Creating continuous input channels for stakeholder engagement in policymaking#
Description#
General description
Policymaking in MSP and biodiversity conservation requires ongoing, structured input from key stakeholders, including research institutions, industry representatives, and civil society. However, existing engagement processes are often fragmented, ad hoc, or lack mechanisms to ensure that stakeholder contributions are consistently considered in decision-making. This solution proposes the establishment of continuous input channels to facilitate regular and influential stakeholder participation in policymaking processes. These channels would enhance transparency, build trust, and ensure that policies are informed by the latest scientific knowledge and stakeholder perspectives.
Main purpose To enhance stakeholder engagement in MSP and biodiversity policymaking, the following actions are recommended:
Develop structured, permanent platforms for stakeholder input, ensuring regular contributions to policymaking.
Establish mechanisms to integrate stakeholder feedback into policy formulation and revision processes.
Foster collaboration between policymakers and research institutions to enhance evidence-based decision-making.
Barriers addressed
Lack of institutionalized stakeholder engagement:
Current engagement mechanisms are often sporadic and lack long-term continuity.
Insufficient frameworks to incorporate stakeholder input systematically.
Limited influence of stakeholder contributions:
Existing structures may not effectively consider stakeholder recommendations in decision-making.
A disconnect between policymakers and research institutions reduces the impact of scientific contributions.
Coordination challenges across sectors:
Weak coordination between stakeholders from different sectors leads to fragmented policy outcomes.
Lack of collaboration across governance levels complicates the integration of stakeholder insights.
Policy relevance
This solution supports the EUBS2030, which emphasizes stakeholder involvement as a crucial element for achieving conservation goals. Establishing continuous input channels aligns with the MSFD and the MSP Directive by promoting participatory approaches in marine management. By ensuring regular stakeholder engagement, this solution contributes to better policy coherence and implementation, supporting actions towards GES objectives and fostering a collaborative governance model.
Implementation
Developing stakeholder engagement platforms: Create dedicated platforms for structured and ongoing stakeholder engagement, such as advisory committees, working groups, and online consultation portals.
Formalizing input processes: Establish formal procedures for incorporating stakeholder feedback into decision-making, ensuring contributions are reviewed and addressed in policy development.
Capacity building and awareness: Provide training and resources to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of policymaking processes and improve the quality of their contributions.
Impact and effort
Impact: High
This solution can significantly improve policy relevance and effectiveness by integrating diverse perspectives, leading to more informed, accepted, and implementable policies. Regular stakeholder input strengthens trust, collaboration, and policy coherence.
Required effort: High
Implementing continuous input channels requires substantial effort, including policy revisions, platform development, and resource allocation for stakeholder engagement activities. However, the long-term benefits of improved decision-making and stakeholder satisfaction justify the investment.
Creating channels for stakeholder engagement: good practices
Stakeholder engagement platforms: Several EU countries, including France and Spain, have established permanent consultation platforms to provide structured and continuous stakeholder input into policy development and implementation processes.
Cooperation between ministries and regional authorities: In Belgium, coordination mechanisms between federal and regional authorities under the National Biodiversity Strategy have been instrumental in ensuring a coherent approach to biodiversity policymaking.
Multi-level governance mechanisms: Countries such as Belgium have implemented governance frameworks that include structured stakeholder consultation processes at various administrative levels, facilitating regular and meaningful input from research institutions and other key actors.
Belgium’s Coordination Committee for International Environmental Policy (CCIEP): This body facilitates dialogue across governance levels by bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and NGOs, to ensure effective policy integration.
France’s Regional Sea Commissions: These platforms serve as a forum for local stakeholders, research institutions, and policymakers to discuss and align marine biodiversity initiatives with national and EU directives.