Buzzing Tables

Buzzing Tables are thematic (potentially transboundary) stakeholder discussion groups that provide a forum to identify and fill in evidence gaps from different knowledge sources, provide guidance and share best practices on topics such as monitoring and managing wild pollinators, their habitats and pressures. They provide input into Safeguard’s research to collectively shape its outputs. The Buzzing Tables bring together relevant stakeholders, who were pinpointed during the project’s stakeholder mapping exercise, to discuss specific pollinator-related themes, challenges, and solutions.

These specialised discussion groups can identify and fill in evidence gaps, provide guidance on best practices and hold dialogues and collaboration among major interest groups. They are used to inform and enrich the Safeguard research, but will also delineate the knowledge and information base for the production of targeted outputs (such as policy briefs).

The discussions and results of the Buzzing Tables provide valuable information complementing Safeguard's scientific knowledge base. They facilitate engagement and exchange with various sectors and foster collaborative knowledge production and solutions. The Buzzing Table ultimately creates a platform where evidence gaps can be recognised and addressed by drawing insights from various knowledge sources, therefore benefiting and building on the work within Safeguard.

Buzzing tables were originally envisaged as back-to-back forums with major stakeholder-specific events. However, they could also take place as stand-alone events. They take place mostly in the form of in-person or online workshops, depending on stakeholder availability. Buzzing tables typically last up to 2-3 hours, especially when integrated or back-to-back with other events.

The themes of each Buzzing Table come out of Safeguard’s objectives and needs, what the partners want out of the task and how they can benefit from stakeholder discussions. Partners suggest themes and topics, expected output, as well as provisional stakeholders’ profiles. The Buzzing Tables are organised by IUCN and delivered together with the respective Safeguard partners.