Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Some groups are traditionally underrepresented in the environment and outdoors, and are less likely to be reached via traditional consultation and engagement processes. The guidance below highlights good practice in the implementation of projects which may contribute towards nature networks.
Covering Framework Delivery Principles:
- Data, mapping, & monitoring
- Finance & resourcing
- Governance & decision making
- Knowledge & skills
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Participation, engagement, & communication
- Policy & Mainstreaming
- Project Development
- Project Implementation
- Spatial Mapping
Overview
Effective participation is essential to build Nature Networks.
Early engagement and partnership working takes time and resources, and barriers to participation need to be removed. This includes empowering trusted messengers to lead within communities. Whether this is a local community or a sector (e.g. farming or forestry), those open to, or already promoting, biodiversity friendly approaches that support Nature Networks should be worked with and provided the necessary tools to be drivers of change. The support required, and therefore who will be best placed to offer it (Local Authorities, NatureScot or other public bodies) will vary, and so at all levels of Nature Networks governance there must be an openness to working with others.
We need to ensure that the benefits of Nature Networks are clear and understood by all with messaging easily tailored to framing and values of key distinct groups. Likewise the role that communities, land owners, public and private bodies play in delivering these benefits should be easily understood. Particularly important is the role of public bodies as exemplars in delivery of Nature Networks.
Key Principles of Participation, Engagement, and Communication:
- Engagement with partnerships and communities will be inclusive, empowering and facilitate bottom-up activity.
- Simple and unifying messaging on Nature Networks across partners with a focus on building people’s connection with nature and fostering stewardship.
- Scotland’s public bodies will be exemplars, supporting the delivery of Nature Networks on their land.
Engaging with Stakeholders (Design and Implementation phases)
Effective participation is essential to build Nature Networks. We need to ensure that the benefits of Nature Networks are clear and understood by all with messaging easily tailored to framing and values of key distinct groups. A place-based approach to engagement can encourage people to care for their local network, ensuring that it benefits everyone and helps tackle inequalities not further embed them.
Co-design is when an organisation and stakeholders work together to design or rethink a service, policy or project. Co-design goes beyond traditional stakeholder engagement. While consultation and feedback mechanisms seek advice and opinions from users, co-design allows us to design services in close collaboration.
There is an expectation that local authorities and other partners will engage with key stakeholders at all stages to design and implement nature networks at a local and regional level. The resources highlighted in the actions list below outline good practice in carrying out this engagement.
Inclusion
Some groups are traditionally underrepresented in the environment and outdoors, and are less likely to be reached via traditional consultation and engagement processes. Additionally, they may find it harder to access nature and the outdoors, and special consideration should be given to liaising with these groups at all stages in the design and implementation of nature networks. The guidance below highlights good practice in the implementation of projects which may contribute towards nature networks. The Links below highlight selected guidance on improving accessibility to nature and the outdoors.
Many excellent groups working in specific sectors and leading projects with good practice, this is just a selection of published guiding principles. When working on Nature Network design and project scoping, equality, inclusion and access should be given careful consideration. Principles of Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) may be appropriate at planning stage. Project design should consider ways to improve inclusion and engagement from design to delivery stages.
- A practical set of steps and actions intended to support a nature-based project to engage with their target community, to work collaboratively to design a community benefit agreement.
- This guidance is designed to help make our outdoor places and spaces, routes and facilities more accessible, and outdoor experiences more inclusive, so they can be enjoyed by everyone.
- Unique to Scotland, Access Panels are groups of disabled volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities.
- Disability Equality Scotland are a national charity working to make life more accessible, equal and inclusive for disabled people in Scotland.
- The Everyone’s Environment Pathway is a guide to how charities can respond to climate change and nature loss. The pathway contains tools, resources, and case studies to inspire your next steps.
- This information is from the National Parks Advice to Ministers.
Help us build a useful toolbox
Share your feedback on existing guidance and resources, as well as links to others you think would be useful. We’d also love to hear about any great Nature Network projects that we should showcase.
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