Forest Communications for School Children in Sri Lanka: Strategies, Effectiveness, Trust and Sustainability

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2019 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 6 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2019

Authors : Mangala De Zoysa

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V6I2P111

How to Cite?

Mangala De Zoysa, "Forest Communications for School Children in Sri Lanka: Strategies, Effectiveness, Trust and Sustainability," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 6,  no. 2, pp. 54-62, 2019. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V6I2P111

Abstract:

Deviating from the main extension programs, the forest communication programs are also focused on school children, to improve their knowledge on forestry, ecosystems and ecosystem services, and conservation and sustainable use of the forest resources. This paper should be seen as a pre-study of an academic research and serves as a first step in assessing forest communication for school children. Information was mainly collected through expert interviews, both face-to-face interviews with school children and teachers as well as literature and internet search. The paper analyses and discusses the forest communication for school children in terms of: communication strategies and approaches; effectiveness and strength of communication; build relationships and trust through communication; and contribution of forest communication for sustainable forests. The main communication strategies and approaches are identified as: raise awareness and building knowledge; increase interest and evoke positive emotions; change of attitude and constituency building; and greater participation and establish consensus. The effectiveness and strength of communication are greatly influenced by: knowledgeable and input relation target group: hands-on experiences and deeper understanding; foster environmental stewardship and make intelligent decisions; competent in communicating with wider audiences; and lifelong connection and deep commitment. Creating an environment for one-to-one mentoring; sharing information in a collaborative way (two-way communication processes); providing opportunities to learn jointly (forest-based technology platform); and practicing lobbying and building public relations have built relationships and trust through the communication. Sustainability of forest communication and contribution for sustainable forestry are achieved through: cooperation, networking and collaborative partnership; secure mutual understanding and responsibility of communication; reach other groups across the society; support the resolution of societal problems; permanent change in behavior and long-
lasting adaptation; and employment and job attractiveness. It could be concluded that forest communication focusing on school children is an important new strategy, in which they achieve greater success in promoting sustainable forests.

Keywords:

Strategies and Approaches, Effectiveness and Strength, Relationships and Trust, Contribution for Sustainability

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