We have had the opportunity to work closely with Sustain on several assignments involving data collection, research, and the development of policy briefs. The Sustain team has consistently demonstrated professionalism and technical expertise, while their experience working with conservancies enables them to deliver practical solutions to conservation challenges. Their ability to manage large datasets, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs has made them a reliable partner.

IIED contracted Sustain to lead a review of interventions offering positive incentives to coastal communities for environmental stewardship in Tanzania. We approached them with a rough methodology to conduct this research under the Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project funded by the UK government’s Blue Planet Fund, and Sustain were instrumental in developing this into a more feasible and appropriate approach combining a rapid literature review with visual mapping of institutional actors and key informant interviews. Sustain implemented the research in Tanzania, delivered a high-quality report, and led dissemination of the rich findings and recommendations to key stakeholders. The methods were ultimately used to guide similar research in multiple countries. The team’s networks and understanding of the local context was invaluable, they were communicative and proactive about regularly sharing updates to keep us on track, and they went above and beyond to encourage uptake of recommendations, providing serious value for money! We have since contracted Sustain for follow-up activities and hope to continue working with them to promote and strengthen coastal community-led environmental stewardship and governance into the future.

‘Sustain prepared a scoping report which contained a feasibility analysis for the development of a new safari lodge. The Sustain team exceeded our expectations in terms of the level of research, their knowledge, their access to stakeholders and the quality of their final report. Sustain met our timelines whilst remaining discreet about our potential project. The final report was detailed but well supported by maps, tables and statistics. The report ensured we had a very detailed understanding of the surrounding ecosystem, provided several options for us to take forward and remains a report we refer to regularly nearly two years on’.