03/04/14: Engaging Effectively Towards Inclusive Policy Development

Effective engagement is increasingly becoming regarded as a vital tool for the aquaculture industry towards developing successful and inclusive policy that is easily understood by all.

To raise the importance of effective engagement in aquaculture policy development, the topic is the feature of a special session at the forthcoming World Aquaculture Adelaide 2014 Conference to be held in Adelaide, South Australia, in June.

The Effective Engagement in Policy Development session, led by Ms Jill Coates, President of the South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAGOA) and Partner of Natural Oysters and Coates Consulting; will feature a range of international and local participants including the President of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia, Carla Leversedge who is also secretary of the international IAP2 association.

Ms Coates said the session will illustrate how this approach can nurture and grow existing and new industry within the aquaculture sector by sharing case studies and examples of aquaculture policy that has been improved and/or developed through formal stakeholder engagement undertaken by all levels of government to peak industry bodies and other stakeholders.

The formal engagement approach differs from the concept of social license, which is also attracting increasing interest within the aquaculture sector, as it illustrates how the broader community can influence policy through voting and social media.

“We know that resources in policy setting, particularly by government, are increasingly being stretched so effective engagement with all stakeholders is rapidly emerging as a way forward for the industry, not just here in South Australia and Australia, but also internationally” Ms Coates said.

“Getting everyone together and being collaborative leads to more efficient and inclusive policy planning. You might not necessarily get everyone to agree, but, having all sides committed to the process and looking at an issue from each other’s point of view, leads to a better understanding from all parties.

“Ultimately it is about a smoother more inclusive process in developing and implementing policy and to ensure that future aquaculture growth meets economic, social and ecologically sustainable outcomes.”

World Aquaculture Adelaide 2014 will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre in Adelaide, South Australia from 7 to 11 June 2014.

World Aquaculture Adelaide 2014 is an opportunity for the international aquaculture community to present their research/work, exchange ideas and discuss a vision for the future of the aquaculture industry as they focus on the theme of ‘Create, Nurture, Grow’, reflecting the dynamic nature of aquaculture development in the region.