i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Achieving Sustainable Rural Development through Partnership Experiences & Lessons Learned

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Defining Art.6 „Partnership“: Levels of Participation Level 1:Information (provision of information, public relations, „hearing“) Level 2:Consultation (feedback, dialogue, „round table“) Level 3:Co-operation (preparation of decisions up to co- decision) Partnership: placed between levels 2 and 3  Depending on institutional and financial responsibilities  … of all partners > information

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Participation within Rural Development: Advantages (in Theory) Advantages:  Result has higher (political) legitimacy and tax-payers acceptance  Improvement of programme: Reflection of ecological and social aspects, higher innovation potential  Objectification: Interests instead of positions, mutual learning, conflict settlement through dialogue  More engagement in implementation, longterm sustainable solutions facilitated by stakeholder acceptance

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Participation within RD: Disadvantages (expected) Disadvantages:  Loss of control over final decision  Costs of the process (time and money)  Opportunity costs for NGOs (environmental as well as agricultural) -> participation trap?

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer First Experiences in Austria: AE Advisory Committee  Members: regional agriculture and nature conservation authorities, NGOs, (federal environment ministry), chair: ministry of agriculture -> forum of experts, not politicians -> Objectification  Tasks: Evaluation of AE programme, integration of results into programme development, allocation of budget for studies -> Improvement of programme by complementing agriculture targets through the social and environmental perspecitve, prevention of (public) criticism  Standing orders: votes by majority, recommendations to the agri minister, formal protocols known to DG Environment -> high influence, ongoing dispute-settlement

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Participation within the Preparation of the Austrian RD Plan: LE  Elaboration of RD Plan as participatory project, lead and final responsibility with ministry of agriculture (& environment)  Core: 7 (+4) working groups, reflecting the 3 RD axis, from end 2004 – end 2005  Members: authorities (federal ministry, regional agriculture and nature conservation authorities), agriculture chamber, partly chamber of commerce, partly organic farmers representatives; around 150 experts  3-4 conferences (Kick-Off Nov. 04, Mai 05, 1-2 further conferences planned, e.g. to the national strategy plan)  Internet-platform, opportunity to post and publish contributions

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Preparation of the Austrian RD Plan: Lessons Learned  Clear responsibilites: esp. SPC for internal and external needs  Connection between technical and political level: bad connection can slow down the whole process, mutual loyality  Clear definition of roles: final decision lies with the minister  Planning of process: example LEADER, broad kick-off, followed by various participation instruments  Diversity of needs: needs to be reflected through different instruments and intensities of participation  Provision of information: extensive; adequate resources need to be allocated! (protocols to detailled, reports to far advanced)  Cross-axis consistency: Matrix-WGs (z.B. nature conservation, forestry), co-ordination between heads of working groups

i m p a c t Euronatur Conference Bonn, Sept 7th, 2005 impact | policy consulting simone lughofer Conclusion: „Proactive Approach to Partizipation“  Structured process instead of singular interventions: better control and budgetary planning  Transparency: change of ministerial culture necessary, needs strong high-level commitment  Good opportunity for integrated consideration of funding measures (whilest seperate in implementation)  Broad agricultural debate on high level: WGs with 150 experts -> Capacity building and better mutual understanding between actors as side-effect  Open issue: Resources for NGO-participation, particularly with view on the monitoring committees