University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal

Logo BOKU Resarch Portal

Selected Publication:

Newig, J; Gaube, V; Berkhoff, K; Kaldrack, K; Kastens, B; Lutz, J; Schlussmeier, B; Adensam, H; Haberl, H.
(2008): The Role of Formalisation, Participation and Context in the Success of Public Involvement Mechanisms in Resource Management
SYST PRACT ACT RES. 2008; 21(6): 423-441. FullText FullText_BOKU

Abstract:
In the face of complex and uncertain issues, one important goal of public participation in resource management and research is to foster communication and the inclusion of non-expert knowledge-thus the effective flow of information between project organisers and stakeholders. We compare different methods (instruments, tools) that were employed in the German-Austrian xxxPartizipAxxx project to structure information flows in participatory processes. Depending on their goals and context, more or less xxxformalisedxxx and xxxparticipatoryxxx methods were applied, the most important being guided interviews, focus groups, agent-based modelling, nutrient modelling, cognitive mapping and group model building as well as the development of a common document. Two regional case studies, both concerned with European-induced institutional change, are portrayed in which the specific participatory methods were embedded. The Austrian case study involved the analysis and modelling of agricultural land use in the region of St. Polten against the background of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, while the implementation of recent European water policy was the issue in the German agricultural region north of Osnabruck. Presenting both cases in their regional context, the applied methods are first described according to the logic of the entire respective process. Subsequently, the specific methods are systematically analysed and compared according to their objective, context and degrees of participation and formalisation. Finally, we evaluate all methods regarding their effectiveness in terms of goal attainment and their potential generalisation, seeking to respond to the question of when a particular method might best be used.
Authors BOKU Wien:
Gaube Veronika
Haberl Helmut

Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
Public participation
Participatory methods
Information flows
Learning
Effectiveness
Case study comparison


Altmetric:
© BOKU Wien Imprint