Good practice:

Sketch’n match

Sketch 'n Match is an on-site working method in which specialists engage with local stakeholders (administrators, residents, businesses,…) to find solutions for complex spatial problems. In our case it was all about making the Gulp valley more climate resilient in a way that enhances the landscape, biodiversity, Natura 2000 goals (a.o. dormouse and red-backed shrike) and promotes sustainable agriculture (dairyfarms) at the same time.
Sketch 'n Match is a design studio that usually takes one afternoon to three days. During the Sketch 'n Match groups of eight to ten people sit around a map of the area. All participants are equal and are invited to sketch their views, opinions, problems, solutions, etc. using colors, stickers, illustrations,… to make an integrated plan. Sketches are made of different possible developments and discussed. The sketch ‘n match acts as a pressure cooker to find new solutions, creates support and sets the process (back) in motion.
Prior to the sketch session, short presentations on the problems, ongoing research, new developments etc. can be presented to maximise the 'pressure cooker effect'. Ideally, between the various rounds, plenary meetings are planned during which preliminary results are presented. In this way cross-pollination between different groups takes place. Short field visits to ‘problem areas’ can also help to set problems sharp and to focus.
To manage the process and to guide discussions etc. a facilitator is needed at every table.

Not much is needed: one or more facilitators, large map prints and color pencils, stickers, post-it's are all you need to get started.

The method proved to be very successful. It made the project group much more empathic and constructive. Feedback from local stakeholders learned us that they were very glad to be able to discuss problems and solutions from the start, and as equals; really bottom-up. After the session app. 10 farmers expressed their interest to take part in the project and to discuss things further bilateral. The same method was used to allign the views and policy options for the governmental stakeholders.

This kind of interaction needs very thorough preparation and benefits a lot from local expertise. You have to take enough time and have an open mind and really listen to the participants (not trying to enforce your own views).

The method can be used in all kinds of projects with a spatial dimension, especially when land users are involved that can play an active role in the later implementation of your project. The BioGov Lead partner Province of Fryslan was very interested in this practice. That’s why we made a short movie about it and why this was subject of our peer review visit.