Remarkable Survival Rate of 2022/2023 Plantings
Scaling Up GearBank: Research Insights and the Path Forward
Empowering Communities, Advancing Conservation with GearBank!
Written By
Global Mangrove Trust
As the GearBank pilot progresses in four villages in North Sumatra—Halaban, Pulau Kampai, Salahaji, and Pangkalan Siata—early findings indicate strong community interest and promising engagement from former loggers exploring alternative livelihoods. Field teams have successfully conducted socialization meetings, building trust and fostering enthusiasm for the initiative. However, key research questions remain as we refine the model for a larger-scale rollout.
Engaging Local Stakeholders
To ensure GearBank aligns with community needs and local policies, field teams have been actively engaging with local governments and village authorities. These meetings have served as a platform to introduce GearBank’s objectives, gather insights on local regulatory challenges, and secure support for implementation. Government representatives have expressed interest in how GearBank can contribute to sustainable fisheries and local economic development, reinforcing the program’s long-term viability.
Strengthening Women-Led Enterprises
A key component of GearBank is empowering women-led cooperatives to manage fish processing and marketing. To support this, we have conducted multiple enterprise management trainings across different villages, equipping women with skills in financial planning, product development, and cooperative governance. These sessions have laid the groundwork for stronger community-driven businesses that will play a central role in GearBank’s future expansion.
Data-Driven Insights for Scalability
Field teams are closely monitoring behavioral shifts, tracking participant engagement, and assessing economic feasibility. Data collection efforts—managed through Kobo Toolbox—are focused on off-take deliveries, production volumes, and sales performance. Early observations indicate that tangible economic benefits will be crucial for building sustained commitment.
Seeking Support for Scale-Up
While the pilot has demonstrated strong early momentum, additional funding is required to scale GearBank’s impact. Expanding into five new villages will directly support women-led cooperatives and target 120 former loggers transitioning to sustainable aquaculture. This next phase will strengthen local economies, enhance conservation efforts, and provide critical insights for optimizing the business model.
As we refine our approach based on pilot data, we invite funders, research partners, and conservation-focused organizations to support this critical expansion. Investing in GearBank means investing in climate resilience, economic empowerment, and sustainable conservation. The early results are promising—now is the time to build on this momentum.
Written By
Global Mangrove Trust
