Partnerships form when one or more individuals or groups have identified a problem or need that they cannot address alone, because they lack adequate funding, skills, jurisdiction over the resource, or land ownership. By pooling their skills and resources with others, however, they may be able to effectively tackle the problem. Alternatively, one or more individuals or groups may have identified a project that will benefit other groups or individuals, whether or not the others perceive a problem. It is not necessary that the benefits be the same for all partners. For example, a corporation may gain improved public perception in return for financial support of partnership efforts, while local residents may gain improved access to open space or resources.
Partnerships are more than loose associations for information exchange.
Community-based partnerships enhance land use and natural resource management by drawing expertise and input from a wide range of individuals and groups who live in and intimately know the resource base and the local economy. Getting more people involved in a project increases the likelihood that it will be accepted and maintained over the long term. In addition, by working through issues with a diverse group of individuals and organizations, partnership groups often come up with creative and more desirable projects. The idea of the partnership was to bring groups together and find a common solution. Effective communication improves everyone's understanding of the issues and each other's needs and concerns, thereby reducing conflict.