Visioning phase
Step 2: Identify key drivers and concerns
How does the socioecological system work? What impacts the ecosystem and people?
In this step you want to gather as much input as possible from the community: concerns, challenges, experiences and observations. Your goal is to establish a common understanding of the socioecological system and delineate the project area. Make sure to include a divers set of knowledge systems.
Build understanding!
Community meeting to build a common understanding
Gather the actors you have mapped in step 1 and get their input
- Introduce the local actors to the core idea
- Make room for actors to be heard
- Presentations and expert talks
- Developing simplified models of the socioecological system
- Mapping timelines of human activities and ecosystem changes
- Participatory GIS or other mapping tools
Two birds one stone
Sending out pre-surveys before workshops and meetings can increase engagement and help you gather unbiased input.
The activities should be aimed at discussing the status and extent of the socio-ecological system and identifying important drivers and concerns. Diverging views are deliberated and a common understanding is agreed upon. This might take more than just one meeting.
“Shared understanding begins with shared conversation.”
Methods can include:
- Surveys
- Workshops
- Meetings
- Events