ARTICLE: “When we are part of a network, everyone goes further” (Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine, 2026)
Note to Reader:
The April 2026 edition of Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine featured an article co-authored by Derek Richmond and Kim Stephens of the Partnership for Water Sustainability. The article is about the 2026 Ambassadors of the Partnership Forum which will be remembered as the launchpad for the future of the Partnership. Round table discussions clearly demonstrated a desire for collaboration in finding solutions to today’s challenges. The forum was an inter-regional gathering with folks from Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Okanagan and East Kootenays.”
When we are part of a network, everyone goes further
“Ensuring that the decisions we make are sound, inclusive, and knowledge-based means looking beyond our often-self-imposed boundaries. Our first initiative should be to look for history, what has or has not worked and why, and to search out others with similar experience,” wrote Derek Richmond.
“Oral history sharing, a proven powerful indigenous tool, is a much-overlooked asset that can often lead to efficiency, cost-savings, and richer outcomes. Network leadership principles align with Indigenous wisdom and expertise.”
“The Partnership modus operandi for passing on knowledge in the local government setting is precedent-setting,” added Kim Stephens. “We operate within a constellation of networks. The storyline for our article is about the power of collaboration when it is grounded in a network-based approach.”
To Learn More:
To read the complete article as published in Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine, click on this link to download a copy of When we are part of a network, everyone goes further.
