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Perspectives on Citizen Engagement for the EU Post-2020 Biodiversity Strategy: An Empirical Study

Author

Listed:
  • Liisa Varumo

    (Finnish Environment Institute, SYKE, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Rositsa Yaneva

    (Forest Research Institute—Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Tarmo Koppel

    (Department of Labour Environment and Safety, Institute of Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 12616 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Iida-Maria Koskela

    (Finnish Environment Institute, SYKE, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Mari Carmen Garcia

    (MCG Research & Innovation Sustainability Architecture/Urban Planning, 30004 Murcia, Spain)

  • Sara Sozzo

    (DISAFA, Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy)

  • Eugenio Morello

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy)

  • Marie-Christine Dictor

    (BRGM, Strategic and Research division, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 36009, 45060 Orléans, France)

Abstract

The current European Union biodiversity strategy is failing to reach its targets aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2020, and eyes are already set at the post-2020 strategy. The European Commission is encouraging the active role of citizens in achieving policy objectives in the coming years. In this paper, we explore ways citizens discuss their priorities regarding biodiversity and abilities to influence environmental problems at individual, collective and policy levels. We also examine how the citizen discussions resonate with scientific environmental priorities and how researchers see the role of citizens in policy processes and harmonising citizen and scientific knowledge. To pursue the citizen voices, an expert working group acting as knowledge brokers, facilitated a series of citizen workshops in seven European locations and a reflective researcher workshop in Belgium. Based on the results, participants identified many concrete and value-related measures to stop environmental degradation. The environmental priorities differed between citizens and scientists, but not irreconcilably; rather, they complemented one another. Both groups stressed environmentally minded attitudes in individuals and policy. Displaying diversity of perspectives was regarded as positive and adding legitimacy. Improving methods for balanced encounters among science and society is central for participation to become more than rhetoric in the EU.

Suggested Citation

  • Liisa Varumo & Rositsa Yaneva & Tarmo Koppel & Iida-Maria Koskela & Mari Carmen Garcia & Sara Sozzo & Eugenio Morello & Marie-Christine Dictor, 2020. "Perspectives on Citizen Engagement for the EU Post-2020 Biodiversity Strategy: An Empirical Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1532-:d:322251
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frédéric Gosselin & Antonia Galanaki & Marie Vandewalle & Jiska Van Dijk & Liisa Varumo & Jorge Ventocilla & Allan Watt & Juliette Young, 2020. "MICESE: A New Method Used for the Formulation of Key Messages from the Scientific Community for the EU Post 2020 Biodiversity Strategy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-20, March.
    2. J. K. Perret & V. Udalov & N. Fabisch, 2022. "Motivations behind individuals’ energy efficiency investments and daily energy-saving behavior: The case of China," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 129-155, February.

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