PREP4BLUE D6.3: Report on the findings of the stakeholder assembly's engagement pilots

PREP4BLUE, the first Coordination and Support Action (CSA) for the Mission Ocean and Waters, plays a critical role in supporting the Mission’s objective of establishing a revamped governance model for oceans, seas, and waters, as well as enhancing public mobilization.

This report is one of the outcomes of the Work Package 6 activities on stakeholder engagement, which implements a multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach based on the 'Penta-Helix Model.' This model includes industry, public authorities, academia, civil society, and environmental organizations, all working together to boost stakeholder engagement in the Mission.

The stakeholder engagement process of pilot assemblies within PREP4BLUE is built on a structured, multi-step approach: needs assessments, pre-engagement planning, and collaboration with LightHouse (LH) CSA projects.

PREP4BLUE's primary contribution has been the creation of comprehensive stakeholder engagement guidelines and toolkits, along with the WaveLinks platform for identifying and analysing stakeholder engagement methods.

These tools were tested through four regional pilot assemblies, held across different basins: AtlanticArctic, Mediterranean, Danube-Black Sea, and Baltic-North Sea. Each assembly focused on one of the Mission’s key objectives, such as ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, and fostering a sustainable blue economy. These assemblies brought together diverse stakeholders, fostering collaborative governance models, democratic participatory processes, and generating key outcomes, such as sub-regional roadmaps. The co-creation process was central to these assemblies, where participants from various sectors worked together to identify problems, discuss challenges, and create tangible solutions.

The pilot assemblies provided a tangible framework for stakeholder engagement, testing and validating relevant engagement methods and event formats that will guide future engagement strategies within the Mission Ocean and Waters.

This report delivers the main results of the pilot stakeholder assemblies, outlining the methodology and engagement process followed in each pilot. It also provides an analysis of the key methods tested, such as the World Café and the role-playing game, as well as relevant public consultation processes showcased during these events.

The main findings from the pilot assemblies, including methodologies, lessons learned, and best practices, will inform the design and implementation of future stakeholder engagements across the Mission Ocean and Waters. By testing and refining innovative engagement strategies, PREP4BLUE is paving the way for more effective governance and enhanced citizen and stakeholder involvement in ocean and water management, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the Mission’s ambitious objectives