Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In recent times, environmental issues have gained a lot of public attention due to the threat of environmental problems to the future survival of humanity. In view of this most countries, of which Sweden is not an exception, have come up with environmental quality objectives to help deal with the threat pose by these environmental problems. Sweden has adopted sixteen (16) environmental quality objectives with most of it slated to be achieved by the year 2020 with the exception of the climate change objective scheduled to be met by the year 2050. To achieve these objectives, each County in Sweden is mandated to adapt, define and translate into potential targets 15 of the 16 environmental goals. The Dalarna County conducted its first review of the regional environmental objectives between 2006 -2007. This process adopted a consultative meeting approach with the relevant stakeholders. Currently another review process is going on but this time around, the County Administrative Board (CAB) has decided to adopt the process of dialogue. This study sought to assess the impact of this dialogic process, the stakeholder’s perception about this process and also the major challenges associated with the use of such process in reviewing the regional environmental objectives and also formulating action plans. By adopting a qualitative approach through interviewing of relevant stakeholders, it was established that this new approach has helped enhanced stakeholder’s sense of responsibility, fostered mutual learning and increased stakeholders understanding about the process, enhanced collaboration and relationship among the stakeholders and finally led to the emergence of new and co-ordinated action. It was also established that all the stakeholders had a positive perception about the process.

Finally, it was identified that the main challenges associated with the use of the dialogic process included: inability to achieve all the environmental objectives as scheduled and also lack of recognition of this new role of the County Administrative Board by some stakeholders.
Key words: Dalarna County, Environmental Objectives, Dialogue, Revision, Action plans