How do we ensure that the regional climate strategy creates a ripple effect and drives development forward? Identifying which actors are currently working with the Jakobstad region joint climate strategy and its measures was in focus when representatives from the Jakobstad region’s joint climate working group gathered for a workshop in Nykarleby this week. The theme of the day was stakeholder mapping.
The workshop was carried out within the framework of the Interreg Europe ICEAR project and aimed to create a clearer picture of which actors are crucial to achieving the climate goals – and how the collaboration between them works today.
System perspective on the climate strategy
The starting point for the work was a systems perspective: the climate strategy can only be realised if the right actors are involved and if the relationships between them work effectively. Therefore, the participants had to work on identifying key actors in the various thematic areas that are in the regional climate strategy “Climate smart together 2021-2030”, analyse which areas have the greatest climate impact, how the collaboration between the different actors works at the moment and identify any gaps in the actor landscape.
Participants in the workshop were: Mattias Thors (Larsmo municipality), Mathias Backman (Town of Nykarleby), Yvonne Liljedahl-Lund (Pedersöre municipality), Johan Svenlin (Town of Nykarleby , Sofia Zittra-Bärsund (Town of Jakobstad), Matilda Björklund (Kronoby municipality). ICEAR project managers Elisabeth Andersson (Jakobstad Region’s Climate Coordinator) and Pia Holkkola-Löf (Concordia) were the workshop facilitators.
What works and what/who is missing?
After listing the key actors, an analysis was also made of which initiatives and measures are well underway, wich measures aren’t relevant and also those that are not yet underway. By visualizing this – and at the same time connecting it to the actors behind it – a concrete picture was created of where collaborations work and where there are development needs.
Particular focus was placed on identifying:
- Key players that are crucial to the success of the regional climate strategy
- Bridge-builders that can strengthen cooperation between different sectors
- Missing actors who are currently not sufficiently involved
Next steps: from analysis to broader dialogue
The results of the workshop will now be compiled by the project managers and serve as a basis for the next step in the process. During the autumn, a larger workshop is planned where more actors from both the municipalities and the business community are invited to deepen the dialogue and jointly further develop the regional climate strategy.
The work marks an important step towards a more inclusive and actionable climate strategy – where the focus is not only on what needs to be done, but also on who needs to do it, together.
Do you have an opinion on what the Jakobstad Region should do in order to further its climate work? Get in touch and let us know!
