Consultative Forum Research Articles

Child and Youth Friendly Justice for the Climate Crisis: Relying on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Abstract The climate crisis is a human rights crisis, and one of the worst affected groups is children and youth. This same group has been key to climate action in and outside of the courts. As well as engaging in numerous consultative fora such as cop, and in the introduction of a General Comment on the right of children to a healthy environment, they have gone on to become key litigators in climate cases/applications at both national and international level. These justice processes are, however, notoriously ill suited to the particular needs of children and youth. Child friendly justice is a concept which has been elaborated in recent years by the Council of Europe. Yet climate litigation is very different to the cases (e.g. in family law) in which children have traditionally been parties – amongst other things it can involve very public campaigns. This article considers child and youth friendly justice in the context of the climate crisis through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and through the concepts of access, participation, interests, and judgments.

Interrogating the effectiveness of service engagement for underserved populations in complex health and social care systems: towards an equitable engagement strategy

There are increased sector-wide efforts within health and social care systems to engage those with lived experience in service design, delivery, and monitoring – aiming to secure more equitable health outcomes. However, critical knowledge gaps persist around how national whole-system engagement strategies can account for the challenges experienced by populations that encounter exclusion within complex multi-layered systems. This includes a failure to delineate shared challenges across groups, and to develop transferable cross-group frameworks to assist sector-wide change. There is, therefore, a danger that those groups already least heard will be collectively left behind. With a view to informing a more inclusive engagement strategy in Ireland, this national study aims to investigate multi-level (policy and strategic, operational, on-the-ground services, individual) shared challenges impacting engagement for five populations who have been identified as underserved groups in a complex health and social care system, including: (1) those who misuse drugs and alcohol, (2) those who are experiencing homelessness, (3) those experiencing mental health, (4) migrants and those of minority ethnicies, and (5) Irish Travellers. Adopting a mixed-methods approach which draws on an evidence-informed multistakeholder perspective, this study employs data from: focus groups and life-course interviews with lived-experience populations (n=136), five focus groups (n=39) and a national on-line survey (n=320) with population-specific services providers; and national-level stakeholder interviews (n=9). Two cross-group participatory consultative forums with lived-experience and provider participants (n=28) were used to co-produce priority action areas based on study findings. This article presents findings on shared challenges in engaging these groups around leadership and commitment, implementation and action, population capacities, trust, and representation, stigma, and discrimination. Derived from these challenges, six development areas are presented to advance an inclusive equitable engagement approach in Ireland. These comprise: 1) balancing top-down prioritisation, and bottom-up direction; 2) sustaining multi-level, multi-form implementation; 3) measuring effectiveness and action; 4) embedding inclusive equitable engagement; 5) trust as a prerequisite, and outcome; and 6) an equalising, agency empowering agenda.

The Effectiveness of Worker Participation in Promoting Industrial Harmony- A Case of one of the Public Sector Organisations in Zimbabwe

Objectives: This study examined the effectiveness of worker participation in promoting industrial harmony at one public sector organisation in Zimbabwe. Methods: To identify different types of worker participation initiatives, to assess employees' perceptions of industrial harmony, to establish key challenges affecting worker participation, and to evaluate the effects of employee participation on industrial harmony. Results: The study found that public sector organisations in Zimbabwe use several mechanisms for worker participation, including workers' committees, suggestion schemes, and joint consultative forums. Worker participation was found to have a positive effect on industrial harmony by fostering mutual understanding, reducing conflicts, and improving collaboration between management and workers. However, the study also established various challenges hindering the effectiveness of worker participation, such as inadequate resources, lack of management commitment, poor communication channels, and resistance to change. Results also indicated that in as much as worker participation is a valuable tool for promoting industrial harmony, its success depends on addressing key organisational challenges and behavioural barriers. The findings contribute to the literature on promoting worker participation and industrial harmony. Conclusion: The study offers practical recommendations for organizations seeking to enhance workplace harmony through inclusive and participatory practices.

Performansi peserta forum konsultasi publik BPS: pendekatan antropolinguistik

The Public Consultation Forum (PCF) is one of the most important government surveys because it is a source of data that can help determine the level of welfare of every family in Indonesia. The data will be used as a benchmark for future government programs. This study aims to determine the form of participation by PCF participants focused on discovering performance patterns using anthropolinguistic approaches. This study used qualitative research methods. This research data is in the form of linguistic activities in PCF activities. The data was collected using recordings and notes. Oral data collected is transmitted into written language. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using domain, taxonomic and component analysis. The results showed that the performance of information provider participation in PCF activities was “to ask”, “answer”, “confirm”, and “fill in the documents”. There are 4 types of performance that occur in the process of these activities. The most dominant performance is the type of performance I. Keywords: Performance, Participation, BPS

Transformasi Regulasi Pengembangan dan Penguatan Sektor Keuangan Otoritas Jasa Keuangan: Sebuah Evaluasi dan Rekomendasi

This research aims to exploratively evaluate the implementation of the Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Law (P2SK Law) of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), which has been little researched. The research method used a qualitative approach with interviews to explore in depth. Informants consisted of OJK representatives, banking representatives, and customers. Data were analyzed thematically for key findings and their correlation with theory. The results show OJK has socialized the law, but there are challenges adapting to the complex rules, requiring additional investment in technology and human resources. Recommendations include increased socialization, cooperation with financial institutions, digital education, close supervision, technological innovation, and consultation forums.

Going Local: Policy Intellectuals’ Adaptive Strategies under Xi Jinping

During the Hu Jintao era, policy intellectuals participated in public debates, openly criticizing existing government policies. During the Xi Jinping era, despite regime efforts to tame intellectuals, some critical voices have retained influence over policymaking processes. What adaptation strategies have they utilized to circumvent the regime’s control over public speech? This article points to two strategies. First, policy intellectuals formed shifting collaborations with both state and nonstate actors. Second, they utilized collaborations with state actors to enter consultative forums. The article finds that policy intellectuals not only formed Beijing-based alliances but also cultivated closer cooperation with local officials. By “going local” in this way, they bypassed Beijing’s tightening political environment. This article focuses on two important policy intellectuals in the healthcare arena who have gone local. It also includes a comparison between these two policy intellectuals and seven of their prominent peers who did not go local, as well as with intellectuals from another policy arena: education.

Penerapan Limbah Nenas Fermentasi Untuk Pengembangan Ayam Kampung Di Desa Tangkit Baru Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

The objectives of this community service (PPM) are as follows: (1) the application of pineapple waste fermentation technology with Trichoderma viride fungi for kampung chicken feed, (2) improving the knowledge and skills of poultry farmers in formulating cost-effective rations, (3) enhancing the knowledge and skills of poultry farmers in more efficient management and better production. The implementation method of community service involves active interaction between the project team and the target groups, which include 40 community members and farmer groups. The key stages in the implementation of the PPM are as follows: (1) dissemination and training, (2) active participation of farmer group members with the establishment of a Technical Consultation Service (TCS) forum for consultation and dialogue between the project team and poultry farmers, (3) hands-on practice in kampung chicken production management and pineapple waste processing using fermentation technology, (4) monitoring and evaluation (Monev) of the community service program in the farmer groups of Tangkit Baru, Muaro Jambi. The results of the community service activities are as follows: (1) the dissemination and training sessions have successfully increased the knowledge and skills of the participants, with the dissemination being rated as good, (2) the application of fermented pineapple waste as kampung chicken feed has been well-received by the farmer groups and the community in Tangkit Baru, Muaro Jambi (3) the implementation of this PPM program has proven highly beneficial for poultry farmers and implementing institutions, as it serves as a platform for the transfer of knowledge and technology, particularly in the traditional and non-business-oriented kampung chicken farming practices, thus optimizing the outcomes of these practices and facilitating the development of kampung chicken farming businesses.

Komunikasi Politik Pemerintahan Desa dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Pelayanan Masyarakat Raya Palka Sindangsari

The results of this research show that effective political communication in Raya Palka Sindangsari Village has succeeded in increasing transparency and accountability in village government, accelerating public services, and increasing community participation and satisfaction. The village government implements various communication strategies such as regular meetings, use of social media and information technology, as well as public awareness campaigns to actively involve the community in decision making. Implementation of budget transparency programs and public consultation forums are examples of initiatives that have succeeded in increasing public trust and participation. However, this research also found several obstacles, such as limited access to technology in several areas and low digital literacy in society. Overall, this research highlights the importance of political communication in creating village government that is effective and responsive to community needs. The recommendations given include increasing access to technology and digital literacy education to support effective political communication in this village.

Countering social exclusion through inclusive homecare provision: Utilising a participatory life-course approach to influence policy

Homecare models can be effective mechanisms in securing wellbeing and ageing-in-place goals prevalent in health policy agendas. However, the relevance and utility of these models for those living in socially and environmentally insecure conditions has rarely been considered. This is marked by an assumption of in-situ care delivery in private dwellings, and the absence of such groups from homecare development processes. This study aims to harnesses the experiences and preferences of older people in homelessness (OH), older Irish Travellers (OT), and professional stakeholders in an evidence-based co-production of policy recommendations for inclusive homecare provision. The study employed a participatory approach involving the integration of lived experience evidence in a multistakeholder co-production process. Methods comprised: five separate focus groups with OH, OT and service providers (n = 30); two consultative forums involving focus group participants together; and 49 life-course interviews with OH (n = 27) and OT (n = 22) and adults. Findings demonstrate that sizeable gaps in care remain for these groups, and that resource constraints and legislative restrictions prevail for professional stakeholders. Co-produced policy recommendations for inclusive homecare provision based on these experiences and group preferences are presented and discussed.

The Role of BAPPEDA In Formulating Planning and Budgeting in Intervening in Poverty Reduction

Various poverty reduction programs, especially in Central Sulawesi, have been implemented by the government, including in the socio-economic, health and education sectors. Mapping the poverty reduction program plan is needed to increase the effectiveness of each program implemented. The poverty reduction programs launched by the government have not been able to significantly reduce the poverty rate. In order to reduce poverty, it is necessary to take strategic, comprehensive and sustainable steps that can have an impact on reducing poverty. The purpose of this study is to see how the role of Bappeda in formulating planning and budgeting to reduce poverty in Central Sulawesi. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method. The results of this study indicate that bappeda as a facilitator and the process of formulating planning and budgeting has carried out its duties as regulated by law. The Central Sulawesi BAPPEDA in formulating poverty reduction planning compiles the Annual Regional Development Plan in the form of the Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD) through the implementation of absorption and aspiration gathering in the form of a Development Planning Consultation (Musrenbang) forum. The results of the Musrenbang contain a budget framework for activity plans that need to be funded by funding sources, be it the Regency APBD, Provincial APBD, APBN or other sources of funds. After the musrenbang, the RKPD is determined, which is then contained in the PERDA.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILD DECENT QANUN IN EAST ACEH DISTRICT

This research focuses on community involvement in the formation of Qanun Anak in East Aceh District, Indonesia. East Aceh has strong religious and cultural values, which require the implementation of Qanun Anak to protect children's rights. Community involvement is considered essential to reflect local values and ensure the protection of children's rights. Community participation is not only limited to the establishment of the Child Qanun, but also includes implementation and supervision. The ongoing education program aims to increase public understanding of children's rights and open dialogue between the community and the government. Regular consultation forums serve as a forum for evaluating the impact of Qanun Anak, sharing success stories, identifying challenges, and finding solutions together. The local child welfare center becomes a dynamic hub that connects the community with resources to support children. The involvement of village governments, the private sector, and NGOs has had a positive impact with financial support and knowledge to overcome challenges. The mass media is a strategic partner in voicing children's rights and raising public awareness. The campaign through the media helped maintain the momentum of awareness of children's rights and the importance of implementing Qanun Anak. This study used qualitative methods with primary data from direct interviews and secondary data from local governments, children's forums, youth institutions, and the people of East Aceh. Community participation in the formation of Qanun Anak reflects the spirit of democracy, involving religious leaders, traditional leaders, child activists, parents, teachers, and children. The public consultation mechanism involves multiple voices in the harmony of discussion, ensuring the Child Qanun reflects the values and needs of the community. Children's participation is recognized and encouraged, creating regulations that strengthen their rights. This process involves technology with online surveys and virtual discussion forums. Education increases public understanding of children's rights and the urgency of Qanun Anak. The Qanun of a child-worthy city is not just a legal text, but rather a moral manifesto and a shared commitment to protecting children's rights. The people of East Aceh play an active role in making unique contributions, overcoming conflicts through collaboration, and creating an environment of support for children. The urgency of Qanun Anak includes the protection of children's rights, child development support, child empowerment in decisions, empowerment of parents and communities, as well as relevance to contemporary challenges. It is hoped that with the sustainability of community commitment and the real implementation of Qanun Anak, every child can grow up in an environment full of support and equal opportunities.

Prevention Platform

A brand new prevention platform calls for decisive investment in prevention.
 It is unique because the platform acts across policy domains, as well as policy levels and language borders.
 The platform aims to promote health for all, contributing to more quality of life and healthy life years. We aim at a transformation from curative care (curative) to ensuring that people are born healthy and stay healthy (preventive).
 This fits seamlessly with the goal of integrated care: enabling people to maintain or regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Prevention and self-care are as essential to achieving this goal as the coordination of health and social care services. 
 With prevention support, people should be able to make informed decisions about their care and well-being; develop skills and knowledge to self-manage their long-term conditions; remain active in their communities and not become socially isolated.
 Prevention, especially primary prevention, is the basis of the new, integrated health and well-being policies we are pursuing. This requires many initiators from the health and welfare sector, as well as schools, businesses, social services, sports clubs to pull on the same sea.
 Driven by the Health in All Policies idea, the prevention platform groups together everyone - institutions and individuals - who want to give priority to prevention, to join forces to this end (to 'unbundle').
 The prevention platform focuses on the question of how to make prevention structurally permeate all sections of society. 
 Structural attention and a long-term strategy for prevention are the message here.
 Major investments in better prevention and health promotion within a strengthened primary care system as well as in an integrated social, welfare and healthcare concept: from ""taking care of sick people" to "making sure people are born healthy and stay healthy".
 We are working on a Community. There is a common concern to work preventively, health and wellness-wise, from very different, missions and experiences. There is no common language around prevention. By working together, talking together and setting concrete goals, prevention will have richer content.
 
 First achievement of the platform during the corona crisis was the call to the GEMS "Create a healthier living environment and make a healthy lifestyle a basic rule".
 The great interest in the platform compelled us to draft a charter.
 Round table discussions were organised across Flanders for the charter's signatories. This gets the conversation going across domains and levels.
 The charter has so far been signed by 820 organisations, academics or citizens.
 Major organisations such as VVSG, Domus Medica, Zorgnet Icuro, VRP, VAD, ... put their backs into it. 
 At the launch conference of the platform, ministers from the federal and Flemish levels were present together.
 The Prevention Platform is taken up as an important stakeholder in various consultative forums, as an independent advocacy platform, striving for transformation.
 The platform aims for an Interfederal plan for Belgium: Bringing together the prevention & health promotion sector (regional level) and the curative sector (national level) to work together on government-wide policies for Health for All.

From New Media to New Piety: The Construction of Muhammadiyah Digital Piety Ideas

Muktamar is the highest consultative forum in Muhammadiyah, held every five years to discuss and formulate various decisions on responding to the ummah and nationality issues. At the 48th Muktamar in 2022 in Surakarta, Muhammadiyah discussed six strategic issues, one of which was digital piety. This is very interesting because apart from Muhammadiyah, no Islamic organization in Indonesia has officially made the issue of digital piety a strategic issue to be discussed at its Muktamar. Therefore this study aims to analyze the construction of the idea of digital piety by Muhammadiyah. This study is qualitative research with a literature study approach. The data was obtained by collecting print and digital literature related to the idea of digital piety by Muhammadiyah. The data obtained were then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive qualitative analysis model. This analysis model has three stages: data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. Analysis of the data obtained leads to two findings in this study. First, digital piety is interpreted by Muhammadiyah as behaving and doing activities in the digital space accompanied by morality and ethics based on Islamic values. At this level, digital piety will lead to more civilized interactions and activities in the digital space. Second, three dimensions build the construction of Muhammadiyah’s digital piety ideas, namely the ideological dimension, the normative dimension, and the internalization dimension. The three dimensions are related to one another to create a civilized digital culture.

Devolved Governance System and its Economic Development Impact to Rural Counties in Kenya: Case Study Kakamega County, Kenya

This study aims at discussing how devolved governance system has an economic impact to rural counties in Kenya with Kakamega rural county as the case study. The Devolution is one of the most transformative changes to Kenya’s governance system brought about by the Kenya Constitution, 2010. Article 174 of the Constitution provides that one of the key objectives of devolution is to promote social and economic development and provide proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya. Many rural Counties including Kakamega County faced with a myriad of challenges such as poverty, unemployment, disease, low agricultural productivity among others. Kakamega County through its short, medium and long term plans came up with an Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). The CIDP helps the county in identification of the projects and programmes through various consultative forums at the sub-county level vide Focused Ward Groups, community dialogues, County Stakeholders, such as the County Budget and Economic Forum, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, Public Benefit Organizations such as GROOTS Kenya, ADS, and International development partners such as UNICEF, UNDP and USAID. Kakamega county has achieved much in terms of developments in various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and urbanization. This study contributes in highlighting how devolved governance system has a positive impact to rural areas in kenya. The study provides crucial insights on devolution as a tool to economic development changes in rural Kenya especially in Kakamega County.

Ecodesign for Industrial Furnaces and Ovens: A Review of the Current Environmental Legislation

The increasing global demand for energy- and resource-efficient, environmentally friendly products has led the European Union (EU) to develop a sustainable product policy, incorporating ecodesign legislation and energy labeling as effective tools for promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. Recent European energy policies, such as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Ecodesign Directive (EDD), have set new objectives for enhancing energy efficiency. This study focuses on the 2012 Lot 4: Industrial and Laboratory Furnaces and Ovens, Tasks 1–7 Final Report, which informed the European Commission’s 2014 working document for the Ecodesign Consultation Forum on industrial and laboratory furnaces and ovens. The working document proposed initial draft measures and requirements for this product group, aiming to achieve specific energy savings and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. The findings of the investigations on energy consumption and GHG emissions are presented in this work, with draft calculations and projections serving as the foundation for discussions on future measures. The BAT (best available technologies) scenario would result in lower environmental impacts. The initial and indicative draft Lot 4 impact assessment predictions for energy savings demonstrate the positive influence of prospective ecodesign measures in reducing energy consumption. These deliberations will ultimately contribute to the formulation of an official mandatory regulation for industrial and laboratory furnaces and ovens, in line with the EU’s sustainable product policy objectives.

A NOVEL PERSPECTIVE ON THE APPLICATION OF THE SHARI'AH PRINCIPLE OF MASLAHAH FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA

This paper examines the purpose of why Shari’ah is divinely revealed to unify human social strata. This stemmed from the basis where the Shari’ah itself is derived, that is Tawhid. Tawhid commands unification and encourages integration through understanding and constructive engagements based on mutual benefit, otherwise known as Maṣlahah. Maṣlahah is an important Shari’ah principle meant to nurse diversity and prevents discord. In governance, Maṣlahah is an important legal doctrine that accommodates ideas to help in developing public confidence to strike a balance between the statutory legislation produced by the authority and the public to adjust towards them. However, Nigeria as a country is faced with multifaceted challenges, from insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping to ethnic and religious conflicts among others. These threatened its survival as one entity and is setting it on a path to disintegration. Thus, the paper employed a historical-analytical approach in exploring the doctrine of Maṣlahah for national integration in Nigeria. It underpins that the ethnoreligious plurality of Nigeria must be seen as a means of understanding and strength, not hate and division. Similarly, the societal problems bedevilling Nigeria that including social insecurity can be managed through the Shari’ah principle of Maṣlahah, particularly Shura (consultative forum) and the re-institutionalization of an effective social justice system called al- ͨadalatul Ijtima’iyyah. Hence, the reasons given for the application of Maṣlahah as a viable means for national integration prove the idea as a novel in providing security for national building and prosperity.

Terrorism and Government Budget: An Analysis of the Impact of Boko-Haram on Budgeting Processes in Nigeria

Stable countries have tried to adequately deliver public goods and services to enhance economic governance. However, countries faced with terrorism in Africa cannot adequately check, advocate, and enable the delivery of public financial management (PFM). Systems theory was used to underscore the complex interactions between budget processes and terrorism. The activities of Boko-Haram in North-eastern Nigeria have disrupted public activities and affected key stakeholders’ involvement in the budget process, availability of budgeting information and budget performance. This study interrogates the impact of Boko-Haram on budgeting processes. The mixed research design was informed by 47 interviewees and documented studies. A diagnostic test was conducted on variables to confirm their reliability, validity and normality. Likert scale was used to find out the opinions of the interviewees. Descriptive and inferential analysis was adopted in this research. With a significant regression model (p-value <0.05), the analysis shows that terrorism accounts for 89% variation in budget execution. The authors noted fewer scholarly efforts to interrogate how terrorism undermines budgeting as an aspect of PFM in economic governance. Hence, this paper recommends more research in this subject area, particularly in other terror affected countries in Africa. This paper advocates for increased policy support by enhancing public accessibility of budget documents, engendering consultative forums for citizens' participation in the budget process in secure locations, and timely budgetary reports and audits by relevant government agencies

Planetary protection: an international concern and responsibility

Planetary protection is a set of measures agreed upon at an international level to ensure the protection of scientific investigation during space exploration. As space becomes more accessible with traditional and new actors launching complex and innovative projects that involve robotics (including sample return) and human exploration, we have the responsibility to protect the pristine environments that we explore and our own biosphere. In this sense, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) provides the international standard for planetary protection as well as a forum for international consultation. COSPAR has formulated a Planetary Protection Policy with associated requirements for responsible space exploration. Although not legally binding under international law, the standard offered by the Policy with its associated requirements is internationally endorsed along with implementation guidelines supplied for reference in support States’ compliance with Article IX of the United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967. Indeed, States parties to the Outer Space Treaty (under Article VI) are responsible for any space activities in their countries, governmental and non-governmental. The main goal of this Policy is to avoid compromising the search for any lifeforms on other celestial bodies and to protect the Earth from a potential threat posed by extraterrestrial samples returned by an interplanetary mission. The COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy has defined five categories, depending on the target and objective of the specific space mission. Associated to these categories are requirements are various degrees of rigor in the contamination control applied. The Policy is assessed regularly and updated with input from new scientific findings and in conjunction with the fast-evolving space exploration milieu. The COSPAR Panel on Planetary Protection (PPP) is a designated international committee composed of scientists, agency representatives and space experts. Its role is to support and revise the COSPAR Policy and its related requirements (https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/scientific-structure/panels/panel-on-planetary-protection-ppp/). The Panel’s activities deal with the individual needs of a space mission while exercising swift care and expertise to ensure sustainable exploration of the Solar System.

Relationship between role social media with premarital sexual behaviour of Village Youth in Banggai Laut Regency, Central Sulawesi Province in 2022

According to the IDHS, 8% of men and 2% of women have had premarital sexual behavior in their teens, namely 15-24 years. Adolescent boys who engage in premarital sexual behavior for reasons of mutual love are 47%, for reasons of curiosity as much as 34%, for reasons that have occurred as many as 15%, for reasons of being forced by a partner as much as 3% and influenced by friends as much as 3%. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the role of social media and premarital sexual behavior of village youths in Banggai Laut Regency, Central Sulawesi Province in 2022. The population in this study were all 221 teenagers in TL Village. The sample was selected by random sampling technique and a sample of 140 teenagers was obtained. The research method used is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The data that has been collected was analyzed by univariate and bivariate analysis which was then followed by a chi-square test. The results showed that there was a relationship between the role of social media and premarital sexual behavior in adolescents with a ρ value of 0.024. It is hoped that the local health office can improve and develop youth health service programs and other innovative programs so that youth are able to access reproductive health and sexuality information and become a forum for consultation on adolescent reproductive health issues.

Spatial Tools for Inclusive Landscape Governance: Negotiating Land Use, Land-Cover Change, and Future Landscape Scenarios in Two Multistakeholder Platforms in Zambia

Landscape approaches are being promoted as a form of negotiated governance to help reconcile competing land uses and identify common concerns for planning envisioned future landscapes. Multistakeholder platforms play a key role in these efforts. This paper aims to contribute to an emerging scholarship that explores how spatial tools can be used in such platforms as boundary objects and if and how they can contribute to inclusive landscape negotiations and governance. We used spatial mapping to observe and document stakeholder perceptions about drivers of land-use and land-cover change and desired future scenarios that accommodate competing land uses. We found that land-cover maps derived from satellite images helped participants identify land-use change dynamics and drivers. The ensuing community mapping of desired landscape scenarios in both multistakeholder platforms (MSPs) triggered a process of identifying common concerns and defining actionable priorities. However, in one MSP, stakeholders ultimately reached a compromise on a draft land-use map that was widely regarded as an entry point for further negotiations in Local Area Plans, while the other lacked consensus due to deep-seated social-cultural issues, such as social-class-based disagreements. This paper illustrates, first, that instead of focusing on the end product (participatory maps), understanding negotiation processes helps uncover why spatial tools may fail to achieve the intended purpose of reconciling land uses. Second, spatial tools only work for landscape approaches if MSPs are inclusive and foster a collaborative process that considers the views of all participants. The authors recommend that those steering MSPs stimulate them to evolve from “mere consultation forums” to “innovative, participatory platforms”, encouraging stakeholders to engage in genuine negotiation processes that allow negotiated and alternative outcomes. We contend that such an approach, supported by spatial tools, is likely to contribute to the implementation of landscape approaches. Policymakers and land users can use these spatial tools as boundary objects in user-focused strategies that engender inclusive stakeholder participation and ensure legitimate, acceptable, and sustainable outcomes.