Introduction

The contributions in this section explore, broadly speaking, varying dimensions of governance processes that bring about change in conformity with new global objectives. The projects utilize different tools to design their interventions to ensure success in achieving their objectives while also providing a means to assess how well the objectives are being realized. In addition to analyzing the language in the plans using the word frequency method, the study utilizes a new research approach that focuses on the role of the local leaders in prioritizing environmental concerns depending upon performance factors such as duration in office, education, age and working experience. The model was developed from research on food systems planning in five communities in British Columbia involving official public stakeholders and planning staff and recognizing what was necessary for the planners to realize a change in a non-crisis situation.