Catalysing Stakeholder Involvement in the Practical Implementation of Ecological Networks

The main gap in knowledge concerning ecological networks currently relates to the practical implementation of such networks. There is a lack of knowledge about the practice of implementing ecological networks on the ground, including obstacles, opportunities, best practice and lessons learned. This applies especially in relation to: a) achieving the necessary involvement and support from relevant stakeholder groups, in particular farming, spatial planning, transport and infrastructure development and water management; b) achieving a balance between the socio-economic interests involved in land use and the need to ensure that land use will not compromise ecological connectivity; c) ensuring cohesion and synergy between activities at the regional, national and international levels.

This project will broaden the horizon of ecological network implementation by involving relevant fields of knowledge hitherto not strongly involved, and exploring possibilities for synergy with other societal and policy sectors, especially concerning issues such as stakeholder involvement, promoting economic and land use activities that are beneficial to maintaining ecological connectivity.

Aim
This project aims to stimulate practical partnerships and consensus-building within and between the stakeholders involved in the practical implementation of ecological networks, including organizations and sectors. Expected outcomes of this project, therefore, are:

• increased understanding of the current state of play regarding practical implementation of ecological networks;
• better access to knowledge and information through active networking;
• increased cooperation and synergy between sectors, organizations and people;
• increased opportunity for new areas of ecological networks.

Objectives
The objectives of this research project are to describe the current level of involvement and participation of different stakeholder groups in the practical delivery of ecological networks in Europe. This knowledge should result in a better understanding of the processes of stakeholder involvement across Europe and lead to the identification of best practices which can contribute to a better and more effective implementation of ecological networks. The project also aims to disseminate the knowledge acquired through a network of interested practitioners. The objectives can be summarized as follows:

• to assess the current involvement of stakeholders in the implementation of ecological networks. This includes a review of the knowledge and knowledge gaps with regard to stakeholder involvement in the implementation of ecological networks, the identification of key stakeholders, an inventory of novel thinking and ideas, lessons learned from practical implementation, and constraints and opportunities;
• to disseminate the collected information to relevant actors and stakeholders through the organization of workshops, an interactive website, the use of existing networks, and the development of decision-making tools (such as manuals);
• to provide a platform for making the implementation of ecological networks more effective through a wide range of instruments, including: sector integration, coherent advice on the development of relevant policy, stakeholder involvement, and the identification of regional core groups with ecological network expertise.

The duration of the KEN project is two years (2007-2009).

For more information, contact the Project Coordinator, Aysegul Cil: cil@ecnc.org.