to ensure gender equality in these income-generating activities. Women were encouraged and supported to participate in these trainings and workshops, and specific gender-sensitive trainings were conducted to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in these income generation activities. This included providing women with access to resources, training on financial management and entrepreneurship, and promoting their active involvement in decision-making processes related to these activities.
By promoting these non-forest income generation activities and ensuring gender equality, women were provided with alternative sources of income that are environmentally friendly and economically viable. This not only reduces pressure on forest resources but also enhances the economic well-being of communities and contributes to the long-term conservation of biodiversity.

*Provision of seed grants to identified vulnerable women:

The provision of seed grants to identified 10 vulnerable women was an additional component of the capacity building efforts. These seed grants were given to women who showed interest and potential in engaging in income-generating activities such as tree planting, piggery business, and poultry business.
The purpose of these seed grants was to provide initial capital and support to women who may not have had the financial means to start these businesses on their own. By providing them with the necessary resources and tools, it aimed to empower these women to become self-reliant and economically independent. For example, in the tree planting business, women were provided with seedlings of fruit trees like oranges, avocados, and coconuts. They were trained on proper tree planting techniques, care, and management. With the seed grants, they were able to purchase the necessary equipment and materials needed for tree planting, such as shovels, watering cans, and fertilizers. Similarly, in the piggery and poultry businesses, women were provided with funds to purchase piglets or chicks, as well as feed and other necessary supplies. They were trained on proper animal husbandry practices, including feeding, housing, and disease prevention. The seed grants also covered the cost of constructing suitable housing facilities for the animals.
The provision of these seed grants not only helped women start their own businesses but also contributed to the conservation efforts. Tree planting helps restore and protect forest ecosystems, while piggery and poultry businesses provide alternative sources of income that do not rely on forest resources. By specifically targeting vulnerable women for these seed grants, efforts were made to address gender inequalities and empower women in the community. This included providing them with training on financial management and entrepreneurship skills, as well as promoting their active participation in decision-making processes related to their businesses.
The provision of seed grants to identified vulnerable women was a crucial component of the capacity building efforts, as it not only supported women in starting their own businesses but also contributed to the long-term conservation of biodiversity and the economic well-being of the communities.



*End Of Project Advocacy Workshop: This activity aimed to advocate for the sustainability and continuation of the project's outcomes beyond its completion. The project team organized an advocacy workshop towards the end of the project to bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, community leaders, and representatives from civil society organizations. The workshop provided a platform for participants to discuss the importance of gender equality in biodiversity conservation and share the project's achievements and lessons learned. The workshop also focused on identifying strategies and recommendations for integrating gender considerations into future conservation policies and programs. The outcomes of the workshop were documented in an advocacy report that was shared with relevant stakeholders and used to inform future advocacy efforts.