Context

The AMRF entrusted Res publica with the design, organization and moderation of the Grand atelier, which aimed to :

• Clarify the political positions of rural mayors in the field of ecological transition, particularly with regard to climate change,
• Highlight the successes already achieved in terms of ecological transition,
• Make the case to partners in rural communities (from inter-municipalities to the State, citizens, associations and businesses).

The Grand Atelier brought together 100 mayors over 4 weekends to discuss 3 issues of major importance to rural communities:

• The development of renewable energies
• Common goods and rural amenities
• Means of transition (active citizenship, engineering, territorial cooperation and financing)

Missions

• Strategic advice on the definition, expectations, stakeholders and organization of the approach

• Logistical organization of the 4 weekends (managing registrations, booking hotels and venues, etc.).

• Designing debates and methodological progress

• Research and preparation of speakers

• Moderating debates

• Design and development of a website bringing together information and reports of debates for members of the Grand atelier

Innovative dimensions of the approach

The ecological transition is a challenge for rural areas and their inhabitants. It is an unprecedented opportunity for these players to demonstrate innovation in a wide range of fields. Some rural mayors are already doing this successfully in various fields (energy, mobility, food, etc.), often by mobilizing the people who live in their villages.

The originality of the Grand atelier is to bring together, for the first time, local elected representatives in a working format generally used for the general public, inspired in particular by the Citizens' Climate Convention. This approach enables them to deepen their reflections in an informed context.

Debates between members of the Grand atelier are fueled by contributions from :

• From experts in climate (V. Masson-Delmotte), behavior change (V. Jousseaume), etc.

• Thematic experts in the fields of energy, agriculture, food, biodiversity and water management,

• Specialists in the definition and management of public policies (ANCT, ADEME, etc.).

• Representatives of municipalities that have carried out successful actions in the field of ecological transition that can be reproduced and generalized.

During each session, members of the Grand Atelier work in different formats: very small groups, small groups and plenary sessions.