Author: Paige Hellbaum Eikeland, GRID Arendal

The Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation (CAMCA) project, funded by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI), targets the conservation of three CMS species: Bukhara Deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), and Argali (Ovis ammon), as well as the Asiatic Ibex (Capra sibirica), Tian Shan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus), and Tian Shan Maral (Cervus canadensis songaricus). Local CAMCA partners in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan worked hard in 2023 to put into action the "Open Standards" methodology, a powerful, evidence-based approach to adaptive management.

The first stage, developed by Conservation International (CI) in 2004 and updated in 2020, entails developing a "situation model." We talked with Kenje Sultanbaeva of the Ilbirs Foundation and Mirzo Mirzoev of the Tajikistan Nature Foundation about their experiences.

Situation models, as described by Kenje, are "a roadmap that simplifies the understanding of complex relationships. It's a visual tool, like a cause-and-effect diagram, that illustrates the connection between various actions and their outcomes.”  In essence, this diagram represents a snapshot of what is going on at the project site, highlighting the main forces (or drivers) influencing biodiversity. Participants ask three questions after selecting measurable targets and identifying threats:

1) What is the cause of the threat?

2) Who is directly or indirectly involved?

3) Why is it happening?

Mirzo sums it up like this: “These conceptual models describe the project area and target species/objectives, along with threats, drivers, possible solutions, and opportunities to mitigate threats. The conceptual models then illustrate the relationship between all these elements.”

It should come as no surprise, then, that ecosystems and the human systems with which they interact can be quite complicated! Both the process and the final diagram ultimately reflect this complexity, and all the colored boxes and arrows can be overwhelming to the untrained eye. Mirzo confirms this when discussing his first encounter with Open Standards. “Our first impression was that Open Standards training takes a lotof time, but our workshop only lasted 2 days! During the training, we developed a situation model for a hypothetical project. The trainer assisted us, and it appeared to be an easy process. We thought we could create our situation model quickly and easily at the time. But without a trainer, we learned how challenging it can be when applied to a real-world project.” Kenje adds, “One of the biggest challenges we faced was understanding which driving factor was having the most impact on a single outcome. For one outcome, such as habitat loss, there could be 10 different drivers that are all contributing.”

The situation models show not only how complicated the system is but also a long-term collaborative effort. Kenje emphasises that the final situation model was the result of teamwork, both with her colleagues at the Ilbirs Foundation and with other CAMCA partners, such as CAMP Alatoo (also based in Kyrgyzstan and featured in this CAMI newsletter article). “ As the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect’ and our joint efforts have enhanced our skills and proficiency over time.” Mirzo and his team also got useful feedback from other project partners. “Earlier this year, other countries presented their first version of the conceptual model online, which led to the first exchange of experiences. This meeting gave us the opportunity to learn where we could improve.” Meetings with local communities and other stakeholders were also crucial in gathering their perspectives. Mirzo said, “We realized the importance of getting and analyzing information in a timely manner, with the involvement of as many stakeholders and local people as possible.” Kenje added, “Consulting with local stakeholders and taking their ideas into account helped us figure out which driving factor has the biggest impact.”

Finally, situation models help set priorities and find the most effective conservation and restoration strategies. “The next step is to implement the interventions that were identified and developed using the models,” Kenje says. “Moving forward, our organization will make greater use of this tool. The models will help our team  develop stronger interventions. They will also make it easier to explain complex information to stakeholders and government officials about what we are doing and why it will make a difference, resulting in increased local support.” Mirzo’s team also intends to meet with stakeholders soon to obtain their approval and discuss next steps. “Upon the situation model is completed, we will present it to the relevant stakeholders, including the protected area administration and the involved communities, so they can validate it and approve the proposed conservation strategies.”

When asked if they had any advice for others considering using this tool, Kenje says, “I would tell them to go slow and not be afraid to constantly revise their model. The first model our team developed is vastly different from our current model. It is supposed to be done over time, not all in once, and then never updated again. So, give yourself plenty of time and seek out a variety of viewpoints on your model.” Mirzo also suggests planning ahead of time to get the most out of the training. “I would recommend participating more in trainings because there is a lot to be explained, and the trainers demonstrate and explain each step in developing a situation model in real-life scenarios.” In addition, I would suggest collecting more information about the conservation target ahead of time in order to accurately reflect the situation.”

To find out more about the CAMCA project, which operates under the CAMI initiative, please visit www.camcaproject.org for more information.