Global Map

Provide partner capacity-building to create partnership sustainability (Lesson learned)

Developing partner capacity through education ensures partnerships are formed on an equal and sustainable footing. Training is a way to build partners’ capacity and understanding so that all partners can engage equally to address the water challenges that most affect … Learn More

Set partnership objectives that are measurable (Lesson learned)

Partnerships should set objectives that are transparent, objectively measurable, and can be tracked over time. Setting measurable goals helps to create and sustain momentum throughout the partnership by allowing partners to demonstrate progress while holding stakeholders accountable. Through good monitoring … Learn More

Avoid partners dependency in initiative design (Lesson learned)

Partner dependency causes the outcome of a partnership to rest on a single institution, threatening the long-term sustainability of the initiative. Programmes should be designed from a systemic perspective that includes multiple strategic partners. At a practical design level, the … Learn More

Develop social skills and capacity to complement technical interventions (Lesson learned)

Water stewardship goes beyond technical interventions. Stewardship partners must consider the capacity building of other skills including social, or “soft,” skills, especially in the context of complex water challenges. Soft skills include communication, partnership brokering, negotiation, and facilitation. These soft … Learn More

A strong partnership based on trust is important for project implementation (Lesson learned)

A strong partnership based on trust is important for project implementation and sustained success. Fostering local ownership and support for the partnership creates trust amongst project proponents and beneficiaries. A resilient, trust-based partnership can better address any challenges that arise … Learn More

Assess and bring in required technical skills to ensure project success (Lesson learned)

Depending on the project context, a water stewardship project may require specific technical skills beyond the skills already held by project partners. This is especially likely if the project falls outside the traditional realm of typical water resources management familiar … Learn More

Create sustainable partnerships by supporting existing governance structures (Lesson learned)

Partnerships can be seen as short-term catalysts for the establishment of long-term water stewardship institutions. Often, partnerships begin when stakeholders affected by water issues in a catchment or site decide to work together to address risks, threats, and opportunities. Upon … Learn More

Ensure financial stability of initiatives by reviewing multiple financing options (Lesson learned)

Financial instability poses a major challenge for many medium-term and long-term water stewardship partnerships. This instability should be mediated by seeking funding outside grant-making or donations – such as through partner contributions or revenue generating activities – and utilizing volunteers … Learn More

Maintain some flexibility in the execution of the partnership (Lesson learned)

Partnerships and projects grow or change over time, often becoming more complex than the original partners anticipated. Therefore partners should maintain flexibility for the project to change or expand during the execution of the partnership. Governance agreements should allow for … Learn More

Match short-term activities with longer-term vision (Lesson learned)

The long-term vision of a partnership may get forgotten in the day-to-day delivery of individual projects. To deliver lasting impact on the ground, focus on the partnership’s overarching goals and ensure that each activity (whether it is a baseline study … Learn More