…
Participatory processes empower citizens and facilitate implementation. However, results are not always successfully incorporated in formal processes of decision-making and promises are not fulfilled. What are the lessons from the Navarra experience in this regard?
There is now a well-established tradition of participatory processes in water in Navarra. The results of these processes have been incorporated in decision making through the river basin management plans, other regional plans, the EU funded projects and in local and regional flood management plans and actions.
This has been due to different factors that include to time and design participatory processes and results to fit existing institutional processes (elaboration of plans for example); to include governmental organizations in the design, funding and implementation of the participatory processes; to being attentive to windows of opportunity such as creating synergies with other related participatory processes; and to establish alliances with other likeminded organizations/processes.
…
In Navarra in 2017 and 2018 there have been recent more specific river contracts with fishermen associations to track and maintain healthy fish communities and prevent littering in the context of river restoration projects. Parties have improved their knowledge and have learnt, for example, the value of removing morphological obstacles in most cases to improve fish communities.
In the context of the European Project LIFE IREKIBAI water stewardship actions are being implemented in the Baztan-Bidasoa and Leitzaran basins in Navarra (Spain) and in their Special Areas of Conservation. The aim is to consolidate and formalize a longstanding collaboration between the Regional Government of Navarra and Local Fishery societies through a cooperation protocol that involves water stewardship actions in order to promote knowledge and involve citizens in the conservation and improvement of rivers and in the management of Special Conservation Areas.
…
