A participatory process leading to cross-fertilization between policy and practice
Published on 09 November 2020
Belgium
Prov. Limburg (BE)
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About this good practice
Rural areas in Flanders are faced with detailed and complex legislation and policies in different fields, managed by different government bodies at different levels. They often lack coherence and synchronization.
That’s why we started with a “governmental stakeholder group” in which policy representatives from all policy levels and sectors were brought together. Through this platform we invested a lot of time in the alignment of policies related to creating a climate proof landscape. This has proven crucial to become a trustworthy partner and to gain enough support. This allowed us to agree on coherent goals, synchronize timing and match different funding opportunities.
At the same time we created a “local stakeholder group”. These people, working and living in the Gulp valley, have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. They all have ideas, plans and dreams for the area and by connecting our project goals to them, we can create co-ownership and long term stewardship.
To ensure cross-fertilization between policy and practice, we didn’t start with a clear top-down plan, but the governmental stakeholder group created a flexible framework based on the focus of the project. Then intensive interaction with the local stakeholder group started, both in group meetings as individually. This lead to a gradually growing of vision and concrete measures for the area, based on the interaction which allowed participants to learn and grow closer.
That’s why we started with a “governmental stakeholder group” in which policy representatives from all policy levels and sectors were brought together. Through this platform we invested a lot of time in the alignment of policies related to creating a climate proof landscape. This has proven crucial to become a trustworthy partner and to gain enough support. This allowed us to agree on coherent goals, synchronize timing and match different funding opportunities.
At the same time we created a “local stakeholder group”. These people, working and living in the Gulp valley, have extensive knowledge of the area and its history. They all have ideas, plans and dreams for the area and by connecting our project goals to them, we can create co-ownership and long term stewardship.
To ensure cross-fertilization between policy and practice, we didn’t start with a clear top-down plan, but the governmental stakeholder group created a flexible framework based on the focus of the project. Then intensive interaction with the local stakeholder group started, both in group meetings as individually. This lead to a gradually growing of vision and concrete measures for the area, based on the interaction which allowed participants to learn and grow closer.
Resources needed
Policy makers and local stakeholders need to be willing to invest their time and energy in a participatory process that is quite intense the first year. A fulltime coordinator assisted by a half time facilitator is a minimum to manage the participatory process successfully.
Evidence of success
A cross-sectoral and area-specific action plan was developed for the Gulp valley, which will have a great impact on climate resilience, biodiversity and natural heritage.
As a result of the multi-stakeholder approach and the dynamic that was created, a lot of other small projects and quick-wins took off too. This inspired in its turn other projects and processes. One of the most far-reaching is probably the so-called “win-win project” for climate resilient farming in the Gulp valley.
As a result of the multi-stakeholder approach and the dynamic that was created, a lot of other small projects and quick-wins took off too. This inspired in its turn other projects and processes. One of the most far-reaching is probably the so-called “win-win project” for climate resilient farming in the Gulp valley.
Potential for learning or transfer
In the interregional meetings the Province of Fryslan (Netherlands) and Slovenian Forestry Institute expressed their interest in this approach.
Mutatis mutandis, this approach is suitable for other similar spatial processes where multisectoral goals have to be realised and cooperation of local stakeholders is crucial.
The principles of building confidence is quintessential. Making clear that you are open to their ideas and concerns can be a game-changer. If you try to find solutions for small practical problems they are faced with, they know you are not only “taking” their time and energy but are also willing to “give back”.
Mutatis mutandis, this approach is suitable for other similar spatial processes where multisectoral goals have to be realised and cooperation of local stakeholders is crucial.
The principles of building confidence is quintessential. Making clear that you are open to their ideas and concerns can be a game-changer. If you try to find solutions for small practical problems they are faced with, they know you are not only “taking” their time and energy but are also willing to “give back”.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
other
Belgium
Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
Contact
project manager - archaeologist