IWM is in most parts of the world a newly developed and introduced tool. The single measures of IWM are known for decades and centuries, but the collation of all measures and options to one overall seen umbrella function requires sound understanding of the single measures, its interactions, implications and side effects. Thus, the working relationships among the three stakeholder groups assist in a cooperating team very strong in learning and understanding of IWM:

• universities as researchers, lecturers and solution finders
• regulatory authorities
• community based organisations / locals

The overall concept to make IWM understandable at different educational levels requires high participatory approaches and acceptance of the already existing knowledge for IWM at each stakeholder group.

A knowledge assessment for IWM in Kenya highlighted that a high level of knowledge is existing, but people are not aware of that knowledge and is not in a structured way available. Participatory IWM trainings also showed that the acceptance of well educated IWM stakeholders against the knowledge from e.g. local population is limited although it is there.

The concept of bringing the three stakeholder groups together for best knowledge exchange and knowledge translation (e.g. from high level to lower level) is very successful as long as undertaken in participatory and joint actions.

 The joint action is automatically leading to common understanding of IWM, since:

• lecturers from higher education can explain processes in details

• staff from regulating authorities know in details about local and regional governmental structures and settings; they also have high knowledge about existence of any kind of data relevant for IWM

• locals can in details explain their needs and challenges, but also opportunities

However, teaching and learning approaches must be adapted to the level of understanding of the different stakeholder groups.