1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

CC-LandStraD - Germany

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Thünen Institute (Thünen Institute) - Germany

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

04/08/2015

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Reference(s) to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Technologies

2.1 Short description of the Approach

Establishing a dialogue platform on sustainable land management which is open to all stakeholders

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

Aims / objectives: The cross-sectoral stakeholder discussion platform on SLM aims to involve all relevant stakeholders in a specific SLM topic, or within a particular region in a dialogue process leading to better understanding and to a sustainable solution where there are multifunctional claims on land. The platform operates in Germany.

Examples of possible topics are to work out, together, the main land use conflicts in a region (e.g. reduced land for agriculture because of increased settlement pressures) and then to jointly develop sustainable solutions for the land use conflicts addressed. The platform was established by a non-governmental group within a transdisciplinary research project (CC-LandStraD) financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in Germany. The transdisciplinary research approach is carried out in cooperation with regional authorities.
The platform was established by a non-governmental group of researchers of a transdisciplinary research project financed by the Federal ministery of education and research in cooperation with regional authorities (transdisciplinary approach).


Methods: The platform provides a forum to discuss specific topics cross-sectorally (for example, agriculture, forestry, settlement and transportation, and nature conservation) and for multi-stakeholders (for example land users, advisors, specialists, planners, and decision makers). To establish this platform, a neutral setting and external moderation is helpful. Methods which can be used at the platform include separate sectoral and cross-sectoral workshops, excursions, information events and newsletters. Furthermore, there are simulations of different scenarios on current land use and on land use development and distribution, and at the same time there is cross-sectorial and transdisciplinary learning. This platform is not a single event, but an on-going process. Access barriers, for example an entrance fee, should not exist.

Stages of implementation: To initiate a platform, the most relevant aspects of a region/community and all related stakeholders have to be established through a stakeholder analysis. Interviews and surveys are employed to indicate who the relevant stakeholders are. During interviews the potential stakeholders are asked who they work with regarding land use. Further stages then focus on the most relevant aspects. These may be current land use conflicts like losses of agricultural land because of settlement and transportation infrastructure. Alternatively they can be conflicts regarding production of goods either for food, feed or energy purposes, or disputes concerning intensive or extensive agriculture, with the consequent implications on nature and environment conservation. Depending on which conflict is addressed, the relevant stakeholder and the process which is needed (e.g. sectoral talks, cross-sectoral talks, focus groups) can be identified. To identify the most relevant land use conflicts stakeholder are asked to rank the most relevant land use conflicts that affect them.

Role of stakeholders: Each stakeholder is welcomed and has the opportunity to state his/her opinion in an open-result discussion. The cross-sectoral learning process is an important aspect of this approach. In the case presented case there is interaction between stakeholders from agriculture, forestry and settlement/transport as well as nature conservation, regional and environmental planning and governmental institutions. The stakeholders were asked for the main land use conflicts in their work, relevant measures to resolve the situation, and their design, then discussed the scenario assumption, and selected results and possible implications.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

The Approach focused mainly on SLM with other activities (different interests on SLM in dialogue, cross-sectoral and with all related interest groups)

A cross-sectoral stakeholder discussion platform on SLM aims at involving all relevant stakeholders around a specific SLM topic, or within a particular region in a dialogue process leading to better understanding and improved, sustainable, solutions. In a “business as usual” situation, generally no cross sectoral talks or interaction take place. With such a platform however, more knowledge and direct talks between stakeholders from different sectors provide the opportunity for solutions.

The SLM Approach addressed the following problems: There are different and competing demands on land which can conflict with the conventional uses for agriculture and forestry. These include biomass for energy, new settlements and transportation infrastructure. Space is also needed for tourism and leisure facilities; and also for measures of environmental protection. All of these can have an impact on the area available for, and the management of, farmland and forests. And there are competing economic interests in land management. As land is a limited resource, problems between different stakeholders are inevitable and becoming more frequent.

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	interactive	scientists working with transdisciplinary processes
planning	interactive	scientists on transdisciplinary processes and disciplinary scientists on SLM
implementation	passive	all involved stakeholders mentioned above = passive; scientists = interactive
monitoring/ evaluation	passive	all involved stakeholders mentioned above, scientists
Research	interactive	all involved stakeholders mentioned above and all scientists

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Were decisions on the selection of the Technology(ies) made:

• multi-stakeholder dialogue process

Explain:

Land users supported by SLM specialists e.g. an extensive management of grassland
SLM specialists with consultation of land users: practical test phase of new technology or innovative practise
by politicians / leaders (e.g. decisions regarding societal aims like environment protection)


Decisions on the method of implementing the SLM Technology were made by no decisions. No decisions have been made yet.

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Yes

Specify who was trained:

• land users
• field staff/ advisers

• involved people

Subjects covered:

The activities focused on each level/stage (measures, scenarios, results and implication) to provide knowledge to and with all participants in order to focus on the meeting's objectives and to raise awareness (why are we doing this? why is it important to be here? why should we talk about this topic?).

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Describe/ comments:

Advisory service is quite adequate to ensure the continuation of land conservation activities; The approach raised awareness and brought people together who normally don’t discuss topics with each other.

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, a little

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• local

Describe institution, roles and responsibilities, members, etc.

This method can support local institutions via the input and mutual discussions of regional associations and groups. However, certain groups may mutually exclude each other.

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

Comments:

socio-cultural aspects were monitored by project staff through observations; indicators: Interviews by scientists at the project end regarding cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach

There were no changes in the Approach as a result of monitoring and evaluation

There were no changes in the Technology as a result of monitoring and evaluation

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

Yes

Specify topics:

• sociology
• economics / marketing
• ecology

Give further details and indicate who did the research:

Simulation of land use development in Germany was undertaken, including simulation of agricultural economics, forest economics and simulation of settlement and transport areas development, of GHG emissions of land use, and a population survey on perceptions of landscapes

Research was carried out on station

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:

• < 2,000

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

Approach costs were met by the following donors: government: 95.0%; local government (district, county, municipality, village etc): 5.0%

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

No

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

• none

Comments:

Time which was needed to take part in the dialogue platform other inputs not relevant

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

No

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• yes

If yes, describe how:

This approach is suitable for different levels, for different topics or different stakeholders involved.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
New information, innovative methods and results, current political trends (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Presentation of new information has to be in a language adequate for the target groups.)

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Added value e.g. research can be needed to get new input (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Clear announcement of added value for different target groups)
All relevant stakeholders are involved (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: make sure that all relevant stakeholders are identified during the initial stakeholder analysis.)
Cross-sectoral and sectoral meetings by turns, depending on specific aspects of the meeting (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Problem and solution oriented talks and meetings)
Neutral setting and external moderation
New information and knowledge by researcher is shared (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Cooperation with research institution)

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
There should be an added value for land user and the added value should be addressed clearly.	e.g. new information provided by researcher must be tailored to the different stakeholders.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
It takes time to produce the right working atmosphere and to reach a common language.	Avoid short-term initiatives.
The moderation has to be accepted by all stakeholders.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Steinhäußer, R. et al. (2015) National and regional land-use conflicts in Germany from the perspective of stakeholders

Available from where? Costs?

Land UsePolicy 49, 183-194

Title, author, year, ISBN:

• Lange, A.; Siebert, R.; Barkmann, T. (2016) Incrementality and Regional Bridging: Instruments for Promoting Stakeholder Participation in Land Use Management in Northern Germany.

Available from where? Costs?

Society & Natural Resources , Jul2016, Vol. 29 Issue 7, p868-879, 12p.