The evolution of stakeholder participation in European UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: challenges and opportunities of the COVID pandemic and the digital shift

Stakeholder participation in European Biosphere Reserves (BRs) has been extensively studied; however, the evolution of participation at different levels and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have been less explored. A mixed-method approach was used to investigate this evolution, including a literature review, analysis of a European longitudinal survey conducted in 2008 and 2021, case study interviews and a questionnaire to Biosphere Reserve managers. Results indicate that stakeholder participation in BRs has become more important over time, with both an increase in the number and diversity of stakeholders involved at higher levels of participation. This increase was augmented by the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) during the pandemic. However, the increased use of ICTs had its challenges, such as the exclusion of certain types of stakeholders from the participatory process. Solutions, such as creating hybrid meeting arenas, are suggested to address these challenges. We conclude by providing recommendations for further enhancing our knowledge base on new forms of participation based on digital platforms.