Context

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

• To clarify the political positions of rural mayors in the field of ecological transition, particularly with regard to climate change,
• To highlight the successes already achieved in the area of ​​ecological transition,
• Developing advocacy strategies aimed at partners in rural communities (from inter-municipal bodies to the State, including citizens, associations and businesses).

The Grand Workshop brought together 100 mayors over 4 weekends to discuss 3 topics of major importance for rural communities:

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

Missions

• Strategic advice for defining the objectives, expectations, stakeholders, and organization of the approach

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

• Design of the debates and methodological progression

• Research and preparation of speakers

• Moderating the debates

• Design and development of a website compiling information and summaries 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 presents a unique opportunity for these stakeholders to demonstrate innovation in multiple fields. Some rural mayors are already doing this successfully in various areas (energy, mobility, food, etc.), often by mobilizing their villagers.

The originality of the Grand Workshop lies in bringing together, for the first time, local elected officials in a working format generally used for the general public, drawing inspiration in particular from the Citizens' Convention for Climate. This approach allows them to delve deeper into their reflections in an informed context.

The discussions among the members of the Grand Workshop are enriched by contributions from :

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

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

• Specialists in defining and implementing public policies (ANCT, ADEME, etc.)

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

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