Global Map

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

Regularly monitor and evaluate project progress (Lesson learned)

Regular monitoring and progress evaluation is necessary to determine the final outcome of a project. This monitoring must occur during the project so that focal areas can be changed if necessary, as well as upon project completion to evaluate its … Learn More

Consider a balance of different funding sources when preparing for and maintaining projects (Lesson learned)

Consider a balance of different funding sources when initiating and maintaining projects. Admittedly, without confirmed funding, it may be difficult to convince partners to come on board. However, the type and distribution of funding can impact the longer-term sustainability and … Learn More

Design long-term financial viability of any partnership beyond initial funding (Lesson learned)

Designing the long-term viability of the partnership beyond initial funding requires specific investment in partnership development. This long-term focus is as important as achieving the project objectives. When designing the start of the partnership, envision how the organisation will sustain … Learn More

Engage partners from diverse sectors to build solutions that address complementary social environmental and economic issues (Lesson learned)

Social and economic issues are often connected to environmental challenges. To engage the right partners, funding sources, and project strategy, understand the potential broad impacts of your project before designing any partnership. Win support from key stakeholders by framing water … Learn More

Focus on outcomes not outputs – be open-minded in your approach where possible (Lesson learned)

Focus on the longer-term outcomes needed, like behaviour change or new livelihoods, not just outputs like infrastructure or training. Even well-designed projects may encounter previously unseen challenges or opportunities and will require a flexible approach. A project or partnership that … Learn More

Frame project strategically from the start (Lesson learned)

Conceptualizing the project approach is very important at the start of the project scoping phase. This is particularly true when considering what implementation approach will best deliver the outcomes of the proposed project. Implementation choices largely depend on the approach … Learn More