Sustainable tourism needs collaboration, not isolated solutions. In Pas-de-Calais, a Theory of Change workshop united stakeholders to tackle water and waste management. Read how the 3ST project is turning challenges into actions.
In the 3ST project, we believe it’s time to move away from immediately focusing on solutions. Instead, we emphasize a more collaborative process: creating a clear view of the situation, identifying diverse stakeholders, gathering their perspectives, and working together to co-create solutions that have broad support. Strengthening collaboration is a cornerstone of our project. We do this by organising Theory of Change Workshops, where different stakeholders come together to explore shared challenges and opportunities.
Creating a shared vision and identifying actionable steps
Our French partner, Pas-de-Calais, recently hosted a Theory of Change (ToC) workshop, a session designed to map out clear steps towards long-term sustainable goals. For the workshop Pas-de-Calais brought together key regional stakeholders to shape sustainable tourism practices in the region. Representatives from municipalities, waste and water management departments, tourist offices, regional authorities, associations, ADEME, and a French university attended, with a goal to align diverse local objectives and set a unified vision for sustainable tourism in Pas-de-Calais.
Creating a shared vision and identifying actionable steps
The workshop fostered collaboration and received enthusiastic participation from stakeholders eager to tackle shared challenges. A key accomplishment was establishing a unified vision for the region, aligning stakeholders on priority actions for water and waste management. Despite initial challenges with the unfamiliar ToC methodology, support from university representatives helped the group identify concrete next steps, making the approach accessible and effective. A positive side effect of the workshop format was that each participant had space to contribute.
The Theory of Change can be intimidating at first, but with guidance, it helps break down challenges and work on actionable solutions.” – Adeline Lebrun, Pas-de-Calais
From intimidation to impactful solutions
For some, the Theory of Change method initially felt daunting, but it proved highly effective for in-depth issue analysis and detailed solution development. Adeline Lebrun from Pas-de-Calais shared her experience: “The Theory of Change can be intimidating at first, but with guidance, it helps break down challenges and work on actionable solutions.” By the end, participants outlined actionable steps for water and waste management, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals.
Momentum for the next stages
The workshop generated a strong sense of commitment and enthusiasm among stakeholders, creating positive momentum for the project’s upcoming phases. Participants are eager to begin implementing the proposed actions and look to the project team for support in facilitating these next steps. The biggest challenge moving forward? Balancing stakeholder enthusiasm with voluntary participation and careful expectation management.