Value bridging

This section prompts participants to start reflecting on what is important to them about treescapes. It is structured according to the IPBES Life Frames to stimulate participants to think holistically, responding to a range of questions. 

The following questions bridge the gap between the broad values and the visions by asking participants quite open questions about the specific values they associate with treescapes. This prepares participants for their more directed first encounter with the visions (in the following question).

A summary of the results is presented back at the start of the workshop. This reinforces that the survey has gathered useful data, and that active involvement does influence the steps that come next. Presenting the results of the broad values question and the following question as a summary that combines the views of the group of participants as a whole also encourages participants to compare how their position in relates to others attending, rather than only as individual responses. Actively seeking to identify how new consensus might be built is a key difference between this panel method and traditional focus groups.

If the pre-panel questionnaire or the event needs to be shortened for logistical purposes, the bridging questions and their results presentation could be removed.

The survey presents the 'bridging' set of value questions as:

The importance of urban treescapes

In the following questions, we will consider the various ways that urban trees and treescapes matter to you. You can consider the questions below in terms of your relations to individual trees, groups of trees and particular areas with trees, or the whole urban treescape. We're also interested in whether your responses are particularly associated with any elements of the treescapes, such as particular species, visual aspects, where the trees are located or other elements. Finally, please answer the questions specifically in relation to your city or town, not more broadly. If you have particular examples or stories that express your relation to trees and treescapes, we would love to hear these.

  • In what ways (if any) do urban trees and treescapes matter to you in terms of contributing to desirable places to live, work and recreate? [Free text]

  • In what ways (if any) do urban trees and treescapes matter to you as a resource to support prosperity? [Free text]

  • In what ways (if any) do urban trees and treescapes matter to you as a space for nature and in terms of contributing to healthy ecosystems? [Free text]

  • In what ways (if any) do urban trees matter as a part of you, or for you to feel in harmony with nature? [Free text]

  • Do trees and treescapes matter to you and your community in any other ways? [Free text]

  • Is there anything about urban trees and treescapes that you or your communities dislike or find negative? [Free text]