Co-creation in muddy waters (and how to navigate them)
Illustrations: Sarah Heuzeroth
Let’s be honest: restoring a wetland together is rarely smooth sailing. Ecology, livelihoods, economic interests and governance all meet in one landscape, and the people involved often come with very different ideas, values and needs. Add to that a long history of wetlands being treated as wasteland, drained or simply avoided, and it is easy to see why the process needs to be taken carefully.
With this in mind, we are delighted to launch the WaterLANDS Co-creation Framework, a practical guide to working together for wetland restoration and a companion for the muddy moments. It takes a deep dive into the co-creation approach, from its guiding principles (manifesto) to the process itself, and shares real stories from across Europe. It also looks honestly at the challenges that arise, such as time and budget constraints, clashing values, complex governance structures and the difficulty of building a connection between people and wetlands. For each challenge it proposes strategies that can be adapted, because no two landscapes (or communities) are alike.
The framework builds on WaterLANDS, a five-year project working to upscale wetland restoration across Europe. It draws on case studies from our six Action Sites, where damaged wetlands are being brought back to life, and from fifteen Knowledge Sites, where restoration has already succeeded. When you are ready to try things yourself, the toolbox is there with practical tools to pick up, adapt and use straight away. Some of them are wonderfully hands-on: participatory mapping, citizen science and artists involvement in wetlands restoration will help people see wetlands with fresh eyes.
The lessons at the heart of the framework come from the people who lived this journey, and a few may surprise you. Inviting people to the table is not the same as sharing influence, and a public meeting can sometimes deepen a divide instead of closing it. Quiet landscapes can hide complex stories, and enthusiasm may dip along the way. A sound walk, a collective bird ringing activity or a film festival can open doors that a formal meeting may never will.
So this is not a manual. It is a companion to return to, question and make your own. If it sparks one good conversation or one new partnership, then it has achieved its purpose.
