Stakeholder Identification and Mapping

What stakeholder identification and mapping is

Stakeholder identification and mapping is the systematic analysis of all the individuals, groups, authorities and organisations that may affect, or be affected by, a project. It involves building a stakeholder map that identifies who they are, what interests and expectations they have, what level of influence they hold, and what position they take towards the project (support, neutrality or opposition).

It is the technical foundation of any territorial engagement and public participation strategy. In renewable energy and infrastructure projects, social conflict is one of the leading causes of delay or blockage, and a well-built stakeholder map allows it to be anticipated and managed before it escalates.

When it is needed

• In the early stages of a project, to design a territorial engagement strategy before conflicts arise.
• As the basis for a public participation process, whether statutory or voluntary.
• To prepare the socioeconomic context and social acceptance analysis within the Environmental Impact Study.
• When preparing bids for grid capacity tenders, where local stakeholder engagement can score points.

Methodology

1. Stakeholder identification: authorities, landowners, residents, associations, economic sectors, environmental organisations and other relevant groups.
2. Characterisation of each stakeholder: interests, expectations, concerns and level of influence.
3. Position analysis: an influence-versus-interest map, identifying supporters, allies and sources of resistance.
4. Engagement strategy: defining the communication and relationship approach appropriate to each group.
5. Periodic updates to the map throughout the project's life.

Common mistakes

• Limiting the map to authorities, overlooking residents, associations and local economic sectors.
• Carrying out the analysis only after conflict has already broken out, instead of anticipating it.
• Characterising stakeholders superficially, without understanding their real interests.
• Treating the map as a static document, rather than updating it as the project evolves.

Why choose Ideas Medioambientales

We carry out stakeholder analysis integrated with our knowledge of the territory and of environmental processing, allowing us to anticipate real sources of conflict and design useful engagement strategies. We connect the stakeholder map with the project's socioeconomic analysis and participation processes.

Tell us about your project and its location and we'll help you build a stakeholder map that reduces social risk.