2.7 Project partners and funders clearly understand the nature and potential consequences of strategy.

In many cases, conservation leasing and ownership projects may be undertaken with partners, including businesses, residents, academic institutions, funders, and other conservation organizations. Project partners should understand the basics of the leasing and ownership strategy to avoid philosophical misunderstandings and procedural barriers as the projects progress. Bringing all partners and funders into conceptual agreement with the strategy and into a common understanding of the long-term consequences is essential.

Also, projects that involve leasing or ownership of lands and resources lying within ocean and coastal waters can take more time than similar upland projects due to real and perceived policy issues. If, as in most cases, the leasing or ownership project is a relatively new concept for the geography and entities involved, then time and patience will be required on everyone's behalf, including partners and funders, to allow issues to be resolved. For projects that set precedents, it may not be realistic to promise deliverables to partners or funders on a hard and fast schedule. A flexible, adaptive approach may be more successful.