A recent article from Renew Economy offers a timely wake-up call for anyone involved in community engagement, especially in the renewables space. Titled “There’s a lot more resistance for forests, renewables chief says old way of community consulting is dead”, the piece digs into why traditional consultation approaches are falling short and what it takes to build genuine community support today.
Here are six key takeaways from Renew Economy’s insights into the evolving engagement landscape:
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Traditional consultation methods are no longer enough. Superficial or box-ticking engagement efforts are increasingly met with resistance, especially around sensitive environmental sites like forests.
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Community opposition is rising, particularly near natural environments. Concerns over environmental and cultural impacts are driving stronger pushback against renewable projects, highlighting the need for deeper, meaningful dialogue.
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Authentic listening and responsiveness build trust. Success comes from going beyond compliance to genuinely incorporate community values and feedback early and throughout the project.
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Social licence is fragile and requires ongoing nurturing. Engagement isn’t a one-off step but a continuous relationship needing transparency, adaptability, and commitment.
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Engagement must be tailored to local contexts. One-size-fits-all approaches fall short; understanding the unique social and environmental dynamics of each community is essential.
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Innovation in engagement approaches is critical. The renewables sector is trying new, interactive formats and participatory methods to better meet community expectations and reduce conflict.
This compelling commentary from Renew Economy underscores the urgent need for all engagement professionals to rethink how they connect with communities—shifting towards collaboration that is truly respectful, responsive, and built on trust.
For a full read, check out the piece here: There’s a lot more resistance for forests, renewables chief says old way of community consulting is dead.
