Learn about the key concepts and methods for evaluating the outcomes and impacts of environmental conflict resolution and negotiation processes.

Data Availability: Ensure there is adequate and reliable data for evaluation. Complexity of Issues: Acknowledge the complexity and interconnectivity of environmental issues, which may complicate the evaluation. Bias and Subjectivity: Mitigate biases by using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and involving diverse stakeholders.

Longitudinal Studies: Conduct long-term studies to assess the enduring impacts of the conflict resolution. Legacy Evaluation: Consider the legacy of the resolution process on future environmental governance and stakeholder relationships.

Finally, consider the evaluation's results and the lessons you took away from the experience. Make better use of this knowledge in the future to resolve disputes and support more sensible environmental decisions.

Establishing the goals and intended results of the dispute resolution process should come first. This will assist in directing the evaluation standards.

Assess the degree to which the dispute resolution procedure was planned and carried out. Take into account elements including the degree of stakeholder participation, the efficacy of the communication, fairness, transparency, and adherence to established protocols.

Last updated on Jun 6, 2024

How do you evaluate the outcomes and impacts of an environmental conflict resolution and negotiation process?

Environmental conflict resolution and negotiation (ECRN) is a process of finding mutually acceptable solutions to complex and contentious issues involving natural resources, ecosystems, and human activities. ECRN can help reduce the costs, risks, and uncertainties of environmental disputes, as well as foster collaborative relationships and learning among stakeholders. But how do you know if your ECRN process has been effective and successful? How do you measure the outcomes and impacts of ECRN on the environment, the parties, and the society? In this article, you will learn about some of the key concepts and methods for evaluating ECRN processes and their results.

1 Why evaluate ECRN?

Evaluating ECRN is important for several reasons. First, it can help you assess whether the ECRN process has met its objectives and satisfied the needs and expectations of the participants. Second, it can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of the ECRN process and the facilitator, and provide feedback for improvement. Third, it can help you demonstrate the value and legitimacy of ECRN to external audiences, such as funders, policymakers, media, and the public. Fourth, it can help you contribute to the knowledge and practice of ECRN by sharing your lessons learned and best practices.

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Tadele Moges (Ta_Mo™)
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Establishing the goals and intended results of the dispute resolution process should come first. This will assist in directing the evaluation standards.

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2 What to evaluate in ECRN?

There are different aspects of ECRN that can be evaluated, depending on your purpose and perspective. Generally, you can distinguish between two types of evaluation: process evaluation and outcome evaluation. Process evaluation focuses on how the ECRN process was designed and implemented, such as the participation, communication, facilitation, and decision-making methods. Outcome evaluation focuses on what the ECRN process achieved, such as the agreement, implementation, environmental impact, relationship change, and social learning outcomes. Both types of evaluation are interrelated and can provide useful insights for ECRN practitioners and researchers.

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Collin W.
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Process Evaluation: Assess how well participation, communication, facilitation, and decision-making were handled. Did everyone feel heard and was the process effective? Outcome Evaluation: Evaluate the agreement’s practicality and implementation. Consider its environmental, social, and political impacts. Did it improve relationships and enhance future problem-solving and natural resource management? By focusing on both the process and the outcomes, we can gauge the immediate and long-term success of the ECRN process.

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3 How to evaluate ECRN?

There are different methods and tools for evaluating ECRN, depending on your resources, time, and data availability. Some of the common methods include surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, document analysis, and case studies. You can use qualitative or quantitative data, or a combination of both, to measure and analyze the ECRN process and outcomes. You can also use different criteria and indicators to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of ECRN, such as fairness, efficiency, durability, satisfaction, compliance, trust, learning, and innovation. You can compare your ECRN process and outcomes with other cases or with a baseline or counterfactual scenario.

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Tadele Moges (Ta_Mo™)
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Assess the degree to which the dispute resolution procedure was planned and carried out. Take into account elements including the degree of stakeholder participation, the efficacy of the communication, fairness, transparency, and adherence to established protocols.

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4 When to evaluate ECRN?

The timing of evaluation can vary depending on your goals and context. You can conduct evaluation before, during, or after the ECRN process, or at multiple stages. Pre-evaluation can help you define the problem, scope, and objectives of the ECRN process, as well as identify the stakeholders, interests, and issues involved. Mid-evaluation can help you monitor the progress and performance of the ECRN process, as well as address any challenges or conflicts that may arise. Post-evaluation can help you assess the results and impacts of the ECRN process, as well as identify any follow-up actions or recommendations.

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5 Who should evaluate ECRN?

The evaluation of ECRN can involve different actors and roles, depending on your purpose and perspective. You can conduct evaluation internally or externally, or in collaboration with others. Internal evaluation is done by the ECRN participants or facilitator, who have direct experience and knowledge of the ECRN process and outcomes. External evaluation is done by a third party or an independent evaluator, who can provide an objective and impartial assessment of the ECRN process and outcomes. Collaborative evaluation is done by a mix of internal and external actors, who can share their perspectives and insights and enhance the credibility and learning of the evaluation.

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6 What are the challenges and opportunities of evaluating ECRN?

Evaluating ECRN is not an easy task. It can face several challenges and limitations, such as data scarcity, complexity, uncertainty, bias, confidentiality, and ethical issues. However, evaluating ECRN can also offer many opportunities and benefits, such as learning, improvement, accountability, communication, recognition, and innovation. Evaluating ECRN can help you improve your ECRN practice and contribute to the ECRN field. Evaluating ECRN can also help you communicate your ECRN achievements and challenges to your stakeholders and audiences. Evaluating ECRN can also help you recognize your ECRN successes and failures and celebrate your ECRN efforts and impacts.

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Liam Anderson

Senior Sustainability Advisor at Footprint Recycling
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Data Availability: Ensure there is adequate and reliable data for evaluation. Complexity of Issues: Acknowledge the complexity and interconnectivity of environmental issues, which may complicate the evaluation. Bias and Subjectivity: Mitigate biases by using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and involving diverse stakeholders.

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Tadele Moges (Ta_Mo™)
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Finally, consider the evaluation's results and the lessons you took away from the experience. Make better use of this knowledge in the future to resolve disputes and support more sensible environmental decisions.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Liam Anderson

Senior Sustainability Advisor at Footprint Recycling
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Longitudinal Studies: Conduct long-term studies to assess the enduring impacts of the conflict resolution. Legacy Evaluation: Consider the legacy of the resolution process on future environmental governance and stakeholder relationships.

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How do you evaluate the outcomes and impacts of an environmental conflict resolution and negotiation process?

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1 Why evaluate ECRN?

2 What to evaluate in ECRN?

3 How to evaluate ECRN?

4 When to evaluate ECRN?

5 Who should evaluate ECRN?

6 What are the challenges and opportunities of evaluating ECRN?

7 Here’s what else to consider

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