There are various methods for citizen engagement. Frequently used methods include: 

• Surveys: Used to obtain information from citizens requiring minimal time commitment. Surveys can capture quantitative or qualitative data and can reach many respondents. Can be done online or in person.
• Citizens’ Assemblies: A form of public deliberation that allows citizens to participate in decision-making processes.
• Future Scenario Workshops: Allows citizens to explore and discuss different future scenarios.
• Semi-Structured Interviews: A qualitative method of inquiry that combines a pre-determined set of open questions with the opportunity for the interviewer to explore themes or responses further.
• Walking Interviews: A method where participants are interviewed while walking, allowing for more natural conversation and observation.
• Participatory Mapping: A tool where community members create maps that represent their spatial knowledge of an area.
• Setting up a Community of Practice for long term citizen engagement. A community of practice is a group of people who share a common concern or passion and meet regularly in an informal setting.

A comprehensive overview can be found in the Prep4Blue (P4B) stakeholder engagement tool: https://wavelinks.eu/explore/engagement-methods?page=1&page_size=10.

Thorough preparation is crucial for successful citizen engagement. Key steps in preparation include:

• Defining the Purpose: Understand why you are engaging citizens and what you hope to achieve.
• Identifying Participants: Map out the participants and ensure diversity and inclusion.
• Building Relationships: Engage community leaders and key stakeholders through communication and relationship-building activities.
• Logistical Preparations: Consider practical aspects such as location, time, and accessibility.

Implementation involves actively engaging citizens through the methods chosen in the preparation phase. It’s important to facilitate open communication, ensure that participants feel valued, and that their input is genuinely considered.

Monitoring and evaluation involve assessing the effectiveness of the citizen engagement process. This includes gathering feedback, analyzing the data collected, and evaluating whether the engagement met its objectives.

Citizen engagement is crucial in Mission Ocean and Waters as it allows for diverse perspectives and insights, which are essential in addressing complex socio-environmental-economic challenges. Engaging citizens in decision-making, policy production, governance, and research contributes to a more democratic and socially just process.

Engaging citizens can come with several challenges including:

• Engagement Fatigue: Citizens may be overwhelmed with engagement requests, leading to reduced participation over time.
• Managing Expectations: It is important to be clear about the scope and impact of citizen participation to avoid disappointment or frustration.
• Power Dynamics: Be mindful of the power relations between organizers/researchers and participants, and among participants themselves.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Ensuring that all voices, including marginalized groups, are heard and represented.
• Logistical Challenges: Coordinating schedules, locations, and resources can be challenging, especially for larger groups.

Examples of specific citizen engagement tools and how they have been successfully implemented. These examples serve as case studies and best practices that can be adapted and applied in different contexts.

• https://www.merialgabsiit.ee/en/ 
• World Cleanup Day https://www.worldcleanupday.org/ 
• Consensus conference – our ocean https://tekno.dk/project/our-ocean/?lang=en 
• BlueBioMatch platform is set to unite actors who share a common mission: advancing sustainability in the blue sector (https://bluebiomatch.hivebrite.com/). 
• BlueMissionBanos Mission Arenas: event series that aim to engage and support a wide range of stakeholders across the Baltic and North Sea to contribute to the EU Mission Ocean’s objectives, and more especially in making the Blue Economy carbon-neutral & circular by 2030 (https://bluemissionbanos.eu) 

Citizen engagement can contribute to solving environmental challenges by:

• Collecting Diverse Insights: Citizens often bring unique perspectives and local knowledge that can be invaluable in understanding and addressing environmental issues.
• Building Support and Ownership: When citizens are involved in decision-making, they are more likely to support and take ownership of the solutions.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Engaging citizens in environmental initiatives can lead to more sustainable practices at the community level.
• Innovative Problem Solving: The collective intelligence of a diverse group of citizens can lead to innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Obtaining funding for citizen engagement activities in research projects can be achieved through various avenues:

• Grant Applications: Apply for grants that are specifically aimed at supporting citizen engagement in research. Many funding bodies recognize the value of citizen engagement and offer grants to support these activities.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Partner with non-profit organizations, community groups, or other institutions that have a vested interest in citizen engagement. These partnerships can often lead to shared resources and funding.
• Crowdfunding: Use crowdfunding platforms to raise small amounts of money from a large number of people. This can be particularly effective for projects that have a strong community interest or social impact.
• Government Programs: Explore government programs that support citizen engagement in research. Some governments have funds allocated for community-based research projects.
• Corporate Sponsorship: Reach out to corporations for sponsorships, especially those whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with your project.

When writing a funding proposal for citizen engagement activities, it is important to include:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of the project and why citizen engagement is essential.
• Objectives and Goals: Clearly outline what you hope to achieve through citizen engagement.
• Methodology: Describe the methods of citizen engagement you will use and justify why they are appropriate for your research project. Carefully study the details of a specific call and build your application around it.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget that breaks down the costs associated with citizen engagement activities.
• Impact and Benefits: Explain the potential impact and benefits of citizen engagement on your research project and the wider community.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Describe how you will evaluate the success of the citizen engagement activities and how you will report back to the funding body.
• Timeline: Provide a timeline for the citizen engagement activities.

Yes, best practices for managing funds for citizen engagement activities include:

• Transparency: Be transparent about how funds are being used and keep detailed records of all expenses.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Involve stakeholders, including citizens, in decision-making processes regarding the use of funds.
• Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor the budget to ensure that funds are being used efficiently and effectively.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with the funding body’s requirements and regulations.
• Evaluation and Feedback: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the citizen engagement activities and be open to feedback, adapting as necessary.

Training for citizen engagement activities in research projects can include:

• Workshops and Seminars: These can be used to train participants in specific methods of citizen engagement, such as how to conduct surveys or facilitate focus groups.
• Online Courses: There are many online platforms that offer courses in citizen engagement and related fields.
• Certification Programs: Some organizations offer certification programs in citizen engagement, which can provide formal recognition of expertise in this area.
• Peer Learning: Engaging with other professionals who have experience in citizen engagement can be an invaluable form of training.
• Customized Training Programs: Some organizations offer training programs that are customized to the specific needs of a research project or team.

You can find training programs for citizen engagement through:

• Academic Institutions: Many universities and colleges offer courses and workshops in citizen engagement.
• Professional Organizations: Organizations such as the International Association for Public Participation offer training and resources.
• Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in citizen engagement. See question 16 regarding PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series.
• Networking and Professional Groups: Joining professional groups and networks can also be a good way to find out about training opportunities.

When selecting a training program for citizen engagement, consider the following:

• Relevance: Ensure that the content of the training program is relevant to your research project and the methods of citizen engagement you will be using.
• Expertise of Trainers: Look for programs that are led by experienced professionals with a track record in citizen engagement.
• Practical Application: Opt for programs that include practical exercises and real-world examples.
• Feedback and Reviews: Check for feedback and reviews from previous participants to gauge the quality of the program.
• Certification or Accreditation: If formal recognition of your training is important, look for programs that offer certification or are accredited by a recognized body.

Training can enhance the effectiveness of citizen engagement in research projects by:

• Building Skills: Training builds the skills needed to effectively engage citizens, such as communication, facilitation, and data analysis.
• Improving Understanding: It helps in understanding the principles and best practices of citizen engagement.
• Increasing Confidence: Training can increase the confidence of researchers in engaging with citizens.
• Ensuring Ethical Engagement: Training in ethics ensures that citizen engagement is conducted in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Enhancing Outcomes: Ultimately, well-trained individuals are likely to achieve better outcomes in citizen engagement activities.

The PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series offers training options that focus on citizen participation in marine and freshwater initiatives. The series includes webinars that cover various aspects of citizen participation, social inclusion, and citizen science[1].

You can learn about citizen participation and stakeholder assemblies through the first webinar in the PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series titled “Citizen Participation and Citizen Assemblies for Mission Ocean”. This webinar introduces key theories and methods for encouraging citizen participation in marine and freshwater matters, and discusses core requirements of Mission Ocean funding in this area. The trainer for this webinar is Dr. Maiken Bjørkan from Nordland Research Institute, Norway[1].

The second webinar in the PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series titled “Increasing Social Inclusion Through Mission Ocean Projects” focuses on social inclusion. This webinar introduces the concept of social inclusion as it relates to Mission Ocean priorities and how projects can build promoting inclusivity into their design. The trainer for this webinar is Dr. Patricia McHugh from the University of Galway, Ireland[1].

The third webinar in the PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series titled “Citizen Science to Support Mission Ocean Project Activities” covers the integration of citizen science into research projects. This webinar introduces the work of marine and freshwater citizen science groups from around Europe and discusses how such groups might be integrated into Mission Ocean project proposals. The trainer for this webinar is Dr. Jan Seys from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Belgium[1].

Yes, recordings of the webinars in the PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series are available on the PREP4BLUE website and YouTube.

No, the webinars in the PREP4BLUE Citizen Engagement Webinar Series are free to attend and the recordings are available for free on the PREP4BLUE website and YouTube.