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Stewardship Partnerships for Sustainable Natural Resources Management: Regional Exchange for a Just Transition in Economic Zones

Written by Johanna Lübbers on . Posted in Countries, Tanzania.

As part of their national development goals, many countries are expanding production zones – creating economic hubs that pose both environmental risks and opportunities for large-scale resource efficiency. But how can industrial growth happen without degrading ecosystems and vital natural resources? And how can this transition be socially just, leaving no one behind?

Better together – Partnerships for Collaborative Action on Sustainable Resource Management in Economic Zones 

Participants of the three-day regional exchange event in Dar es Salaam. ©Stefano Bianco

During a three-day regional learning and exchange event, more than 50 participants from different sectors (public, private, civil society) from NatuReS partner countries Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania came together in Dar es Salaam to shed light on these pressing questions. The consensus was clear. No actor can solve this issue alone. It needs partnerships between the public and private sectors as well as civil society to find shared solutions. Thus, it was no surprise that the event was opened with a strong call for action, collaboration, and innovation.

Balancing Industrial Growth with Environmental Stewardship in Tanzania

Representing the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Tanzania, Mr Aristides Mbwasi, Director of Investment at the Tanzania Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) spoke about the importance of balancing industrial development with environmental stewardship. He advocated for social-ecological and transformative measures and integrative solutions that promote economic growth while protecting vital natural resources. Mr Mbwasi stressed the role of sharing knowledge and best practises in order to bridge the gap between industrialization and sustainability to advance a Just Transition.

In his opening remarks, Mr Elibariki Mmassy, Basin Director of the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) in Tanzania, highlighted the urgency of integrated water management in the face of pollution, overuse, and climate change. He emphasized that water security is not only a technical issue – it is also a matter of social justice. He called for transformative solutions to wastewater management and pollution control, highlighting opportunities for private sector engagement.

Opening Remarks from Mr Aristides Mbwasi, EPZA (left) and Mr Elibariki Mmassy, WRBWB (right). ©Stefano Bianco

Water Security for Economic Zones: Lessons from Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Across the Region 

After setting the scene for the following days full of discussion and learning, participants had the chance to look beyond their own turf and explore how stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships are identifying and collaboratively addressing shared natural resources risk. Besides discussing technical solutions such as rainwater harvesting or nature-based solutions, the panellists pointed out that to overcome these challenges, private sector, government and civil society have to work hand in hand to enhance water security and sustainability. To this end, global frameworks such as the International Framework for Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) can function as a strategic lever to link commercial success with socio-ecological responsibility.

Panellists discussing water security and associated risks in economic zones. ©Stefano Bianco

Making a Business Case for Collaborative Water Stewardship

In a lively fishbowl discussion, participants discussed what makes compelling business cases for collaborative action between all sectors, identifying key drivers, enablers and challenges. Key takeaways include: 

  • Private sector must shift from profit-only models to sustainability-driven strategies, embracing compliance and innovation.
  • Public sector plays a critical role as enabler and regulator, translating policy into impactful action.
  • Financing mechanisms like impact investment or investment platforms can scale up solutions, with success measured by both economic returns and socio-ecological impact.
Participants during the fishbowl discussion. ©Stefano Bianco

From Dialogue to Action – The Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones within Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ)

The second day of the event was packed full of action with a field visit to the premises of the Tanzania Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) located within the Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ). This gave participants the opportunity to see how the Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones, which is supported by NatuReS, jointly drives activities for a socio-ecological transformation on the ground. The visit also presented the perfect opportunity for the official signing of the new partnership action plan.

Visit to the EPZA premises (left) with official signing of the Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones action plan (right). ©Stefano Bianco

Initially formed in 2018, the Partnership for Sustainable Economic Zones has achieved great results in its efforts to enhance water security within the special economic zone. 

Notable achievements and activities include: 

  • Establishing wastewater management guidelines for the zone 
  • Upgrading the sewage pumping station 
  • Introducing solid waste management systems for the zone 
  • Enhancing water use efficiency through the expansion of the Tooku Garments wastewater treatment plant and enhancement of water use efficiency

In addition to gaining insights into the collaborative strategies and actions implemented by the partnership, participants had the opportunity to visit the wastewater treatment plant of Tooku Garments, one of the largest tenants in the Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone (BWM-SEZ). The visit provided valuable learnings on the practical application of wastewater management solutions and highlighted the importance of sustainable industrial practices in that regard.

Visit to the wastewater treatment plant of Tooku Garments. ©Stefano Bianco

Addressing Water Resource Governance Challenges in Tanzania and Beyond

On the last day of the regional exchange event, participants travelled all the way to Morogoro to visit the Mindu Dam which is part of the Wami/Ruvu basin that provides the water resources for millions of people in the region.
Representatives from the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) shared the challenges they face, such as increased water usage and abstraction due to rapid population growth and industrialization, particularly in the Dar es Salaam and Dodoma areas. Pollution from upstream sources also poses a significant threat to water quality. The Board’s role is to ensure the sustainable availability of water resources to support both community well-being and national economic growth.

Visit to Mindu Dam in Morogoro. ©Stefano Bianco

Following the dam visit, participants were hosted at the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) headquarters, where they were introduced to the journey undertaken by the WRBWB, with support from NatuReS, to improve water resource management and governance in Tanzania. This included the evolution of a water permitting process, from initial concepts to the launch of the national Water Use Management Information System (WUMIS). The WUMIS system can be used both for water abstraction and wastewater discharge permits by various sectors. Participants also learned how WUMIS is currently transforming from a rather complicated, paper-based system into a digitized process that streamlines permit applications, payments, and management, thereby significantly enhancing water governance and improving water resource management in Tanzania. 

Participants in front of the WRBWB office in Morogoro. ©Stefano Bianco

Additionally, Rosemary Rwebugisa, Assistant Acting Director in the Ministry of Water, emphasized that, alongside improvements in the water governance system, it is crucial to actively involve local communities in water source protection activities. This holistic approach ensures the long-term sustainability of water resources and fosters greater community ownership and responsibility for water conservation.

The insights gained from the water governance journey in Tanzania generated significant interest among participants from Ethiopia, Zambia, and South Africa, offering valuable inspiration to explore similar pathways for enhancing water governance in their own contexts. 

Rosemary Rwebugisa during her presentation. ©Stefano Bianco

Looking Ahead: Building a Just and Resilient Future through Partnerships

The regional exchange reaffirmed that water stewardship is a cornerstone of a socio-ecological transformation, particularly within the context of economic zones and industrial development. Stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships have proven to be powerful drivers, bringing together actors from across sectors to foster transparency, inclusivity, and shared responsibility on the path to a Just Transition.

Through the power of knowledge exchange, supportive policies, and the joint implementation of innovative solutions, partner countries are advancing toward a future where healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and thriving sustainable industries are not distant goals – but shared, lived realities.

Strengthening Water Stewardship: Training on AWS Principles to Secure Zambia’s Water Future

Written by Johanna Lübbers on . Posted in Countries, Zambia.

“Water is the driving force of all nature” – Leonardo da Vinci

Water is a vital resource that underpins economic growth, human health, and environmental sustainability. Yet, alarming estimates from the World Bank warn that by 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by 40% if current practices persist. This stark reality is even more pronounced in Zambia, where a severe drought has profoundly impacted the nation’s economy, society, and environment.  

Recognising the urgency of sustainable water management, GIZ NatuReS and the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) re-invigorated the conversation on water stewardship through an Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Foundation Class on March 13, 2025. The training introduced key stewardship principles and the AWS Standard, empowering diverse water users, regulators, and city planners to implement sustainable water practices. 

AWS Foundation Class Group Photo. © GIZ

Understanding the AWS Standard

The AWS Standard is a globally applicable framework for major water users to understand their water use and impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently for sustainable water management within a catchment context. The AWS Standard promotes responsible water use that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.It achieves this by engaging water-using sites in understanding and addressing shared catchment water challenges as well as water risks and opportunities.

Private Sector Action for Water Stewardship

Participants of the foundation class gained a comprehensive understanding of the AWS framework and its application across various industries, equipping them with the tools they need to drive effective water stewardship.

A highlight of the class was a presentation from British American Tobacco (BAT), the first AWS-certified site in Zambia. BAT shared valuable insights into their certification journey, offering a practice example of how businesses can integrate sustainable water management into their operations. A key take-away was the need for good institutional buy-in at all levels from management to the technical level to successfully implement stewardship initiatives.

To bring theory to life, participants visited Zambian Breweries the following day for a firsthand look at water efficiency and circularity strategies. The visit showcased innovative approaches to water resource management and sparked further discussions on how private sector collaboration can drive collective action for water stewardship.  

Insights from the private sector. Left: Sophia Mapulanga Sawomba from British American Tobacco presenting the AWS Certification Journey. Right: Richard Zulu from Zambia Association of Manufacturers explaining opportunities to promote stewardship for their membership. © GIZ

A Call for Businesses to Move Beyond Compliance

One of the key discussions during the event centered around the potential of the AWS Standard to encourage businesses to move beyond mere compliance with regulations. Regulators often struggle with enforcement, but implementing stewardship principles can serve as a powerful tool to compel businesses to adopt sustainable water practices – a win-win for business and the regulator. By developing stewardship action plans, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their water usage and take meaningful steps to safeguard this critical resource.

Shifting towards stewardship requires a significant mindset change, but the benefits are undeniable. Beyond enhancing corporate reputation, businesses that embrace stewardship become more resilient to water-related risks and strengthen their relationships with government bodies and local communities. Proactively engaging in water stewardship can also help prevent conflicts over water access, ensuring a more stable and cooperative business environment. 

A Step Towards a Sustainable Future 

The AWS Foundation Class was a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, equipping participants with the principles, tools, and inspiration to champion water stewardship in their respective sectors. As Zambia grapples with the challenges of water scarcity, initiatives like this provide hope for a future where businesses, government and communities work together to safeguard water for generations to come.  

The call to action is clear: water stewardship is not just an environmental responsibility but a strategic imperative. By fostering sustainable practices today, we can build a more resilient, water-secure tomorrow. 

Anchoring the NRAF in Learning Institutions: Exchange and lessons learned

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

During a half-day online regional exchange on stewardship and the multi-stakeholder partnership process, 25 participants from learning institutions in Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania came together to explore the integration of the Natural Resources Risk & Action Framework (NRAF) into academic curricula.

Developed by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, the NRAF serves as a practical tool for setting up and supporting stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships. During the exchange, Dr. Adey Mersha from the Ethiopian Institute of Water Resource Module at Addis Ababa University, explained how she and her team have successfully integrated the NRAF into their curriculum.

NRAF: A Tool for building stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships

The Natural Resources Risk & Action Framework (NRAF) is a structured, five-step tool designed to help diverse stakeholders collaboratively identify, assess, and address risks related to natural resource management. Developed by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS), the NRAF guides multi-stakeholder partnerships through a systematic process of preparing, assessing, committing, acting, and scaling sustainable solutions jointly, thus promoting collaboration across sectors. NRAF provides over 25 practical tools that can be used during the partnership journey. So far, the NRAF has been applied in over 45 stewardship partnerships globally and NRAF trainings for partners from all sectors have been carried out in over 12 countries worldwide. To further disseminate the NRAF, the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme together with its partners aims to anchor the NRAF within education institutions such as the Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources at Addis Ababa University.

Integrating NRAF within Water Resources Management Modules at EIWR

The Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources (EIWR) is a higher education and research institute under Addis Ababa University. Founded in 2011 under the Africa-U.S. Higher Education initiative which later was fully integrated under Addis Ababa University’s programs, EIWR’s mission is to provide outstanding higher education programs, conduct internationally recognized research, and perform high-impact community outreach to address all aspects of sustainable development and the management of water resources in Ethiopia.

During the event, Dr. Abey Mersha highlighted the synergy between the NRAF and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Given that sustainable water management requires coordination across sectors with contrasting goals, the partnership-oriented approach of NRAF fosters exactly this cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The application of NRAF allows for a more holistic, systems-thinking approach, overcoming siloed methodologies and harmonizing diverse interests using the stewardship approach. These principles can be applied to natural resources management in general and are not only relevant for water management.

Advancing Collaborative Water Management Through NRAF

The partnership and collaboration aspects of the NRAF framework, which were previously absent, are now embedded in the coursework of two modules (Water Governance & Hydrodiplomacy (PhD level)); Water Resources Systems Planning and Management (M.Sc. level). Instead of being an additional module, the NRAF has been integrated as a core unit within these modules. As an example, whereas water resources risk management was already established within research thematic materials, now it also includes water resources action strategies, providing the foundation for the application in the real world.

In addition to integrating the NRAF into the curriculum, learners attended an awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing workshop to better understand the framework, its implications, and its applications.

Despite these advancements, incorporating a new concept into an existing curriculum remains a challenge. Formal academic processes often require extensive approval procedures. However, ongoing curriculum revisions provided a valuable entry point in the case of EIWR, allowing to integrate NRAF without disrupting existing structures.

A tool proven to work in different contexts

The exchange also shed light on the practical benefits of NRAF for practitioners in other contexts. NRAF has been applied in over 45 stewardships partnerships globally with different thematic foci. Good practice examples from the application of NRAF tool such as the stakeholder analysis or the risk and opportunity assessments were given from the Partnership for Circular Value Chains in Addis Ababa.

Recognizing the NRAF´s practical approach and relevance for development activities, Hawassa University has taken steps to mainstream NRAF within community outreach programs. By applying the framework to real-world projects, institutions hope to enhance sustainability and impact.

Mr. Mulugeta Dadi Belete, Professor at Hawassa University and former NatuReS colleague Dr. Natahalie Richards, have jointly published a research paper on the topic of environmental stewardship using the example of the Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership in Ethiopia, further highlighting its significance.   

Future Prospects: Training and Wider Adoption

The regional exchange and learning event provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences, fostering connections, and gaining insights from one another. As learning institutions continue to integrate the NRAF into their curricula, they can draw on key lessons from the Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources (EIWR) to enhance their approaches. The exchange reaffirmed the vital role of collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing sustainable natural resource management. The NRAF has proven to be a powerful tool for partners, practitioners, and learners alike, strengthening stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships and driving collective action toward a more sustainable future. As more institutions take on the opportunity to adopt the NRAF, it has the potential to shape the next generation of professionals equipped to tackle natural resource challenges through collaborative and practical approaches.

If you are interested to learn more about the NRAF and its application, please reach out!

Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships 

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

The Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II is a regional project which facilitates Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (SMSPs) as an instrument for consensus-building processes in areas facing significant resource use pressure (e.g. economic zones).

Women’s Role in Resource-Intensive Sectors in Ethiopia  

In Ethiopia, women make up much of the workforce in resource-intensive sectors like textiles, waste management, and agriculture. However, they have historically been excluded from decision-making processes. The NatuReS program prioritizes women as a key focus group, aiming to strengthen partnership members’ understanding of their roles, rights, and needs—along with those of other marginalized groups—within Just Transition processes towards a more socially just and environmentally sustainable economy.

The Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) Partnership

Through the Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) Partnership, NatuReS endeavors to address the pressing challenges posed by factors such as land degradation and insufficient waste management, while promoting sustainable practices that safeguard environmental integrity and social well-being. Central to this endeavor is the recognition of gender equality and social inclusion as foundational principles for achieving meaningful and lasting impacts.  

Challenges Faced by Women and Marginalized Groups

In the Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership, as in many similar initiatives across the country, women and marginalized groups continue to face systemic obstacles in fully participating in decision-making processes and benefiting from development interventions. These challenges undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of efforts for a transition to a climate-friendly economy. Existing legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms aimed at promoting gender equality in Ethiopia provide a foundation for addressing these disparities. However, gaps remain in translating these policies into tangible outcomes on the ground.   

Female community members discussion on horticulture production and environmental management. ©Ephrem Tesema, Dugda District (Ziway Watershed)

Bridging the Gap: Training for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Therefore, NatuReS partnered with the local NGO Tamra for Social Development to develop and implement a targeted training program that equips stakeholders and partners of the PLH partnership with the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate gender equality and social inclusion principles effectively into their institutions and activities within the partnership.

The training content was developed based on an initial capacity gaps assessment among stakeholders of the Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership, regarding the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

Group exercise during gender equality and social inclusion training. ©Tamra for Social Development

Training Objectives and Key Focus Areas

In December 2024, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) training sessions were conducted in Hawassa, organized in two rounds. 34 participants from PLH partnership member organizations from public, private, and civil society institutions participated in the trainings. Each round had 17 participants, with a balanced representation of men and women (7 female and 10 male; 8 female and 9 male).

The primary goal of the GESI training was to foster gender equality and social inclusion within the participants’ organizations. The trainings aimed to:

  • Provide a deep understanding of gender concepts relevant to sustainable natural resources management.
  • Analyze the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups in Just Transition processes.
  • Equip participants with skills to devise action plans and strategies for mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion.
  • Teach stakeholder mapping and SWOT analysis for internal and external assessments.
  • Develop individual action plans for GESI-related activities.
Group exercise during gender equality and social inclusion training. ©Tamra for Social Development

Training Methodology and Engagement

The sessions covered essential topics on:

  • Basic Gender Concepts and Gender Analysis
  • Rights-Based Development Approach (RBDA)
  • Stakeholder Analysis and Diversity Inclusion Processes
  • Setting GESI indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Community Resources Mapping and Action Plan Preparation

Training techniques included role play, group exercises, debates, and visual aids. The training environment was designed to foster collaboration and practical application of the concepts learned. Participants engaged in group discussions, provided feedback, and shared their experiences, which enriched the learning process.

Group picture of training participants. ©Tamra for Social Development

Evaluating the Impact of GESI Training

The training sessions were evaluated through pre- and post-training tests, as well as participant feedback. The evaluations indicated a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of GESI concepts. Participants appreciated the interactive nature of the training and its practical relevance to their work. They expressed that the training empowered them and provided clear guidance on applying the skills learned.

“The training approach is unique and full of interactive exercises, energizer and role plays etc. The content is very important. We had a lot of information within three days which is useful for us to know more about GESI and the challenges facing the Hawassa Lake in general” (training participant).

Expanding GESI Training to Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin

As a next step, in the second half of March 2025, an additional 40 people from stakeholder institutions of the Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin Multi-Stakeholder Platform will receive this training. NatuReS is supporting the facilitation of this platform, and building on the experiences gained in Hawassa, will continue to foster awareness and co-develop actionable work plans to address the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups in collective action for environmental stewardship in Ethiopia.