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Compendium on methods and tools to evaluate impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate
change
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Multistakeholder Processes
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Description
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The aim of multistakeholder processes are to promote better decision making by ensuring that the
views of the main actors concerned about a particular decision are heard and integrated at all
stages through dialogue and consensus building.
The process takes the view that everyone involved in the process has a valid view and relevant
knowledge and experience to bring to the decision making. The approach aims to create trust between
the actors and solutions that provide mutual benefits (win-win). The approach is people-centered
and everyone involved takes responsibility for the outcome. Because of the inclusive and
participatory approaches used, stakeholders have a greater sense of ownership for decisions made.
They are thus more likely to comply with them.
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Appropriate Use
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For decisions that require cooperation between many different stakeholders, where a decision made by
one group alone might not be complied with by the other groups. They are suitable for situations
where dialogue between the different actors is possible and there is willingness to listen to and
learn from others to reconcile different interests and reach consensus solutions. There is no one set
approach. The exact nature of a given process will depend on the issues to be covered, the specific
objectives, the expertise available, the participants, and the time and other resources available.
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Scope
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Global, national, and local. Can be used with a wide range of structures and levels of engagement.
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Key Output
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Transparent and inclusive decision making, strengthened stakeholder networks.
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Key Input
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Expertise in facilitation, willingness of participants to learn, time to allow trust building,
quantitative and qualitative information (depending on tools used), participation of key actors.
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Ease of Use
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The approaches as well as the techniques used are based on common sense. Good planning is a vital
part of ensuring a successful outcome and time must be allowed for the design stage of the process.
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Training Required
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There are a number of good texts available, but additional appropriate training would be beneficial
(depending on time, resources, type of process). Need also to design the process to fit the specific
needs and circumstances.
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Training Available
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This is still a new and evolving field. Much experience of using participatory processes at the local
level is available but less at national and global levels. Some guidance on approaches is available
(see Applications below for examples).
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Computer Requirements
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Depends on the process
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Documentation
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For information about running stakeholder engagement processes: Multistakeholder processes for
governance and sustainability, Minu Hemmati, (2002), Earthscan, London. http://www.earthscan.co.uk.
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Applications
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Multistakeholder processes have been used in the Aarhus Convention Process, the Bejing+5 Global
Forum Online discussions, United Nations sustainable development multistakeholder dialogue, the
Environment Council/Shell — Brent Spar Project (see Hemmati above for more information on
these) and the Adaptation Policy Framework (APF) (http://ncsp.undp.org/report_detail.cfm?Projectid=151).
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Contacts for Framework, Documentation, Technical Assistance
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Dr. Kate Lonsdale, Stockholm Environment Institute, Oxford, OX1 1QT; e-mail: kate.lonsdale@sei.se
Dr. Bo Lim, Chief Technical Advisor, National Communications Support Programme, UNDP-GEF, Room
1607, 304 East 45th St, NY 10017, USA; e-mail: bo.lim@undp.org.
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Cost
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Depends on the scale of the process
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References
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Chambers, R. 2002. Participatory Workshops: A Source Book of 21 Sets of Ideas and Activities.
Earthscan. Available from http://www.earthscan.co.uk/.
Good source book of information about how to run workshops including lots of practical advice and
common mistakes.
Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC) and International Institute of Rural
Reconstruction (IIRR). 2001. Enhancing Ownership and Sustainability: A Resource Book on
Participation.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). e-mail: publications@iirr.org. A collection of short reviews of
participatory approaches and experiences.
Pretty, J.N., I. Guijt, I. Scoones and J. Thompson. 1995. Participatory Learning and Action: A
Trainers Guide. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Available from
http://www.earthprint.com. A valuable collection of advice,
tips, and methods for participatory approaches. The focus is mostly on participatory rural
appraisal but much would also be relevant to APF workshops.
Kaner, S., L. Lind, C. Toldi, S. Fisk and D. Berger. 1996. Facilitator’s Guide to
Participatory Decision-Making. New Society Publishers. An introduction to how to build consensus
and make sustainable agreements with groups. Also gives advice on how to handle difficult group
dynamics and individuals.
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