Engineering the Production of Compostable Menstrual Pads Using Plant-Based Fiber as the Main Absorbent Core

Located along the western coast of Taiwan, Chenglong Wetlands was originally farmland. Since 1986, multiple typhoons have caused levee breaches and seawater intrusion, leading to farmland abandonment and its gradual transformation into grassy wetlands. Through joint efforts by the government, academia, civil groups, and local communities, the wetlands have been preserved as habitats, for water purification, and for disaster prevention. Environmental education and art have further revitalized community culture, creating a landscape that blends human and natural elements.
The Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency introduced the concept of Socio-ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) and organized resilience assessment workshops (RAWs) centered on community residents. These workshops assessed environmental, economic, and social resilience, clarified key local issues, and explored ways for economic activity and ecological conservation to coexist, embodying the spirit of a Satoumi community.

This initiative is part of the Sparsa Solution, a Nepali non-profit organization that locally produces and distributes compostable menstrual pads with an absorbent core made from banana fiber.
The Sparsa business model, rooted in gender responsive entrepreneurship and strategic market access to ensure the sustainable distribution of biodegradable menstrual pads. As a nonprofit social enterprise, Sparsa integrates ongoing market evaluation, seasonal hiring practice, and active user committees at both factory locations to enhance responsiveness and community ownership. 

The model emphasizes adaptability across diverse geographic and cultural contexts and explores innovative marketing strategies such as distribution through women’s groups and community leaders. Internal and external feedback sessions are conducted to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Strategic efforts include building a four-year financial plan, conducting market research and forming strong partnerships with NGOs, municipalities, schools, hostels

The Jiangsu Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve has the largest and most intact intertidal ecosystem on the western coast of the Pacific and the eastern edge of the Eurasian continent. It serves as an important stopover for water birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and protects the largest wild red-crowned crane wintering population in China. Over the past 40 years, the reserve has carried out extensive work in coastal wetland and wildlife protection, scientific monitoring and research, publicity and nature education, and the transformation of the value of ecological products. It has continuously improved its construction and management level, made unremitting efforts in the practice and demonstration of protection, development, and support functions, and effectively protected the biological and cultural diversity within the area. It plays an important role in maintaining ecological security and showcasing ecological image.

IPCC recognizes seagrass beds, salt marshes, and mangroves as the three primary blue carbon ecosystems. Taean National Park features a diverse coastal environment  including salt marshes, coastal sand dunes, and seagrass beds. These habitats support a variety of species that are specially adapted to these environments. These areas are ecologically significant both as critical habitats and natural carbon sinks. However, ongoing coastal development and increasing visitors have led to continuous degradation and a reduction in their area due to human activities.

In the past, fishery by-products were classified as general waste. Improper disposal practices, including illegal dumping and uncontrolled accumulation along the coast, resulted in marine pollution, foul odors and decay. To address this issue, legislation was enacted to promote the recycling  of fishery by-products. In line with this initiative, the park launched a pilot project to restore salt marshes and reinforce the coastline using recycled oyster shells.

Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) and Dipterocarpus macrocarpus are among the most logged and traded tropical timbers in Southeast Asia due to high demand from the luxury furniture market. Extensive illegal logging and trade have led to local extinction or severe population declines across its range. In response, we propose a community-based conservation program in the Central Annamites, Vietnam. The initiative includes establishing community nurseries, replanting rosewood in known habitats, and protecting remaining mature mother trees through the creation of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in community forests. This integrated approach will safeguard vital seed sources, support long-term species recovery, and actively engage local communities. In doing so, it will also create alternative income streams through seedling production, participation in restoration efforts, and access to carbon credits and other green financing opportunities.

Clean and healthy waters are vital for human health, food security, reversing nature loss, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Yet rivers, lakes, and coasts are under threat, affecting life on Earth and sports like Rowing, which depend on these ecosystems. To take action, World Rowing deepened its partnership with WWF International by launching the Healthy Waters Alliance, shifting from awareness to impact. The Alliance unites World Rowing and WWF communities to co-create and deliver projects that protect and restore waters essential to rowers, wildlife, communities, and economies. Projects can be initiated by National Rowing Federations, clubs, athletes, event organisers, or local WWF offices. The Healthy Waters Alliance Guide outlines the process for collaboration. In 2024, the Italian Rowing Federation and WWF Italy launched a seabed clean-up with a local NGO, and clubs joined Adopt a Beach, tackling plastic pollution. In 2025, Ambassador Martin Helseth led a clean-up of the Oslo fjord with clubs, NGOs & WWF.