Governmental organisations often use dialogue-based approaches in governance for sustainability. The intention is to involve relevant actors that represent a variety of perspectives and positions – from businesses to landowners to activists and citizens – to ensure that policy interventions are socially legitimate and effective.

While dialogue processes are a valuable tool for inclusive, legitimate and effective governance, their implementation is often fraught with difficulties, usually due to challenges related to power relationships and conflict.

Designing power-sensitive and conflict-aware communication

Within MISTRA Environmental Communication, we translate recent research on power and conflict into participatory practices. Together with societal partners, we co-develop ways to design power-sensitive and conflict-aware environmental communication.

We work with the following cases:

• Urban development in Uppsala
• Water management in rural areas in Västmanland
• Land use planning in Sami territory
• Dialogue processes in forestry-related conflict management.

Dialogue and collaboration network

Within the focus area, a network has been created for those who want to develop sustainability dialogues. Read more about the network and sign up at slu.se/mistraec/natverkdialogsamverkan (in Swedish).