With a clear vision and in anticipation of potential conflict arising over scarce water resources, the community-based Mara River Water Users Association overcame significant challenges and successfully collaborated with farmers, community groups, NGOs, consultants and many other stakeholders to implement the Mara River Environmental Management Initiative. Almost 1000 farmers within the basin have been educated and had their farms terraced, a 40km stretch of riverbank has been restored, and 40 springs have also been protected – providing easy access to clean water and reducing water-borne diseases. These on-ground works were targeted through an integrated program of catchment and river management activities.