{"id":331,"date":"2015-02-03T10:50:02","date_gmt":"2015-02-03T10:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tool-besafe.pensoft.net\/?p=331"},"modified":"2017-02-22T14:05:48","modified_gmt":"2017-02-22T14:05:48","slug":"developing-our-capacity-to-build-effective-arguments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tool-besafe.pensoft.net\/index.php\/2015\/02\/03\/developing-our-capacity-to-build-effective-arguments\/","title":{"rendered":"Developing our capacity to build effective arguments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Thematic<\/strong>Topic <\/strong>
\nCapacity development has been defined by the United Nations as \u201cthe process through which individuals, organizations and societies obtain, strengthen and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives over time\u201d [1].\u00a0 This definition highlights the different scales at which capacity development can and should take place, and the role of the broader environment on allowing potential change in terms of developing capacity. In this brief we address the development of capacity to argue successfully for biodiversity<\/span>.<\/p>\n

It is important to note that capacity development of arguments<\/span> should not be approached as a one-off but rather should be addressed in an iterative manner as part of a long-term process. Indeed, as highlighted by the case studies examined in BESAFE arguments are often used within processes that may span several or many years and involve multiple stakeholders<\/span>. Furthermore, similar arguments may be used in different situations with varying degrees of success. Thus development of capacity will be different for all depending on needs, motivation, resources, etc and these may also evolve over time: A \u201cone size fits all\u201d is not appropriate.<\/p>\n

Usefulness<\/strong>
\nDeveloping capacity is of high policy relevance across and between different levels of governance<\/span> and stages of policy processes. At the international level, Aichi strategic goal E calls for the need to enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building [2]. At the European level, in the 5th Report of the European Union to the Convention on Biological Diversity of June 2014 the European Commission included elements of the Committee of the Regions\u2019 Opinion stating: \u201cThe EU recognises the key role played by local and regional authorities, together with Member States, in the delivery of a multilevel, cooperative and integrated approach towards the Aichi targets and the related targets of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. Several local and regional authorities are actively involved in the programmes for capacity building and sharing good practice.\u201d Following on from this, there is a call for \u201cMember States and subnational governments [\u2026] to develop, in cooperation with their local & subnational governments’ national associations, guidance material and administrative capacity building [\u2026] for local and subnational biodiversity strategies, action plans and measures\u201d and for local and sub-national authorities to \u201ccarry out capacity building within their administrations, whilst making best use of administrative capacity building projects provided for at national, European, or international level\u201d [3].<\/p>\n

Transferability<\/strong>
\nThe lessons learned identified in this brief have wide applicability, not only to build effective arguments but also to achieve broader objectives in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem<\/span> services<\/span> and beyond.<\/p>\n

Lessons learned <\/strong><\/p>\n