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Tag: stewardship

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.

Water security for all in the uMhlathuze catchment

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, South Africa.

The uMhlathuze catchment in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region faces critical water security challenges, encompassing both quantity and quality issues. These challenges are closely tied to land use activities such as mining, agriculture, and industry, which put significant pressure on water resources. Unregulated overuse further exacerbates the situation, compounded by the impacts of climate change.

The severity of these issues became even more evident during the 2016 drought, which severely reduced water availability in the catchment. The drought had a profound impact on the Goedertrouw Dam, a vital water source for the uMhlathuze region, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.

The Goedertrouw Dam in the uMhlathuzte Catchment. © Jasper Anhede

UWASP: A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Water Security in the uMhlathuze Region

This led to the creation of the uMhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership (UWASP), established to tackle water security challenges in the uMhlathuze region. The partnership focuses on improving water management and availability through collaborative resource management while enhancing livelihoods through strategic climate adaptation initiatives.

UWASP was formed by key stakeholders, including GIZ’s International Water Stewardship Programme (IWaSP)—now the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS)—alongside the National Business Initiative (NBI), Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Prominent local businesses such as Tongaat Hulett, Mondi South Africa, Grindrod, Transnet, and Richards Bay Minerals, as well as government entities like the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Pongola-uMzimkhulu Proto-Catchment Management Agency, also played an integral role in its formation.

By unlocking the value of water, the partnership delivers social, economic, and environmental benefits. The partnership´s vision is an “effectively managed uMhlathuze catchment that supports water security for all”. To realize this vision, UWASP adopts a collaborative and inclusive approach, fostering consensus among stakeholders to develop shared solutions and actionable strategies to address critical water resource challenges.

Building Climate Resilience in the uMhlathuze Catchment

The UWASP is advancing a five-year strategy (2024 –2029) to strengthen climate resilience in the catchment by enhancing water governance, improving service delivery, and fostering green economy skills. Key focus areas of the strategy include :

  • Enhancing the management of the freshwater coastal lakes and surface water dams that provide for the needs of uMhlathuze’s population.
  • Supporting water use efficiency and reducing water loss amongst downstream users.
  • Facilitating agricultural water stewardship and irrigation efficiency.
  • Securing ecological infrastructure through invasive species clearing and wetland rehabilitation.
  • Developing community water-related champions, entrepreneurs and micro enterprises.

To support these efforts, NatuReS, WWF, and NBI partnered with GroundTruth to conduct a scoping study to assess the feasibility of grey-green infrastructure project interventions to address water security challenges in the uMhlathuze catchment. The project aimed to contribute to the overall strategic vision and the five-year focus areas of UWASP by increasing the climate resilience of the uMhlathuze catchment to water-related climate change impacts, whilst addressing environmental and socio-economic development challenges in the catchment. Therefore, the scoping study evaluated the financial, social, economic and ecological feasibility of grey-green infrastructure interventions in the uMhlathuze catchment areas.

Proposed Grey-Green Interventions: Key Outcomes of the Study

Melmoth Dams: Melmoth Dams are a key water supply for the eMthonjaneni area for domestic and industrial use. The following interventions were proposed to improve the water quality and quantity of downstream users in the catchment; (i) the removal of the problematic bush encroachment, Invasive Alien Plants removal, (ii) improved buffer zone management and (iii) re-vegetation of indigenous trees/vegetation.

Nkandla Landfill Site and Cemetery: The ‘Inkandla Landfill Site’ is located in the Nkandla local Municipality and includes the landfill and the wastewater treatment ponds. The following interventions were proposed as measures to preserve the health of the Goedertrouw dam; (i) enhancement of the existing wastewater treatment facility and (ii) enhancement of ecosystem services within the receiving freshwater ecosystem

Empangeni Catchment Management: This site focuses on the Mpangeni, Niwe and Ndabayakhe Lake, which flow directly into the uMhlathuze River. These lakes provide key ecosystem services for the Empangeni catchment including flood attenuation, sediment trapping and water for domestic use. The proposed interventions include (i) sustainable management of agricultural activities around the lake,(ii) management of inflow streams into the lakes through  litter booms and sediment fences in upstream channels, and (iii) freshwater management which can include clearing of invasive alien plants  and improving stormwater management.

Integrating Green Infrastructure for a Just and Inclusive Future

© Jasper Anhede

In addition to enhancing ecological outcomes, these interventions also tackle socio-economic challenges, contributing to a broader socio-ecological transformation. This transformation embodies a shift toward harmonizing economic development with social and environmental goals, exemplified by the expansion of the green economy and the growing emphasis on integrating green infrastructure with traditional grey infrastructure.

Harnessing the benefits of green infrastructure also plays a key role in supporting a Just Transition, i.e. greening the economy in a way that is equitable, inclusive and just for all actors of society. For the identified sites this could, for instance:

  • Socio-economic opportunities for surrounding local communities: The surrounding communities are characterised by high poverty levels and high levels of unemployment. Creating opportunities in the restoration economy (e.g. alien invasive clearing, management of bush encroachment, and rehabilitation of wetlands) will create new socio-economic benefits including for example job creation and capacity development, especially for the most vulnerable groups of society.
  • Social security – Strengthening the resilience of communities, particularly vulnerable groups in low income and informal settlement, through the creation of income generation opportunities and capacity building.
  • Climate adaption and resilience – Restoration of the wetland ecosystems will improve water security for downstream water users, and enhance water supply for everyone, especially for vulnerable groups. It will also enhance the flood attenuation capacity upstream, which will help to buffer the settlements from floods.
  • Sustainable urban development – Enhancing the functioning of ecosystems in the catchment will introduce a level of holistic development by harnessing green and grey infrastructure, which could become an opportunity for the municipalities to replicate and up-scale

What´s next?

As a next step, these results will now be further unpacked by UWASP to design interventions for these sites and find potential funders for them to support a water secure and socially inclusive future for the uMhlathuze catchment.

Development Beyond Growth: Global and Local Perspectives on Just Transitions

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

Opening of the Development Beyond Growth: Global and Local Perspectives on Just Transitions conference. ©Emilie Schuster

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.