National | PANORAMA

Planning, reporting and monitoring stakeholder participation and communication

Homepage of the MSPglobal website.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

News section of the MSPglobal website.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

This BB aimed to structure the tasks related to stakeholder engagement and communication through the development of:

I) A Strategy for Public Participation based on:

Three pillars: identification of stakeholders; engagement activities; and monitoring and evaluation of participation
A two-way participatory approach: balance between top-down and bottom-up

II) A Communication and Dissemination Plan to set a unified tone and direction so that all activities, tools and materials work in harmony to create a shared vision to raise awareness of the initiative and its results. It also included monitoring of a number of metrics – through various channels and means – to evaluate the overall impact and success of communication and dissemination actions.

Standalone communication and dissemination plans, as well as engagement plans and reports were developed to guide and evaluate each activity implemented. The key messages from these reports were used as web news in order to communicate and report back to the stakeholders.

In the Western Mediterranean pilot, the following engagement activities were implemented:

Institutional workshops at national and regional levels
Training courses for governmental authorities and sectoral stakeholders

Partnership with other ongoing initiatives in the region
Development of a multilingual website, social media accounts and products as the beneficiary countries do not use the same language
Nomination of a governmental representative (National Focal Point) to support the identification of stakeholders and to officially invite them to participate
Development of a Stakeholder Database to include all stakeholders who so wished, facilitating the contact and dissemination of information
Development of a visual identity
A member of the team fully dedicated to communication

Stakeholder Database: When dealing with hundreds of stakeholders, better to build a database with limited number of essential fields to maintain communication
Engagement activities: Start organizing and publicizing well in advance, as well as send reminders frequently (for both face-to-face and online events)
Communications and outreach: Adapt communication to the stakeholders involved; use different channels to reach larger audience; mix digital, audiovisual and print products

Policy Brief on “Public Participation in Marine Policy Development”

EU guide on “Communicating MSP: An inspiring era of cooperation between institu…

MSPglobal website

North Africa

West and South Europe

Supporting transboundary dialogue on Marine Spatial Planning towards a sustainable blue economy for the Western Mediterranean

MSPglobal

Initiative

Planning, reporting and monitoring stakeholder participation and communication

Strengthening stakeholders’ capacities

Analyzing current conditions of the marine environment and maritime uses

Building scenarios for MSP and sustainable blue economy

Showcasing key results through a simplified and interactive storytelling tool

Supporting the formulation of institutional recommendations at regional scale

Course Development

In collaboration with the University of the West Indies – Open Campus (UWI-OC), Barbados a 12 module/30 contact hour Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) course in Social Enterprise for Caribbean Transformation Course to enable the creation of socially responsible businesses, was developed. This Certificate Programme in social enterprise aims to institutionalize training for ecotourism for long-term sustainability and development. In cooperation with the University of the West Indies (UWI) - Open Campus, this 6-month programme is now available to students and interested stakeholders in 17 English speaking countries in which the UWI-OC operates.

The track record, institutional maturity, project experience and goodwill of the implementing organization as well as the social partnership arrangements allowed for the continuity of the work to develop the course despite the challenges presented as a result of covid 19
Having a team of experts that have a community of practice - willing to share their knowledge, invest their time to create the course content; commitment to the process and saw the relevance of the approach and the potential impact

Having a degree of flexibility within projects and with partners was critical to achieving project objectives and to manoeuvre around unplanned events.
The track records and goodwill of the implementing agency allowed for continuity of the project despite varied delays.
The competency in terms of the capacity to negotiate, institutional maturity and project experience of the implementing organisation allowed for a solution driven / human centred approach to be applied during unexpected developments.

Implementation

National

Incubator and Mentorship Program

One major incentive for participants in the social enterprise training was the possibility to transition on to the Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT) incubator and mentorship programme. This programme supported participants in the refining of business ideas, engage in business planning and development and included one on one coaching as well as presentation of business concept to garner financial support. Each person in the incubator was assigned a business mentor. The 1-year mentorship programme focused on lifting participants sketched projects or business concepts to the next level and support in the first phases of its implementation.

Inclusion of partners in the planning and implementation process

Ability to attract quality and committed partners allows for the provision of relevant support to beneficiaries.
Using an inclusive approach from planning to implementation allowed for ownership, greater buy in and commitment of partners as well as added value to the project

Implementation

National

Training in Social Entrepreneurship

Training embodied a continuous assessment process, business presentations, case studies and group interactions, which collectively helped to introduce the NGO sector to the world of social entrepreneurship. Taking part in this social entrepreneurship course has the potential to influence NGOs, individuals and other small groups in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean to construct more socially responsible businesses and at the same time address the key concern of sustainability.

The 10-day hands-on training session focused on social enterprise concepts and targeted NGOs and individuals seeking to conduct business or develop business concepts in the Blue Economy sub-sector of eco-tourism or related fields.

Participatory approach allowed for peer to peer learning and support to take place
The inclusion of relatable local examples
The composition of the training team, their experience and knowledge allowed for better aclimatisation to the concept
Setting tangible outputs provided a milestone to reach

The inclusive approach used to develop the project design allowed for better buy in by stakeholders and beneficiaries affording relevant project design and easier implementation
Hands-on and participatory approaches to learning especially with mature adults allows for better acceptance and acclimatisation to new concepts
Peer-to-Peer Learning and Support also allowed for knowledge sharing and cross analysis of ideas, goals and objectives and the development of a healthy community of practice.
Utilisation of a local example allowed for relatability of ideas and concepts.
Utilising facilitators that had experience with the beneficiaries/sector as well as actual experience and knowledge of the concept lent to the sharing of realistic and achievable approaches that "fit" the participating organisations
The utilisation of the building block approach in the training allowed for tangible outputs from each organisation.
The capacity and track record of the implementing organisation allowed for solution driven / human centred approaches to be applied to counter unexpected developments.

Implementation

National

Supporting the formulation of institutional recommendations at regional scale

Online regional meeting of National Focal Points of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru to define the regional roadmap on MSP and sustainable blue economy.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Method used to group and prioritize the proposed recommendations.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Themes of the regional roadmap on MSP and sustainable blue economy.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

This Building Block aimed to develop a regional roadmap on MSP and sustainable blue economy agreed by the four beneficiary countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. During national activities, governmental authorities and relevant stakeholders provided recommendations, which were compiled in a summary table by thematic focus and then prioritized by the National Focal Points. The most voted recommendations were selected and rephrased (when necessary) to compose the regional roadmap.

Increasing relevance of MSP and sustainable blue economy in the national and international agendas
Pre-existing collaboration between governmental institutions at national and regional levels

Building capacity: Before proposing regional meetings, it is important to provide capacity building at national level so that national representatives are better prepared for regional discussions
Building cooperation: Before proposing an activity to develop regional recommendations, it is important to organize prior meetings at regional level so that national representatives can meet and get used to working with each other

National

Multi-national

Southeast Pacific Roadmap on Marine Spatial Planning and Sustainable Blue Econo…

Showcasing key results through a simplified and interactive storytelling tool

Storytelling tool about the Gulf of Guayaquil: tab about the pilot project.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Storytelling tool about the Gulf of Guayaquil: tab about activities and pressures.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Storytelling tool about the Gulf of Guayaquil: tab about synergies and conflicts.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Storytelling tool about the Gulf of Guayaquil: tab about future scenarios.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

This Building Block aimed to develop a multilingual storytelling tool to showcase both existing conditions and scenarios for the pilot in the Gulf of Guayaquil. The objective was to present the data and information in a simplified and interactive way, and as such to turn complex concepts into notions easily understood by all stakeholders.

Professionals with previous experience in developing an online storytelling tool with spatial data visualization
Technical reports with the necessary data and information published in advance
Spatial data organized in a geodatabase with metadata

Teamwork: Those involved in the development of the reports need to work in close collaboration with those responsible for developing the tool to ensure that the key results are properly selected and displayed
Structure: Organize the story through different themes, titles, taglines and sections
Be concise: Limit the size of the texts to the key messages. If the user is interested in learning more, reports with the full information should be available
Technical terms: Whenever possible, avoid using difficult and/or technical language (including acronyms) that might be incomprehensible for a wider audience. If it cannot be avoided, better to add the meaning
Responsive web tool: Depending on the type and format of the content, it might be difficult to ensure that the tool is sufficiently responsive across different internet browsers, resolutions and electronic devices
Beta version: It is recommended to develop a beta version (pre-release) and then ask some users to play with it before the launch

Documentation and dissemination of results

Storytelling tool about the Gulf of Guayaquil

Building scenarios for MSP and sustainable blue economy

Example of sectoral potential development (offshore aquaculture) in the Gulf of Guayaquil.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Example of MSP scenario (integrated) developed for the Gulf of Guayaquil.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

This Building Block aimed to analyze potential future conditions of the Gulf of Guayaquil in order to build three scenarios by 2030: trend scenario; conservationist scenario; and integrated scenario. The developed scenarios DO NOT represent official proposals for the area; instead, they are a starting point for a multi-sectoral and cross-border dialogue about the desired future. A technical report was developed and made publicly available.

Sectoral plans with objectives and potential areas of development already identified
National policies with at least some goals for the coastal and marine socio-ecological system already identified

Potential areas of development: Important to confirm with competent authorities if the areas identified in previous policies are still valid
Transparency: Justify the goals and assumptions of each scenario, as well as how they were developed. If they are not official proposals, make it clear whenever presenting the scenarios in order to avoid any issue, such as a governmental stakeholder upset because it was not involved in the process
How to use: Develop some guidelines with suggestions on how to use and adapt the scenarios during dialogue and negotiation with stakeholders at national and regional levels

Technical Report on Future Conditions and Scenarios for MSP and Sustainable Blu…

Analyzing current conditions of the marine environment and maritime uses

Types of marine policies compiled and analyzed.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Steps for analyzing spatial data about current conditions.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Stakeholders during consultation in Guayaquil (Ecuador) to review the maps and discuss conservation and sectoral issues.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Stakeholders during consultation in Machala (Ecuador) to review the maps and discuss conservation and sectoral issues.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Stakeholders reviewing the maps on current conditions of maritime uses during consultation in Tumbes Region (Peru).

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Stakeholders discussing sectoral challenges, opportunities, conflicts and synergies during consultation in Tumbes (Peru).

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Coastal and marine ecosystems and biodiversity present in the Gulf of Guayaquil.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

General overview of most coastal and maritime uses analyzed in the Gulf of Guayaquil.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Cumulative uses of main sectors identified in the Gulf of Guayaquil.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

This Building Block aimed to analyze the current conditions of the Gulf of Guayaquil (historical bay shared by Ecuador and Peru) as an example that could be replicated in other cross-border areas. Policies, data and information on the marine environmental and main maritime uses were analyzed to identify use-use and use-nature conflicts and compatibilities, resulting in the development of a technical report publicly available.

Spatial data was compiled with the support of the National Focal Point of each country, who contacted and requested the data to the competent governmental authorities. A geodatabase with metadata was built and maps developed. Consultation activities (local and binational) were organized with stakeholders in order to review the maps and provide further information about conservation and sectoral issues.

Access to public national, regional and international data sources
Data from previous project developed in the region
Key governmental partners to support data compilation
Increasing willingness of data providers to share the data due to engagement activities
At least one member of the team with expertise in spatial data available during the whole initiative in case additional analysis is necessary

Policies: Analyze them as a package to understand their connections, overlaps and gaps, as well as the governance framework. Some policies provide relevant information about zones already established for different sectors, although this kind of spatial data is not always publicly available
Data providers: Map the potential data providers and then request data through a key governmental partner in order to increase the chance of a positive answer
Lack of data: Some institutions might not be willing to share data, so it is important to be transparent and acknowledge data gaps
Data quality: Validate with experts the reliability of data compiled from a source outside of national or international institutions; and if needed, remove it from the analysis

Technical Report on Current Conditions and Compatibility of Maritime Uses in th…

Strengthening stakeholders’ capacities

Presentation of the theoretical modules of the training course in Peru.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Practical exercise about developing a fictitious MSP vision and objectives during the training course in Panama.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Practical exercise about developing fictitious MSP plans coherent across borders during the training course in Ecuador.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Participants explaining the reasoning behind the fictitious MSP plans developed during the training course in Colombia.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

Tokens of the MSP Challenge Game to identify the zones of the fictitious plans related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

MSPglobal, IOC-UNESCO

This Building Block aimed to develop activities to improve stakeholders’ capacities on MSP and sustainable blue economy. It helped the participants to understand the big picture of MSP, as well as the role they can play in such policy.

I) Training course for governmental representatives

included both theoretical and practical sessions. The first covered topics such as the concepts of MSP and sustainable blue economy, as well as stakeholder participation and data and information. Moreover, the competent authorities had the opportunity to discuss national initiatives on MSP. Putting theory into practice, participants were divided into groups to play the MSP Challenge Game, representing planners and stakeholders. They were asked to define the vision, objectives, indicators, actions and stakeholders of fictitious countries to simulate an MSP process. After, they developed sectoral plans and used the tokens of the game to negotiate space and develop an integrated plan. They also had to link aspects of the plan with the achievement of the SDGs.

II) Seminars for sectoral stakeholders

They presented the concepts and importance of integrated policies such as MSP and blue economy, focusing on conflict resolution and opportunities. They also provided a chance for governmental representatives to disseminate national policies.

Training material and course in the language of the stakeholders
Practical exercises to stimulate the learning process

Content: Beyond learning about concepts, participants are interested in real-life examples
Gender balance: It is important to request that the list of participants invited to the training courses is gender-balanced
Participation: Ensure that the National Focal Point responsible for co-organizing the activities is communicating with partner institutions to guarantee their involvement
Private stakeholders: They are usually less willing and available to engage in training courses, especially if it is organized during their working hours

IOC-UNESCO guides on MSP

Training course for governmental representatives in Colombia

Training course for governmental representatives in Ecuador

Training course for governmental representatives in Panama

Training course for governmental representatives in Peru (Part 1)

Training course for governmental representatives in Peru (Part 2)

Binational training courses for sectoral stakeholders