Just Transformations – Embedding stakeholder engagement to mainstream nature-based solutions in freshwater ecosystems

The use of nature-based solutions (NbS) in freshwater restoration must ensure fair, active, and transparent involvement of diverse stakeholders, and balance the distribution of costs and benefits they incur. A synthesis of MERLIN NbS case study data, illustrated by six examples, shows that the way stakeholder engagement isdesigned and executed has critical implications for achieving such ‘just transformations’. The analyses focused on representation, procedure, and distribution. Representation analysis shows that a broad range of stakeholders were engaged, but public-sector stakeholders often dominated, which may result from their traditional role in natural resource conservation and environmental protection. Initiatives like case study boards and workshops promoted active stakeholder involvement, but community groups were often less actively engaged, reinforcing public-sector representation. NbS benefits were generally well communicated and positively perceived, but there was limited clarity regarding costs, beneficiaries, and compensation schemes for affected stakeholders. It is important to address the power dynamics and politics of restoration while building trust amongst stakeholders togalvanise support. Community groups and sceptical stakeholders need to be fully engaged and given space to voice concerns and to constructively find solutions. This requires significant time and resources. It also requires willingness to compromise. Engagement and decision-making approaches should respond to different stakeholders’ needs, while ensuring flexibility to involve a range of stakeholders properly. Capacity building for project leaders is critical to identify and address the root causes of opposition to NbS, low interest in participation and their implications for just transformations. This can help address low participation amongst some stakeholder groups. To enable early detection of gaps and timely corrective actions, stakeholder engagement should be planned from the outset with tools in place to systematically monitor and evaluate participation. Context is important, and each case study offers unique lessons, stressing there is no one-size-fits-all approach when implementing NbS within a just transformations framework.