Global Map

Think strategically about the “critical mass” of partners you need for a successful partnership (Lesson learned)

Having multiple essential partners provides a stronger foundation for lasting action on shared water-related challenges to achieve your desired partnership outcomes. This “critical mass” of partners helps to represent different stakeholder requirements (depending on the water challenges identified) and share … Learn More

Understand the hydrology of your catchment before developing solutions (Lesson learned)

Before designing any project, understand how your local river and groundwater catchments are connected (or not) and how they feed local water supplies or ecosystems. Baseline condition data will inform a feasibility study on the project approach. Learn More

Coordinate across regions to address water challenges that cross administrative borders (Lesson learned)

Water challenges, even when experienced locally, often require solutions that address a greater catchment area. If a project is implemented locally, it may be unable to address the source of the problem. When scoping a project, anticipate both the hydrological … Learn More

When partners’ interests differ, develop a code of conduct for guidance (Lesson learned)

When a partnership is built from diverse stakeholders, each partner brings different needs and interests to the table. For example, corporations working in a basin may be primarily interested in environmental improvement as a way to protect their brand image … Learn More

Balance trade-offs between a community approach versus external project implementation (Lesson learned)

When implementing a project, consider whether to hire external contractors or engage the local community to do the work. If the project must occur quickly due to changing conditions, a professional external contractor may be best able to implement the … Learn More

Share your nature-based solution (NBS) story to raise awareness and acceptability of NBS (Lesson learned)

By sharing your nature-based solution (NBS) story, you show that it is possible to create healthy, productive landscapes where nature and people thrive in a cost-effective way. By assessing the “full value” of your NBS project and demonstrating cost savings, … Learn More

Take the lead on nature-based solutions: start with a pilot, learn from your experience, and scale up the solution (Lesson learned)

Organizations, companies, and governments have the ability to design and implement nature-based solutions (NBS) at different scales. They can start with small-scale projects within their boundaries to develop a robust understanding of the NBS, test their hypotheses, and refine their … Learn More

Sewerage Plants can actually work and not produce sludge (Lesson learned)

OXIDATION PONDS Oxidation ponds were developed during times when the populations were not as great as we are experiencing today. Water quality requirements have been strictly increased for compliance for release. Today the water compliance is close to a class … Learn More

Engage city and state government to bring theory into practice (Lesson learned)

While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global ambition, their implementation is carried out in communities. Project implementation often depends on robust engagement of municipalities. As one project strategy, consider engaging municipalities to help monitor and track implementation of … Learn More

Focus on sector-specific collective action opportunities (Lesson learned)

Different sectors face different natural resource challenges—and have access to different natural resource opportunities. Depending on the challenges your partnership faces, consider tailoring your proposed actions to engage a specific sector. Learn More