The final phase of the “The Social, Ecological, and Agricultural Resilience in the face of Climate Change”-(SEARCH) project focuses on the implementation of pilot projects as a result of the social and ecological vulnerability assessments that were conducted in the earlier phases of the project.
The assessments presented Aydamoun- Karmchbat as the most vulnerable area when compared to Qobayat and Andeket and thus, needs urgent support. In this regard, the implementation of the pilot projects took place in this village.
After the pilot projects were successfully implemented in the study area, the local community were perceived to possess limited knowledge and awareness about water-use, water conservation, forestry and climate change. The misuse of natural resources (including water and forest) was highlighted as a major problem. All this has been identified in consolidation between the local and national committees, where all stressed the need to raise awareness of the local community in relation to climate change, water and other environmental issues.
In order to fill this knowledge gap, another pilot project was suggested in the frame of the SEARCH project which resulted in the development of an educational program for Hima Upper Akkar as well as an educational booklet. The program aided to provide awareness, education and training on climate change water related issues, and forest conservation through conducting training workshops, outdoor activities, presentations, and much more. In addition, the material used and the lessons learned were documented in the following developed educational booklet. The development of this educational booklet is of great importance as it targets the local community including women, children and farmers who are seen as the most sensitive and influential groups. These users will acquire the knowledge, skills and tools needed to address water issues, climate change impacts and forest related issues. This booklet can also be used as a guide for teachers who will learn the approaches used and apply them with their students. The implemented activities focus on the main learning outcomes. This interactive way of teaching is the core of the booklet and the SNOW program, which was adapted to fit all members of the local community including children, women, and farmers. This highlights the flexibility of the program where no age limit, gender or any other limiting factor can interfere with the learning process.
