Purpose: A demonstrated framework developed to promote multi-stakeholder engagement for the protection of PH at recreational beaches can be adapted to promote improved water quality (WQ) practices within the food industry. Through targeted outreach and communication activities, we established multi-stakeholder support for a coordinated WQ monitoring program to protect PH at recreational beaches. This process led to the development of a stakeholder engagement framework that can be applied to other emerging areas of PH concern.
Methods: As an independent organization, RTI worked with public and private sector entities to establish a working group of WQ stakeholders focused on protecting PH. Stakeholders were engaged by holding one-on-one meetings to gain buy-in. A subsequent meeting was held to bring together all stakeholders to discuss WQ issues, agree on monitoring program guidelines, and determine roles and responsibilities.
Results: Four out of six invited stakeholder organizations were present at the initial stakeholder meeting. Guidelines were developed based on a pilot study and review of international best practices. Ensuring consistent and effective implementation, stakeholder agreement on monitoring guidelines was reached giving consideration to feasibility, resource constraints, and the need to protect PH. Roles and responsibilities were established for monitoring activities and adherence to guidelines.
Significance: The context of this initiative was protecting public health at recreational beaches but the general framework has broader applications, particularly in situations where both public and private sector entities have a stake in protecting public health (e.g., ensuring food safety). This framework provides an approach to facilitate multi-stakeholder support for protecting PH through environmental monitoring programs.