Customized Training for Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions (June 2011)

CONCUR Principal Scott McCreary and Senior Associate Bennett Brooks designed and led a training course in Mutual Gains Bargaining for the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions, a 16-member consortium devoted to the dual goals of protecting ocean ecosystems and ensuring a long-term seafood supply.

The focus of the training was to impart and practice skills that will serve the Alliance internally, but also foster more productive negotiations with external partners. Participants included representatives of major research aquariums, conservation organizations and groups involved in food policy from the US and Canada who have partnered since 2008 to pursue a common vision for environmentally sustainable seafood.

CONCUR conducted focused interviews with Alliance members and then designed a customized training course, including two new simulation exercises that model the issues and players that the Alliance includes or engages in its work. Topics included framing issues for negotiation, establishing objective criteria, using joint fact-finding to overcome technical disagreements, and finding a zone of agreement. The day-long session was held on June 10, 2011.