Rethinking Participation in Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as essential tools to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and societal challenges. But their success depends not only on ecological design but also on who is involved in shaping them. Too often, certain groups remain excluded from co-creation processes, undermining both legitimacy and long-term sustainability.
A European Commission’s recent report highlights the importance of engaging commonly excluded stakeholders (CES), such as marginalized communities, Indigenous peoples, migrants, youth, women, and those facing socio-economic or accessibility barriers. These stakeholders are often highly affected by NbS but lack the opportunity or means to participate meaningfully.
Why Exclusion Persists
Exclusion is rarely straightforward because the conditions of people’s lives vary depending on place and time. Social, historical and institutional factors often create barriers that limit participation. Exclusion can be:
- Intentional (e.g., when groups are seen as disruptive),
- Unintentional (due to systemic biases or logistical barriers),
- Self-selected (stemming from distrust or consultation fatigue).
Barriers include structural issues like language and mobility, systemic power imbalances, practical constraints such as childcare or digital access, and design-related shortcomings. Left unaddressed, these factors reinforce inequities and weaken NbS governance.
The Benefits of Inclusive Co-Creation
Engaging CES is not just about fairness, it improves outcomes. The report identifies several benefits:
- Richer solutions: Diverse perspectives generate innovative, context-sensitive ideas.
- Social cohesion: Inclusion strengthens community bonds and trust.
- Reduced inequalities: NbS can directly address unmet needs of marginalized groups.
- Empowerment: Participation fosters pride, confidence, and ownership.
- Sustainability: Inclusive processes enhance legitimacy and long-term success.
Practical Approaches for Engagement
Moving beyond traditional workshops, the report highlights creative and accessible methods:
- Participatory mapping, storytelling, theatre, and community walks to capture lived experiences.
- Playful and tech-based tools to engage younger audiences.
- Informal gatherings to build trust in less formal settings.
- Practical support such as translation, childcare, or financial compensation to lower barriers.
Guiding Principles for Inclusion
The report distills eight principles to guide practitioners and policymakers:
- Intentional inclusion – explicitly identify and prioritize CES.
- Trust building – foster transparency and reciprocity.
- Flexible design – adapt timing and methods to CES needs.
- Equity and recognition – value all knowledge and acknowledge contributions.
- Method diversity – use varied approaches beyond workshops.
- Cultural sensitivity – respect local values and histories.
- Shared expectations – clarify roles and manage expectations.
- Reflexivity and learning – continuously reflect and adapt.
Towards More Just and Effective NbS
Inclusive co-creation is not optional. It is foundational to achieving equitable, effective, and sustainable NbS. By embedding inclusivity into every stage of the process, from co-diagnostic to co-replication, practitioners can ensure that solutions truly serve both people and nature. The report makes clear: when all voices are heard, NbS become more legitimate, resilient, and transformative.
