While the process should be adapted to the context, it is essential to phase it and take time over each phase. Particular attention should be paid to the changes of pace and skills needed between the different phases. Each phase has its own dynamics and risks, which will require specific skills and forms of interaction or distancing. It is also important to mark the transitions between phases, in particular their opening and closing.

For example, the Scope, Map and Share phase involves a lot of brainstorming within the stakeholder forum with little questioning of the feasibility of the assessment or the resources required. It therefore tends to raise high expectations. Entering the next phase of Triage, Check-up and Plan may give a feeling of ‘back to earth’ but is nonetheless essential for the quality of the assessment. If the Triage exercise or the selection of indicators and representations is not collectively endorsed at this stage, the assessment results may not be legitimated by the contributors and stakeholders. Finally, when entering the Co-construct Assessment phase, science and management tend to retreat into their fields of expertise and construct their part of the assessment without continuing the consultation process with the stakeholder forum.
So, bear in mind not to miss a phase, to get lost in one of them or to lose the interaction within the collaborative forum.

For additional information

Date: 2017-2023

Improving the management of atlantic landscapes: acounting for biodiversity and ecosystem services Interreg Atlantic Area, started in 2017

Coordination by J. Ballé-Béganton and D. Bailly

Photo: © Chema Concellón