Behind the scenes environmental diplomacy. Adapting, as things develop
Open mic on the hill, stays on the hill 
Open forum, stays in the room
As the world speeds up, we move online, petitions and campaigns proliferate, media leads on simplicity – we can lose track in communicating complex issues, while maintaining dialogue with an awareness of other narratives, backstories and diverse views.
Think outside the plot
‘Minority Report’ was a 1956 book about foreseeing events before they occur. Spielberg describes his 2002 film as “fifty percent character and fifty percent very complicated storytelling with layers and layers of murder mystery and plot”.
The character and culture of a complicated countryside is undergoing rapid change. Land use, its management, and related environmental topics are often misconstrued, not set in context or within competing narratives. This is not helped by lobbyists, ‘gatekeeping’, and those wedded to fixed position statements.
Back door diplomacy, alongside front line advocacy
Anticipating the issues. Seeking honest feedback. Highlighting potential tensions. Being aware of multiple narratives, perception, affiliations. Engaging with different audiences. All help build trust to keep dialogue alive behind the scenes when public comms overheat.
“Better to be criticised by your friends than attacked by your enemies”
Rob Yorke
To provide unfiltered, unspun, unbiased information flows between different parties, as an honest broker, I offer a bespoke off-the record, Chatham House Rule comms services (also known as Track II diplomacy). I can set up back channel communication routes with the right people to maintain dialogue on rural and environmental issues, and host ‘walk and talks’ in neutral spaces to enable difficult conversations to take place.
“I hadn’t thought of it that way”
a land manager
Feedback
See here on what others say. And after 25 years of related experience, see also my specialist services Reconciliation Countryside. Just ask. And meanwhile do feed back your honest comments as to how this evolves.
Related blog – here (screen grab below)
