Exploring System Mapping and Leverage Points in the PLANET4B Project

How can we make better decisions for biodiversity on individual and institutional levels? One approach used by the PLANET4B project to tackle this question involves system mapping, leverage point analysis, and identifying key intervention points across various sectors and regions. The recently published “Report on System Mapping and Leverage Points for Each Case” presents findings from these efforts, providing insights into how decision-making can be guided to prioritize sustainability.

The PLANET4B Horizon Europe research project is dedicated to understanding and influencing decision-making processes that impact biodiversity. The project seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by employing collaborative, transdisciplinary, and action-oriented research. Through 11 diverse case studies across multiple regions and sectors in Europe, PLANET4B aims to identify transformative interventions to drive meaningful change.

The newly published report “System Mapping and Leverage Points for Each Case” focuses on six sector-based and five place-based cases. It presents insights from collaborative workshops that explore the systems of all eleven case studies, outlining factors that impact the core system, as well as interventions and leverage points that address fundamental shifts in perspectives and values. These eleven case studies span countries (Norway, Austria, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy) and industries, including the fashion industry, financial investments, global soy and beef trade, education, and agrobiodiversity.

Content of the report and key recommendations

The report synthesizes findings from system mapping and leverage points exercises conducted throughout 2024, highlighting places in the system where specific interventions can be applied to trigger transformative change for biodiversity. The key sections of the report include:

Introduction: An overview of the PLANET4B project and the importance of system mapping and leverage points in achieving sustainability goals.
Methodology: A detailed explanation of the approaches used in both intensive and extensive case studies to assess interventions that can shift societal attitudes and behaviors towards sustainability and biodiversity.
Results: A presentation of system mapping findings, identifying core systems, key influencing factors, and transformative interventions tailored to each case study.
Discussion: Reflection on system properties, transformative interventions, and leverage points across different cases, revealing common themes and opportunities for transformative change.
Conclusion: A summary of key insights and recommendations for future actions.
Annexes: Supplementary materials providing additional context and support for the report’s content.

Based on the findings and analysis, several recommendations emerged in the report:

Active involvement from community members, particularly marginalised groups, should be encouraged to ensure that diverse perspectives are involved in proposed interventions. The use of participatory methods may facilitate this engagement, supporting continuous improvement of strategies.
Targeting deeper leverage points: interventions that address intent and design within systems should be prioritised. This includes advocacy for policy reforms that emphasise sustainability, equity, and justice, as well as the promotion of educational programs aimed at shifting societal values toward biodiversity.
Leveraging local knowledge: existing local initiatives and knowledge systems could be leveraged to create tailored interventions. This approach may involve supporting community-led efforts and integrating local ecological practices into broader sustainability goals.

The full Report on System Mapping and Leverage Points for Each Case, along with a summary brief, is available on the PLANET4B project website.

CzechGlobe Team (Elif Tugba Simsek, Blanka Loučková, Patricia Ofori-Amanfo)