Step 3: Co-design the Action Plan

Short Definition

The co-design phase is a collaborative process in which the Community of Practice jointly develops an action plan for biodiversity restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable coastal management. It connects scientific evidence with local knowledge to create a shared vision and a practical roadmap for change. The outcome is a clear, agreed-upon plan that outlines goals, responsibilities, indicators, and a portfolio of Nature-based Solutions tailored to the local context.

Extended Methodology Explanation

Co-design is where shared understanding becomes shared action. After diagnosing the system, the Living Lab brings together community members, researchers, authorities, and businesses to transform insights into an actionable plan. This stage ensures that all stakeholders have an active role in shaping both the priorities and the practical steps needed to address identified challenges.

1. Building on the System Diagnosis
Start by revisiting the system maps and key findings developed in the previous step. Identify the major pressures, opportunities, and leverage points that the action plan should target. This ensures continuity and coherence between understanding the system and designing the response.

2. Co-design Principles
Adopt principles of openness, inclusivity, and iterative design. Every idea—scientific, local, or traditional—should have space to be explored. Co-design is not about consensus alone but about collective creativity, where diverse perspectives generate innovative and implementable solutions.

3. Participatory Workshops and Tools
Facilitate structured workshops using participatory design tools such as brainstorming sessions, scenario building, visioning exercises, and serious games. These interactive methods help participants test alternative ideas, explore trade-offs, and visualize the future they aim to create. Digital platforms can support these sessions through shared boards and mapping interfaces.

4. Setting Objectives and Indicators
Translate the shared vision into clear objectives. Define specific and measurable indicators that can track progress toward ecological, social, and economic targets. Examples include restored habitat area, community engagement rates, reduced pollution loads, or improved coastal resilience scores.

5. Defining Governance and Responsibilities
Clarify who does what. The co-design process should result in a governance structure that specifies roles, coordination mechanisms, and communication pathways. This may include steering committees, working groups, and dedicated contact points for data management, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.

6. Designing the Portfolio of Solutions
Compile a set of interventions—such as dune restoration, wetland recovery, kelp cultivation, or green infrastructure—that are feasible within the local ecological and socio-economic context. Each proposed action should link back to the system diagnosis and address at least one leverage point identified earlier.

7. Drafting and Validation
Draft the action plan collaboratively, ensuring transparency in how decisions are made and priorities are selected. Organize feedback sessions, both online and in-person, to validate the plan with wider community input. The final document becomes a living roadmap that can evolve with new data and changing conditions.

The co-design process strengthens trust among partners, aligns diverse interests, and ensures that the action plan reflects both scientific rigour and social legitimacy. It transforms shared knowledge into collective commitment.