WET Implementation Partner workshop reportback - June 2010

Implementation Partner Workshop

The design process starts with an outline of the Vision and Mission of Wet-Africa.org

• Vision : Clean rivers from source to sea, sustainable job creation, return of wildlife, support of a healthy, un-threatened environment, return of pride and wonder in our surrounds
  Mission : Ignite the human soul, educate, especially the youth, to restore the critically endangered rivers of Africa to health from source to sea.

Using the Organising Principles provided by Wet-Africa's Vision and Mission, participants answer a series of structured questions about the Goals, Stories, Resources, Style, Values, Rules, Roles and Rituals of Wet-Africa. This helps appreciation of the 'big picture' as participants engage the questions. The following responses we provided by the Wet-Africa Implementation Partners at the workshop on June 7th at the Johannesburg Zoo education centre and represent the agreements reached collectively:

E. GOALS What do we intend this project to achieve?

look at entire catchment, see the system as a whole
sustainable development
improved water quality
all shareholders to take responsibility for their shared environment
to keep the river clean
develop nodes of excellence, branches of clean river and community upliftment that strategically link to contribute to overall river health
educate the youth (most bad habits (i.e. Littering)) start at early age and at home
jobs – to recycle the can in the river
to bring together the parts to make a whole
each playing their specific role and living their dream within the Wet-Africa platform
develop pride in the place where we live and surrounds
to showcase that a team of people with a well-defined goal can make a positive change in the world.
Awareness
A reconnection to the soul of mother earth
To educate the community about waste management
Sustainability
roll out projects into Africa and the globe
role models and leaders
a secure and healthy future for all
happy children enjoying a vital aspect of life on earth
that everyone involved can give all their knowledge and experience to the project.
to rescue rivers and environment from pollution and crime and create a natural heritage for future generations
create sustainable activities that combine conservation-mindedness with job creation
create stretches of riverine conservancies with tourism potential and featuring [khaki-uniformed] rangers on horses, tour-guides and field guides escorting school groups, corporate groups, tourists along magnificent nature trails, featuring a wealth of indigenous fauna and flora, birdlife and not a speck of rubbish in sight!

SE. What are the stories that Wet-Africa needs to tell to stakeholders and the community?

not only bad news
we are never given a challenge we cannot rise to
a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world, in fact it is the only thing that ever has
that if we don't save our rivers and waters from pollution, future generations will suffer the problems of climate change
create employment opportunities for the community – especially women and youth
all points of view, perspectives and opinions are valuable
the river is our lifeblood – if it dies, we die
what dreams (night-time ones) have we had about this project?
to clean the river is important, because other people are using the same water downstream
we made the difference
invested in our future
good outcome of collaborative efforts
drop by drop we save our rivers
nature heals and sustains us
empowering stories that enthuse ordinary people to take control of their destiny and environment
abundant Resources
don't despise the days of small beginnings
the fact that many people will be saved
drinking the water or walking home near a river will no longer be a life or death situation
stop littering – if it lands on the ground, it ends up in the river. Dirty river = death of river + people. Clean river = safe environment = precious natural resources
how does nature's story intertwine with ours? All things are possible.
community-based and owned
multi-stakeholder initiatives have the greatest possibility of success
honest, ethical and prepared to work hard to achieve sustainable goals. VIVA Wet-Africa, VIVA!

S. Resources (what resources do we need to play this really well?

shared understanding of the consequences of our actions and inactions
The will to begin
The ability to dream
The courage to be the first to realise those dreams
Media coverage / esposure
Funding / Donors > money
Volunteers
Teamwork
Enthusiasm
Technique & technical know-how
Education
Skill
Knowledge
Goodwill
Go-together attitude
Injections of money
We most of their resources already
Human resources
Water (Rivers)
Corporate government buy-in
Corporate responsibility taking for what they create
Scribes and storytellers to tell the story and be heard
Building materials
Transport
Builders and transporters
Food and fuel
Materials

SW. What is our style?

Creative
Collaborative
Innovative
Passionate
Skilled
Visionary
Motivating
Dynamic bold, innovative, determined to lead by example
Ethical
Kind
Inspirational
Energetic
Ethical – honest & responsible
Accountable
Professional
Humble
Futique open to new solutions (the opposite of antique)
Inspiring and compassionate
Enjoyment
Roles and responsibilities
Commitment
Togetherness
Open to dreams / otherworldly
Warm and caring
Community oriented
Gatvol of environmental abuse
Determined to make a difference

W. What values do we need to play this game really well?

Revelations 11:18
Good personal connections
Love and gratitude for the river and nature
Feedback mechanisms and co-operation
Wonder, grattitude, persistence and humout
Compassion
Mannerisms
Perseverance
Customer-oriented
Creativity
Integrity
Kindness
Resilience
Determinations
Bravery
Communication
Awareness
A love of knowledge and its wise use
Planning ability
Commitment
Ability to combine skills and compliment one another
Teamwork
Humility
Yielding to each other
Appreciation for the environment
All for nature
Openness to and respect for diversity
Intelligence
Co-ordination
Equality
Love of people and the environment

NW. What are the rules and patterns of success?

Research, archiving, documentation, peer-reviewed
Accountability
Transparency
Agency
Honesty
Great communication skills
Financial accountability
Co-operation
Intent (good or bad)
Perseverance
Planning
Motivation
Education
funding
marketing
diligence
empathy
respect
open-mindedness
humility
curiosity
passion
adaptibility
evaluation
observant
identify opportunities
listening skills
intensity of purpose
integrity
trust
feedback
mission
wisdom (knowledge, know-how and expertise)
once successful, do downplay ie. No bragging or putting people down because you have achieved more
allocate clean responsibilities then support those responsible
spending lots of time outside by the river, even if your role is finance

N. What roles are necessary to make this happen?

educators
team leaders
financiers / funders / donors
scientists
environmentalists
passionate field workers.
co-ordinators
administrators
ambassadors
activists
local knowledge holders
religious leaders
youth
community leaders
artists
tea-makers
mothers
communication facilitators
special interest group initiatives
patrolling, monitoring, recording & reporting
government
entertainers
river guardians
visual recorders of all information
designers & cheerleaders
community that is willing to learn and co-operate
BUILT professionals
anyone who contributes, no matter how small
planners
strategists
activities
workers
mentors
role models
leaders
teachers
carers
inspirers
river health and management
doctors / experts
uplifters
poets, Sangomas, sceptics and visionaries
patrons
government and endorsers
reinforces of mental lifestyle change

NE. How and under what circumstances do we celebrate success?

when we win the game!
we dance and shout!
if our goals and objectives are achieved (circumstances) how – observing and recording positive results happening
communicating
spreading awareness of achievements
encouraging more success to follow
encouraging more players to get involved and climb on board
when there is big success of failure to re-energise and re-commit
when the river flows clean and sparking and usable for pleasure and our connection to nature
when children are able to play and swim in rivers without risk of contracting some disease
when we live in harmony with nature
when we can teach others from our successes
enlightening even one human being is reason enough to celebrate
celebrate every small success
recognise and support, congratulate and laugh with all concerned
commit to no back tracking, always ratchet process
celebration is critical – all positive steps along the journey must be marked with collective song, dance and wine
Ubuntu means living all success and failures together
rituals and celebration maintain and encourage people
Today is a good start!