Phosphorus sustainability through coordinated stakeholder engagement: a perspective

Abstract

In this Perspective we take an in-depth look at what coordinated stakeholder engagement could entail for phosphorus sustainability. The element phosphorus is critical to life on Earth and to the continued functioning of society as we know it. Yet, how society uses phosphorus is currently unsustainable, both as a resource in support of global food production where inequitable distribution creates food security challenges, but also from an environmental aspect, where mismanagement has led to negative impacts on the quality of agricultural soils, human health, and freshwater and marine ecosystems. A number of initiatives and cross-sector consortia have come together to address sustainable phosphorus management at either global or regional scales. However, these efforts could benefit from a more coordinated approach to stakeholder engagement to identify the diversity of needs and perspectives involved in this complex challenge. Herein we examine some examples of different approaches to developing such coordinated stakeholder engagement in other areas of environmental sustainability. We consider how to apply the lessons learned from those efforts toward stakeholder coordination in the realm of phosphorus sustainability. Particularly, we discuss the value of a coordinating body to manage the communications and knowledge sharing necessary to develop trust and cooperation among diverse stakeholder groups and to transition society to more sustainable phosphorus use.

Researchers must address regulatory regimes to scale up adoption of urine diversion systems in the U.S.

“…To advance adoption of UD systems in buildings, researchers may benefit from coordinating with other organizations and stakeholders [53], especially given that UD represents a system-of-systems. Revising the model codes is an essential first step which can then trickle down to state and local codes [54].…”

Understanding the Dynamics of Failure Development in Marginalized Areas: A Comprehensive Analysis

“…The deeply entrenched marginalization of certain communities stems from historical failures to provide essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure (Brown et al, 2023;Deviney et al, 2023). This pervasive lack of access traps individuals in a cycle of poverty and marginalization, dimming prospects for upward mobility.…”

“…Sustainable development practices, such as environmentally friendly practices, renewable energy sources, and sustainable agriculture techniques, are essential for addressing challenges faced by marginalized communities (Deviney et al, 2023). Collaboration and coordination among stakeholders are also crucial in addressing challenges faced by marginalized areas.…”

“…Historical failures in marginalized areas provide valuable insights into the dynamics of failure development and the need for addressing these issues to create inclusive and equitable societies (Brown et al, 2023;Deviney et al, 2023).…”

Using a Phosphorus Flow Diagram as a Boundary Object to Inform Stakeholder Engagement

“…At the same time, emerging best practices within the field of stakeholder research emphasize the importance of broadening outreach to include additional groups who have been historically marginalized or excluded from previous outreach efforts [30]. Other studies highlight the need for improved stakeholder coordination [31]. Thus, researchers must balance the practical demands of identifying a cohesive list of key stakeholders, while simultaneously broadening their lens to be more inclusive of underrepresented groups.…”