What was the challenge/ problem addressed?
Environmental activists and farmers tend to discuss the respective other parties instead of discussing with each other and working together to find solutions for the ongoing decline of biodiversity and at the same time the decline of numbers of farmers, facing more and more environmental regulation.
How did you solve the problem?
The Agricultural Ministry had set “Biodiversity” as an advisory priority for 2019 and 2020. The Round Table was part of the local strategy of implementing the new advisory focus. In the meantime, the state-wide referendum “save the bees” dominated the debate. In the beginning, the trust had to be established among the usually opposing groups by good facilitation. The mission of the round table has been elaborated in a workshop and then, common activities have been developed and realized.
At the Round Table Biodiversity Landshut, for the first time, local environmental activists and farmers discuss together practical solutions for the decline of biodiversity and loss of species in the agricultural landscape, instead of blaming each other. The forum was initiated in 2019 and facilitated by the local field office of the Agricultural State Advisory Service (AELF Landshut).
What are the success factors in solving the problem?
The Round Table Landshut is still “alive”, maybe because the actors learn a lot from each other. The State Advisory Service is accepted as a competent and neutral partner from both sides – environmentalists and farmers.
Unexpected fails, if any
Low participation in the first public event for the public, due to not offering parking option for cars.
Lessons learned
Think more customer-oriented in event marketing.
What role does the advisor or advisory service play within the practical case?
Initiator and facilitator.
Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?
Yes
Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5
(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)
2
For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact Frank Trauzettel (frank.trauzettel[at]aelf-al.bayern.de, +49 871 603 1200)
Search for more information: https://www.aelf-la.bayern.de/landwirtschaft/230242/index.php
http://www.aelf-la.bayern.de/landwirtschaft/211524/index.php
