The Natural Resources Stewardship Programme contributed to the dynamic discussions at the “Development Beyond Growth” conference, held from November 6th to 7th, 2024, in Bonn, Germany. Organized by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in partnership with the Next Economy Lab, the event provided a platform to explore transformative approaches to sustainable development within ecological boundaries.
Focusing on the theme of Development Beyond Growth, the conference brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from both the Global North and Global South. Discussions centered on how to reconcile development with ecological limits in a socially just manner that leaves no one behind. With increasing global urgency, participants examined alternative economic models prioritizing sustainability and social well-being over purely growth-driven metrics. Topics included the concept of post-growth economies and practical examples of how such approaches are being implemented at local and national levels.
Stewardship Approaches for a Just Transition
As part of the conference’s second day, a workshop on Just Transitions featured Sarah Beerhalter, Head of NatuReS, who presented the programme’s innovative multi-stakeholder stewardship approach. NatuReS operates in Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zambia, supporting partnerships between public institutions, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to collaboratively tackle challenges in natural resource management. The stewardship approach emphasizes inclusivity, engaging all relevant stakeholders to co-create and implement joint solutions that promote sustainable natural resource management while driving socio-ecological transformation. The presentation highlighted practical examples of how partnerships facilitated by NatuReS have advanced these objectives in partner countries.
Advancing Just Transitions
The “Development Beyond Growth” conference underscored the importance of collaborative, systemic approaches to ensure that the shift toward sustainable practices benefits all sectors of society. By sharing its stewardship experiences and successes, NatuReS provided compelling insights into how inclusive partnerships can pave the way for a Just Transition.
Lusaka, the bustling capital of Zambia, is a city where the demands of urban expansion, industrial growth, and the needs of surrounding catchment areas converge. As economic activities flourish, the challenge of managing natural resources in a sustainable way becomes increasingly complex. A number of key stakeholders have embraced the stewardship approach, utilizing multi-stakeholder partnerships such as LuWSI (Lusaka Water Security Initiative) to foster resilience and sustainable resource use. This collaboration space also provides opportunity for learning and cross-country exchanges, experiences, success factors and collaborative strategies among countries facing similar challenges.
The Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE): A launchpad for learning
In June 2024, Zambia hosted the Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition Conference in Lusaka, with the theme “Closing the Gap: Working towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target”. A focus session titled “Forging Resilience through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships”, supported by NatuReS, emphasized the role of stewardship collaborations in enhancing the resilience of cities and catchments. Experiences and lessons were shared from similar stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships from South Africa – UWASP (Umhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership), Tanzania – Dar es Salaam City Water Resilience Partnership as well as Zambia’s own multi-stakeholder partnership – LuWSI (Lusaka Water Security Initiative).
The session provided a platform for these partnership stakeholders to share their experiences in building collaborative frameworks to sustainably manage water resources. Participants explored strategies that have proven successful in their contexts and discussed how partnerships can align the interests of governments, businesses and communities. For Lusaka, this exchange illuminated how integrated natural resources stewardship could help the city balance its urban, industrial, environmental and social needs.
Sustainable Industries Conference in Pretoria, South Africa: Developing industrial spaces towards resilience and circular economy
Building on the momentum of the ZAWAFE, stakeholders from Zambia attended the Sustainable Industries Conference with a focus on the concept of Eco-Industrial Parks; particularly the transition towards sustainable and circular economy practices. Zambian representatives gained insights into how eco-industrial parks can minimize waste, optimize resource use, and reduce environmental impact, thus creating industrial areas that are more competitive and attractive for investment through sustainable practices. Understanding the importance of integrating social considerations, such as community engagement and worker welfare, into industrial park development.
A site visit to a local eco-industrial park provided hands-on learning about the strategies employed to achieve resource efficiency and sustainability. For Lusaka, the lessons learned are critical for shaping policies aimed at transforming its industrial areas into eco-friendly zones that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.
Stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships regional exchange – partnering towards a circular economy
The final regional exchange and learning event of the year took Zambian stakeholders to Ethiopia for a NatuReS-wide regional learning and exchange event. This event concentrated on stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships and their role in promoting circular economy. The Ethiopian experience demonstrated how supportive policies can drive circular economy practices and attract investment, the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, especially women, to participate in resource stewardship and leveraging the capabilities of businesses to drive sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and local communities.
For Zambia, this exchange provided valuable insights into how multi-stakeholder partnerships can be utilized to address key city challenges. By learning from Ethiopia’s successes and setbacks, Zambian stakeholders were able to identify strategies that could be adapted to the Zambian context.
Learn more about the regional exchange in Ethiopia.
The way forward for Zambia´s learning journey on Natural Resources Stewardship
The cross-country learning exchanges have underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable natural resources stewardship. For Zambia, the lessons learned from neighbouring countries and beyond have equipped stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to address the complex interplay between urban development, industrial growth, environmental protection and the well-being of all members of society.
The Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) Secretariat recently organized a highly engaging discussion forum aimed at fostering dialogue and action around sustainable water management in Zambia. Funded by Zambia Breweries, a private sector partner of the LuWSI partnership, and facilitated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia, this event held on the 17th of October 2024 attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, academia, NGOs, and the private sector.
The meeting focused on a major project: the proposed Inter-Basin Water Transfer (IBWT) from the Luapula to the Kafue River system—a plan designed to enhance water availability for economic activities, including power generation. Zambia is currently grappling with a severe drought which has caused energy shortages affecting industries and the livelihood and well-being of citizens. As the IBWT is a proposed solution to the water scarcity problem, this forum provided a critical space for stakeholders to voice their perspectives on the project, emphasizing the need for collaborative planning and consultation.
Key takeaways
The meeting featured a range of presentations, each shedding light on the complexities of the Luapula to Kafue IBWT project. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation highlighted the potential benefits, such as improved water security, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased power generation. However, the significant challenges, including environmental impacts, social concerns, and the economic costs of such an ambitious project were also acknowledged.
Regional and global examples of IBWT projects were presented, drawing lessons from initiatives in South Africa and China. These case studies underscored the need for careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a thorough cost-benefit analysis before proceeding. The complexity of water transfer projects often brings to light issues of social displacement, environmental degradation, and potential political tensions.
A representative from the University of Zambia emphasized the importance of research and evidence-based decision-making. The university’s involvement in ecosystem assessments and feasibility studies demonstrated how academic institutions could contribute critical knowledge to ensure that projects are not only technically feasible but also socially and environmentally sound.
Forging resilience through partnerships
The LuWSI discussion forum showcased the power of multi-stakeholder engagement in tackling complex water management challenges. By bringing together the perspectives and expertise of government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and academia, the event underscored the need for collective action to ensure sustainable water use in Zambia.
The active support of the private sector seen through Zambia Breweries demonstrated how private sector involvement can serve as a catalyst for both dialogue and concrete action. Furthermore, it highlightend how private entities can lead by example, investing in the long-term sustainability of the regions where they operate. This kind of commitment is crucial as it promotes a shared responsibility for natural resources, benefiting both businesses and communities. By backing such multi-stakeholder initiatives, the private sector can support platforms for diverse voices to come together, ensuring that interventions and projects are both sustainable and inclusive.
As the LuWSI Chairperson noted, the meeting aimed not only to foster dialogue but also to serve as a catalyst for concrete action.
As Zambia navigates the complexities of projects like the Luapula to Kafue IBWT, such collaborative efforts will be crucial in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and social equity.
Learn more about the partnership in our LuWSI video.
The Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) Programme partnership, Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH), was featured in the article “Saving Lake Hawassa from Distress“, published in the InfoNile [30.10.2024].
The Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) partnership was established in 2018 with the aim of mitigating the environmental and social risks affecting Lake Hawassa. Supported by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, stakeholders from the private, public sector and civil society work together in a participatory process to safeguard the lake and its ecosystem, ensuring sustainable economic growth in Hawassa City and the sub-catchment. The partnership engages in different activities aimed at ecosystem protection, livelihood diversification of communities and awareness raising about natural resources stewardship.
Lake Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes, faces challenges from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, which have led to increased pollution, resource over-extraction, and habitat degradation. As a critical water source and ecosystem, the lake supports local industries and agriculture, fishing, and tourism, all of which are vital to the regional economy. All members of the partnership agree ad work on joint action and solutions solutions to reduce the pressures on Lake Hawassa. Through this participatory approach, the stewardship multi-stakeholder partnership especially includes women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes and thus contribute to a Just Transition where no one is left behind.
Find more information about the partnership and its activities, read more here.
