Global Map

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

Leverage key partner competencies to ensure a successful project outcome (Lesson learned)

Partnerships that span multiple actors and sectors will necessarily span a variety of organizational competencies. As the partnership determines its goals and structure, assess both the skills needed to achieve those goals and the skills of the existing partners. Ensure … Learn More

Motivate private sector engagement by clarifying the business case for your project (Lesson learned)

When approaching private sector audiences with a new potential partnership, frame key project outcomes in terms of the business case. For water stewardship projects, be sure to alert potential partners to the cost effectiveness or return on investment for implementing … Learn More

Recruit private-sector partners by engaging with clusters of companies (Lesson learned)

Where possible, work with existing industry associations groups to engage a greater number of partners while benefiting from existing trust, relationships, and networks. Industry groups may include companies who are already highly engaged on water issues. Additionally, gaining the trust … Learn More

Strengthen a partnership by starting small (Lesson learned)

As natural resources challenges affect every facet of life, the most effective solutions are often large-scale and structural: national policies, watershed management programs, industry-wide commitments. However, a fledgling partnership must begin with a manageable goal to gain confidence, concrete results … Learn More