There is a wide range of potential for environmental engagement in large sections of the population. This includes, for example, donations, membership, co-operation, selective commitment, etc. It is now particularly important for civil society actors (nature conservation and environmental associations, etc.) to mobilise this potential.

In this context, the IZT investigated for the Federal Environment Agency which type of moderated group discussions (in particular focus groups) could enable environmental organisations to identify and mobilise the different willingness of different population groups. In addition to this methodological dimension, the project was also concerned with identifying opportunities and barriers for mobilising environmental commitment among the population. To this end, best practice examples of empowerment in environmental and nature conservation organisations in Germany and other countries were analysed. At the heart of the project was the implementation of several focus groups with different target groups in order to optimise this favoured method for ecological organisations and adapt it to their needs and possibilities.

The intended outcome was, among other things, the development of guidelines for the use of focus groups in the environmental and nature conservation sector. In addition, a draft of proposals for action for the mobilisation of engagement potential by environmental and nature conservation associations and for environmental communication by BMU/UBA/BfN was presented. Finally, the intention was to present the results for discussion at a final workshop.