Convening and Connecting Studios to Advance Meaningful Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
| Project title | Convening and Connecting Studios to Advance Meaningful Multi-Stakeholder Engagement |
| Implementing Institutions | Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (“CBC”) American Museum of Natural History New York, U.S.A. |
| Country(ies) | Our strategy is to align our convening activities with IPBES or related international meetings such as the World Conservation Congress or CBD/COP meetings over the next two years, in order to maximize efficiency and resources. Countries will therefore depend on timing of implementation and individuals able to attend but our goal is diverse representation across countries. |
| Abstract | We propose to organize two action-oriented, capacity building convening events (Studios) to strengthen and promote networks and interscientific dialogue (Needs 5.4 and 4.5) among diverse stakeholders, and to enhance capacity for stakeholder engagement in assessments and IPBES national-level activities (Need 5.1). The focus will be on how IPBES practitioners can use and build on the draft engagement strategy guidelines to involve underrepresented stakeholders across disciplinary, language, or cultural barriers. Participants will exchange experiences and develop action plans. |
| Project Description | Leveraging CBC’s expertise and reputation for convening and connecting, as well as leadership in stakeholder engagement, we propose to support IPBES capacity building needs through the implementation of two action-oriented convening events – Studios – designed to facilitate the engagement of diverse stakeholders in assessments and IPBES national-level activities and to foster learning networks across the stakeholder community. CBC Studios convene diverse and key actors for strategic collaborations targeted towards action. Through a problem-solving framework, participants think systematically and systemically about a specific challenge and map potential solutions, with the goal of producing tangible results that influence policy making and practice. Participants, as both learners and knowledge-holders, generate insight and build solutions. Studios promote information sharing, innovation, re-evaluation of assumptions, anticipation of challenges and identification of new opportunities. We propose to implement two studios during this project. Studio 1 will explore existing networks that highlight different capacity development strategies and identify key success metrics for designing, implementing, and evaluating capacity building networks within IPBES, including those of indigenous and local peoples. Studio 2 will develop effective and comprehensive guidance on identifying stakeholders and methods for engagement. Overall, we aim to foster a community of practice that advances stakeholder engagement in IPBES activities and capacity related to IPBES Needs 5.1, 5.4, and 4.5. |
| Project Objectives and expected Achievables | Objective 1: Implement an action-oriented Studio designed to strengthen networks across diverse stakeholder groups supporting the IPBES Platform and work programme. This Studio will explore existing networks that highlight different capacity development strategies and identify key success metrics for designing, implementing, and evaluating capacity building networks within IPBES, including those of indigenous and local peoples. This Studio will be timed to coincide with the World Conservation Congress or other appropriate venue during Year 1 of the project. Expected Achievables: Studio is implemented, with broad participation across potential network organizers, effective facilitation, and concrete outputs and outcomes. Outputs: Guidance document for IPBES experts on capacity building network design, implementation, and evaluation. Outcomes: At least four networks developed across IPBES stakeholder groups. Objective 2: Implement an inclusive, action-oriented Studio to develop effective and comprehensive guidance on identifying stakeholders and methods for engagement. This Studio will be timed to coincide with IPBES or related international meetings during Year 2 of the project. Expected Achievables: Studio is implemented, with broad participation, effective facilitation, and concrete outputs and outcomes. Outputs: Guidance document for IPBES experts on stakeholder engagement. Outcomes: IPBES implementers follow guidance from the document and are able to identify and maintain commitment from diverse stakeholders in supporting the Platform’s work program. At least 4 IPBES expert groups integrate the guidance from the Studio in their workplans. Objective 3: Foster a community of practice that advances practice of stakeholder engagement in IPBES activities and advances capacity related to IPBES Needs 5.1, 5.4, and 4.5. Expected Achievables: A stronger community of practitioners that continues to share learning and mutually support one another in matters of IPBES stakeholder engagement. |
| Timeframe | 2 years |
| Geographic Scale | Multinational |
| Seeking Resources for: | Project implementation |
| Type of Resources/Support needed: | Financial |