Who are your stakeholders?

Understanding your stakeholders is an important step in developing an effective sustainability approach.

It is in drawing from the opinions and experiences of the full range of our stakeholders that we practice collaborative sustainability and produce the most effective and long lasting solutions on the ground.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Expanding our view of stakeholders

Unlocking the potential of public participation

‘… public participation is probably the most feared and poorly executed phase of the environmental decision-making process’ (Harding et al. 2009, p.168).

Done well however, public participation can help to resolve social or environmental concerns early in the process, draw from the wealth of local knowledge and expertise, help to empower local communities, and reduce operational costs.

Importantly, consulting your internal and external stakeholders can yield similar or even greater benefits too.

Reflect and share

What practical steps do you believe are necessary to ensure that participation is meaningful and engaging?

Share your thoughts in the comment section.

References

_{Harding, R, Hendriks, CM & Faruqi, M (2009) ‘Public participation’, Environmental decision-making: Exploring complexity and context, Federation Press, Leichhardt, NSW, pp. 167–92.}