Green Agenda

Spring - Istog, Kosovo

At the IAF Benelux Conference Facilitation as (2nd) Profession I introduced a group to the Green Agenda method for developing and implementing local sustainable development plans. Participants had different backgrounds, but all of them had experience in multi-stakeholder processes. They reflected on common challenges like differences in knowledge between stakeholder groups, conflicting interests, lack of understanding and trust, and hierarchy which can influence a group discussion or process. Lessons learned include being open about different interests of different groups and “letting these be”, investing in getting the conversation going (for instance with a tool) to build understanding and create a common language, to ensure there is direct communication, and to plan the moment the “big bosses” are brought in well.

The Green Agenda is a method for participatory planning and development that addresses these challenges. I have worked with this method successfully in 8 countries in approx. 40 communities over the last 9 years. During this period I have become a believer.

What makes the Green Agenda method so special?

First of all, the whole process is based on values. In the first stakeholder meeting participants are asked to mention those things of the community they are proud of.

Local produce

Things that are mentioned a lot are natural and cultural heritage, like forests, lakes, rivers, specific species, handicrafts, old buildings, local songs and music, local food (cheese, honey), traditions, and, to the amusement of one of the participants, also traditional costumes.

Traditional clothes

Second, the Green Agenda process is open to all stakeholders. One does not need a university degree to be able or allowed to take part. And in addition to representatives of organisations, institutes, authorities and businesses, also active citizens are welcomed. In fact, everyone who cares about the place they live in is warmly invited and can play a role.

Third, the method includes a strong investment in local capacity building. This is tailored to the need of the local stakeholders taking part, but can include training and coaching on how to organise and conduct a meeting, how to run an awareness raising campaign, how to develop and write a project proposal, how to monitor and assess progress, etc. etc.

This dream was realised in Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia

Fourth, implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation of implementation of the strategy and plans made, is part of the method and is being done by local stakeholders themselves.

The whole set up and focus of the process leads to a very strong local ownership. There are always people who want to be engaged in something. Either in the thematic working groups that analyse the priority values (and yes, during this analysis we do get to identifying problems eventually, as well as of course causes and possible solutions), or in organising small actions, or in implementing plans or in monitoring implementation. Some people even continue implementing Green Agenda processes in other communities, Green Agenda in Gracanica, Kosovo.

Nedelisce, Croatia

Adoption of the strategy and action plan developed by the local council and the mayor also leads to commitment from the side of the elected authorities. For instance, in Nedelisce, Croatia, a local municipal fund has been established through which, 6 years after the closing of a foreign funded project, local implementation is still  being paid for by providing small project grants.

Smithy - funded by Nedelisce municipal Green Agenda fund

This, in short, is why I have turned into a believer. And I like to think that some of this belief rubbed off on the participants in my workshop. One of them wrote a Dutch language blog post, Rick Lindeman on Green Agenda workshop.

Should you like to be convinced, too, please feel free to contact me and to check out the links below.

Downloadable

Green Agenda Manual Serbia

Project websites

Green Agenda in the Western Balkans (2007-2010)

Current Green Agenda project in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro

Participatory Videos Green Agenda in the Western Balkans

Participatory Video Green Agenda in Albania

Participatory Video Green Agenda in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Participatory Video Green Agenda in Kosovo

Participatory Video Green Agenda in Macedonia

Participatory Video Green Agenda in Montenegro

Participatory Video Green Agenda in Serbia