Conduct stakeholder analysis
The stakeholder analysis involves identifying, mapping, and analysing the interests, influence, and relationships of relevant individuals, groups, or organisations that have an interest, influence, or impact on the ecosystem and its assessment or that are affected by the assessment. These stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, public sector representatives (e.g. ministries, municipalities), NGOs, private sector actors, industries, civil society organizations, scientists, data providers, technical experts, advisors, reviewers, and communicators. This step helps to understand the different perspectives, the plural values, and preferences of the stakeholders, as well as their potential contributions and conflicts. It prepares the foundation for structured and meaningful involvement of stakeholders in the process (cf. "Start engaging stakeholders").
SELINA Guidance
Relevant non-SELINA material
Justice
Link to Justice
Justice is central because this step determines whose voices, knowledge, and power are recognised or overlooked in the process of an ecosystem assessment. It sets the foundation for equitable participation.
Dimensions addressed
Recognitional: identify marginalised groups, historic exclusions, overlooked knowledge holders; acknowledge varying capacities and roles (formal and informal governance).
Participatory: design inclusive engagement strategies that balance power, guarantee transparency, and allow meaningful input; put mechanisms in place to resolve conflicts and support collaboration.
Contextual: account for socio-political structures and histories shaping visibility, influence, and exclusion
Why this matters
Establishes legitimacy and fairness early in the process.
Prevents marginalisation of vulnerable or excluded groups.
Reveals power imbalances and potential conflicts before they hinder participation.
Strengthens trust, partnerships, and buy-in for the rest of the assessment.
Stakeholder Engagement
Placeholder
Crosslink toTNFD’s LEAP Framework
Links to L1 (span and business model and value chain) of the LEAP framework. L1 focuses mainly on defining relevant sectors and value chains of the direct operations as a fundament for the interaction with a local ecosystem. This is where nature meets business and therefore is part of identification of focus + stakeholder identification. Also links to the scoping phase