Aim and objectives Expected results Work packages WP 1 Building a framework of arguments for the value of biodiversity WP 2 Case studies on the effectiveness of arguments WP 3 The interaction between governance scales WP 4 Relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services and values WP 5 Synthesis: Arguments for improved biodiversity policy-making and governance WP 6 Dissemination, communication and science-policy dialogue WP 7 Management of the consortium Methodology Partners Project timetable Project organisation

WP 3 The interaction between governance scales

Coordinators: Ann van Herzele (INBO) and György Pataki (Szent Istvan Uni)

 

Objectives

The overall aim of WP 3 is to:

• understand the differences in actors’ perspectives on biodiversity conservation between governance levels;
• analyse the linkages and transmission of arguments and values across the MLG system;
• explore cultural, political and institutional embeddedness of argumentation for biodiversity.

Description of work

Task 3.1: Review existing research on MLG and scaling and transferring of values

The scaling and transferring of values across scales is an important issue for the development of consistent policies. We will therefore review literature on these subjects and link with o.a. the SCALES and POLICYMIX projects to complete the overview. Furthermore, we will review knowledge of transferring and scaling values in processes resembling biodiversity policy such as the development of environmental awareness and policy and the climate policy.

 

Task 3.2: Development of criteria for the selection of cases in WP2 to ensure they contribute knowledge relevant to the research objectives for WP3 and methodological guidelines for collecting and analysing evidence from the case studies

WP3 cases need to have some decision-making content, e.g. the development or implementation of a European, national or sub-national policy, strategy or plan, or the development and/ or implementation of a project at the local level. They should also include at least two governance levels, ideally supranational, national and sub-national levels should be involved in the case. The case study analysis will be based on the analysis of policy documents or other relevant documents, like project documents. The document analysis will be complemented by interviews of key stakeholders at all possible levels and optionally by focus groups. WP3 will contribute to the guidelines and protocols of the comparative case study framework being developed in Task 2.3.

 

Task 3.3: Supervising of the gathering of MLG interaction data with WP2 and analysis of data in cooperation with WP’s 2 and 4, concentrating on interaction effects and the scalability and transferability of values

The WP3 case studies will include an analysis of argumentations in multi-level interactions. The co-leaders of WP3 will coordinate this research in close cooperation with WP2 leaders, in order to guide the case study analysis of all project partners conducting case studies on the question of argumentation within and across different scales. At WS1 which is planned about half a year into the data collection period, WP3 will present first results and consult stakeholders on analysis and presentation. Feedback will be used to adapt methodology and protocols when necessary so possible data gaps can be mended. The results of the case study work will be presented in the second stakeholder workshop WS2.