Modelling participatory processes

Modelling the processes of participatory problem-solving and decision-making in which civil society, local and national governments and progressive business engage in creative partnership to address human needs.

There is currently a shift in environmental education from teaching environmentally related knowledge and values towards the supporting of learning processes. The development towards these participatory approaches makes careful project development in good partnership even more important. A balanced strategy is needed to effectively apply a more participatory approach. Firstly, a number of key skills have to be mastered: How do you present an idea? How do you plan a project? How do you identify the position and role of the people you want to reach?

It is essential to develop educational programmes in co-operation with the target groups. Awareness is needed of your own way of working and of the qualities of the people that have to be reached. When international co-operation occurs, projects should not just be copied from one country to another. Suggestions about activities and about strategies are very useful, but counties can not be forced to implement projects without adaptation to national circumstances. For instance, Western approaches are not always effective in Eastern countries. It is therefore important to listen carefully to the needs for co-operation and to develop projects in partnership. Every country has his own culture and his own way of working.