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-          In Leipzig, a large communication process has been established to show the extent to which the Lebendige Luppe project can mitigate negative effects of the loss of floodplain functioning in the Leipzig area. Due to interventions of NGOs, nature conservation experts and scientific expertise, the objectives of the project have been enlarged to restore more flood dynamics in the river than originally planned. In parallel a floodplain management forum has been installed to bring forward future river and floodplain restoration measures in the Leipzig floodplain context.

-          In London, due to the high public profile for the Mayesbrook restoration and Mayesbrook Park regeneration works, considerable pre-project engagement was undertaken to raise awareness of the potential gains in natural capital and social benefits. In particular, work with local school groups, awareness raising and stakeholder engagement activities were led by key partners. Formal public meetings were held regularly to inform local residents and businesses at key planning stages. These efforts allowed ensuring good knowledge exchange with local residents and park users (e.g. in relation to potential changes to the existing landscape which carried significance to individuals or families) as well as allaying concerns and identifying the best available solution without compromising the scheme objectives.

-          In the city of Nijmegen, many of the regional partners and stakeholders were extremely critical of and opposed to the national Room for the River plans, which was to be implemented for the River Waal. The proposal to move the dike into Lent provoked widespread public opposition and demonstrations. In this case, the key to creating win-win solutions was to align the national goals such as on water safety and nature development with those of the regional stakeholder groups.

-          In Munich, public consultation increased the acceptability of the project on the restoration of the River Isar. From the start of the Isar-Plan in 1995 the public was asked to accompany the planning process. People were interviewed about the new river and their preferences and the results of these interviews formed the guidelines for the planning process.

-          In the case of re-designing the Podutik flood reservoir in Ljubljana, efforts to include civil society and to organise information events contributed to awareness on the multi-functionality of the reservoir. Consultation activities also counteracted the lack of communication of different end-users of the area of the flood reservoir especially regarding maintenance.  

-          Also in Oslo, experience gained with the city’s stream culverting strategy shows it is important to engage the local communities surrounding the stretches being de-culverted. This requires a proper stakeholder analysis prior to the start of the work and their subsequent engagement.  The de-culverting projects including complementary non-water related components may add substantial welfare benefits and improvements in quality of life to local residents with good local participation. Conversely, they may result in conflict-ridden projects if not well received and without good participatory processes.

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