Purposeful collaboration: strategies for transforming how organizations work together in wildfire mitigation

Elie's presentation, titled "Purposeful Collaboration: Strategies for Transforming How Organizations Work Together in Wildfire Mitigation," addressed the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires in North America. This trend not only highlights the urgent need for effective wildfire mitigation but also adds complexity to the collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.

To navigate this complexity, Elie emphasized the importance of intentional collaboration—strategically determining where and how organizations can work together more effectively. The presentation focused on three key strategies:

1. Defining Success: Organizations must align on a clear definition of success, establishing specific and measurable outcomes for their collaborative efforts.

2. Identifying Participants: It’s crucial to involve the right stakeholders—those with diverse expertise and authority—so that all perspectives are represented and solutions can be effectively implemented.

3. Establishing a Baseline: Teams should assess their starting points, resources, and limitations, which will help set realistic goals and understand the context for their work.

By adapting and transforming their collaborative practices in these ways, Elie believes organizations can seize new opportunities to drive successful wildfire mitigation outcomes. As they explore these strategies, they’ll be better positioned to tackle the complex challenges posed by wildfire management, ultimately creating a more coordinated and impactful approach to this urgent issue.