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COMMUNICATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

As a member of the DEVMEDIA list we received the message explaining
about the Communication for Sustainable Development Group.

The activities undertaken by the group, its approach and results are
especially of interest to the work developed by the Forest Trees and
People Programme (FTPP) in Latin America. FTPP has a strong component
on networks, communication and publication for management of natural
resources. The programme is active in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and
Central America and works with NGO's, grassroots organizations,
institutions and local governments to indirectly benefit the
indigenous communities' and peasants' self-management of natural
resources.

A part of this component is to establish a link between the topic
'management of natural resources' and the media. Through workshops in
which media personnel (modern and traditional media) as well as
specialists about the topic participate, experiences are exchanged
and possibilities for future cooperation are sought.

Communication is crucial for management of natural resources. Media
can give a voice to the people who don't have easy access to
communication channels. Communication is about access to information
but also about being able to influence the public opinion and enter
into the sphere where decisions are taken. This is especially relevant
in Latin America where the environment is severely threatened by oil
and wood companies, risking as well the destruction of the livelihood
of indigenous communities and peasants. Communication should make an
effort to be a platform where people from all parties involved in
development can talk freely and openly about how best to manage the
environment taking into account the diversity of perspectives.
Special attention goes to develop mechanisms to provide a voice to
the peasants and indigenous people who live far from the centres
where messages are constructed and spread massively. Trying to
incorporate their perspectives through traditional media and linking
it up to modern ways of communicating is our challenge.

We would like to hear from similar experiences where mechanisms
for communication and information have proved succesful as a
participatory platform.


For further information contact: Anouk Hoeberichts, Forest Trees and
People Programme, Av. Gral. Santa Cruz 550, Lima 11, Peru
Phone: +51-1-432 6705
Fax: +51-1-330 5862
Email: ftpp@sifocom.org.pe