Table 1. Example of three different types of stakeholder processes. The nature of the processes influence social learning. Type of process Who is involved Lead of process Possible outcomes of process Regional forums Representative from stakeholder groups in which choice is hardly ever based on sound analysis Water management authority Binding recommendations on management plans, voluntary action to be included in management plans Stakeholder platforms in action research Representative from stakeholder groups with choice based on institutional analysis Scientific project–external facilitation Recommendations to be fed into formal process, formal institutional setting to realize agreed agenda for action Stakeholder process Individuals and representatives from stakeholder groups Bottom up without formal lead, often individual leaders emerging Implemented action at local scale, increased awareness and start of formal policy process