Discover the lessons learned from the INCLUSIVE project on groundwater!
Groundwater supports many uses and activities, and its sustainable management is a challenge for the communities responsible for it. How can stakeholders be effectively involved? What tools can facilitate collective decision-making? What lessons can be learned from these processes?
The INCLUSIVE project (funded by the Belmont Forum and led in France by BRGM and ACTeon in partnership) explored these questions through case studies in France, Taiwan and California. Many deliverables are available , and offer concrete methods and feedback for organising effective participatory processes.
Key lessons learned:
- Participatory approaches promote learning because they contribute to the development of interpersonal and political skills and can lead to changes in attitudes, behaviours and values.
- The success of social learning and practice change processes remains highly dependent on how the participatory approach is implemented. Learning is linked to power dynamics, legitimacy and the balance of power between stakeholders.
- Involving stakeholders early on in foresight exercises (scenarios) strengthens their commitment.
- Combining modelling and participation makes it possible to visualise the impacts of decisions and facilitate dialogue.
For more information, please contact Sarah Loudin from ACTeon, and Jean-Daniel Rinaudo from BRGM