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Welcome to Econnect Communication’s May 2003 newsletter.
The theme for this month’s newsletter is “Reflections on overseas experiences” and highlights interactions that Lin, Michelle and Jenni have had in recent months. We have also included a part of Lin’s talk given at Sendai University.
Regards, The team at Econnect Communication Lin Martin, Jenni Metcalfe, Louise Ralph, Michelle Riedlinger
THIS MONTH – MAY 2003 Reflections on overseas experiences 1. ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORKING IN JAPAN 2. REFLECTIONS ON WORLD SUMMIT AND “BEAUTIFUL LIES” 3. COMMUNICATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES 4. COMMUNICATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY 5. PACIFIC SCIENCE EXCHANGE 6. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 7. CONTACT US 1. ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORKING IN JAPANBy Lin Martin
In early April on behalf of Griffith University, I was invited to visit the Environmental education Centre at the Miyagi University of Education, in Sendai, Japan. As well as its core functions of providing undergraduate and masters’ courses in environmental education, the Centre’s research is focused on developing extensive environmental networks, both local and international. The local government of Sendai City is very environmentally active and is a key partner.
I was introduced to a number of the Centre’s key field projects, which included work with rice farmers on modifying practices so that macaques became less pesky and calls for culling ceased; interactive web-based environmental monitoring in schools; and returning rice paddy to wetlands for migratory birds and working with local communities on "green tourism”.
I arrived assuming that the Australian experience is so different to Japan’s that I would have little to contribute in discussions. But what I found was that for environmental communication, regardless of cultural differences, the issues and desired outcomes are universal. The messages and communication media used still depend on understanding the needs and perceptions of particular partner groups. Consultant environmental communicators are rare in Japan, and I was delighted to find that I could share some of our Australian experiences.
(For an excerpt of Lin’s presentation see "Communication for Sustainability" below) 2. REFLECTIONS ON WORLD SUMMIT AND “BEAUTIFUL LIES”By Michelle Riedlinger
Last night I was fortunate enough to have dinner with someone who attended the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa. We spoke about the great time we had and the friends we made. And then we talked about what the summit has done for environmental management in Australia – this part didn't take long!
Of course there are “outcomes” (http://www.ea.gov.au/commitments/wssd/#outcomes), but if you’ve read Tim Flannery’s recent contribution to the Quarterly Essay, “Beautiful Lies” you’ll agree that we are in a desperate state.
Government schemes to halt environmental damage have been a flop, our foreign policy is a joke and the lack of respect for our own indigenous population has greater consequences for Australia than we ever imagined. Even environmentalists get a good sledging for misguided attempts to “save” what nature we have left.
This isn’t bedtime reading, but the essay’s focus on environmental communication is worth taking note of. Tim debunks some of Australia’s enduring myths about the environment and, although short on viable alternatives for these consoling stories, he does put matters of human and humane cooperation and creativity back on the agenda.
His descriptions of First Fleet contact with Aboriginal people are inspiring for anyone who believes that environmental sustainability can only be achieved when we have an equitable social system.
He also gives government initiatives to assist landholders a big tick. They may not have done much for the environment, but they have created an environmentally educated rural Australia, and that’s good news for environmental communication – but there isn’t much more.
If, as Tim says, “only the best science, and a commitment to the policy that makes best sense in the light of it, is sufficient to safeguard against unintentional [environmental] blunders” then we need to hear much more from environmental scientists.
The WSSD has shown us that there is more likelihood of scientists achieving consensus about environmental matters than governments, but why wait for an international summit for some public discussion?
The Quarterly Essay publishes responses to its contributions, so there is an opportunity for some good debate right on our doorstep. If this essay sparks some informed responses from our scientific community then the next edition of the Quarterly Essay should be something to look forward to. 3. COMMUNICATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIESBy Jenni Metcalfe Late last year I participated in a workshop in Cape Town looking at science communication in developing countries. The following is an excerpt from some of my pre-workshop preparation. To find out more about the workshop’s proceedings, see: (http://pcstnetwork.org/PURWorkshop/SciDev.htm).
Australia’s position in the Asia-Pacific regions means that as a “developed” country we have close economic and social links with developing neighbouring countries. This provides an insight into some of the challenges facing these countries with regard to the communication of science in its various guises.
It is my belief that the challenges in communicating science are not dissimilar for developing countries, indigenous groups and multicultural communities. Some of these challenges include: § Cultural diversity between and inside various groups – there are issues with language, meaning and social traditions, values and mores § Coming to terms with positions of power – scientists are generally seen as having the power in relationships with communities; and journalists and “professional” communicators are also seen as more powerful than individuals within communities; There are also positions of power in the communities – who are the gatekeepers/spokespersons? § Establishing the role that science communication can and should play with such communities (“science communication” is used here to cover the gamut of roles including science writing, science journalism, science promotion, science consultation, science engagement, science information exchange, etc) § Access issues – including access to information, access to electronic means of communication etc § Knowledge of local histories/events that may help or impede communication on the issues § Realising effective communication requires expertise.
However, there are a number of opportunities for more effective science communication (in all its various forms) within developing communities. These opportunities recognise a more participatory model for science communication, and for the conduct of research:
§ Identifying “best practices” for participatory science communication § Providing training for those engaged in science communication activities (using “best practices” as guidelines), perhaps using international expertise § Emphasising the process of knowledge exchange where everyone is a “partner” (rather than a “stakeholder”, “audience”, “publics”, “client” etc) in the communication process § Using innovative methods of science communication - for example it is my belief that one of the best forms of science communication is the use of shared “stories” § Sharing expertise – professional networking, learning from successes and mistakes.
For such participatory communication to be effective, I believe it is vital to establish what role science communication needs to play, and the desired outcomes. This decision should be reached by all the actors/partners engaged in the communication process. 4. COMMUNICATION FOR SUSTAINABILITYBy Lin Martin (excerpt of presentation to Mayagi University of Education, Sendai, Japan)
Communication for sustainability is multifaceted. Its goals are to raise awareness about the issues we are facing, and to transfer information about the cause of these issues and how we can address them. It recognises that there are many view points and perspectives and so it aims to create dialogue between different peoples and specific interest groups. And it aims to change behaviour, so that we begin to think more about how we impact on the environment and what we can do to minimise and perhaps repair those impacts.
To be effective environmental communication has to develop and maintain cooperative networks. Many of these networks – how people interact and communicate - already exist. They need to be nurtured as they create effective pathways for information exchange about management, best practices and science. And above all it has to promote and facilitate involvement in environmental management.
The key is to achieve all of these developing long term relationships of trust and respect. This is particularly important in Australia. Australians generally do not trust or believe the government, and they are largely suspicious of agency actions due to past lack of communication or deliberate miscommunication.
So how is this to be achieved? To build communication networks communicators need to identify the needs, perceptions and concerns of partners. What do they currently know, and what do they need or want to know? What are their fears, concerns, and needs for the process or environmental project?
The communication process must focus on building quality relationships of trust and respect, and this takes time and resources. Local partnerships and networks are the ways people interact with each other, so identifying and nurturing these networks is vital as is building informal personal networks.
For information exchange to be effective, the media and language used must be relevant and timely, and suited to particular group of partners. A mix of media and networks is needed to ensure information reaches people, but we must never forget that personal communication is the most effective - even though it takes time and costs more. Importantly, communication projects must be managed by experts who understand the partners and the issues involved.
To ensure partners are actively involved as an outcome of the communication, the communication process must be strategic and integrated. It must have ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure it is being, and then has been, effective. Partners must feel confident that they can make input into decision making and that they will be heard. Many groups will need assistance to be able to be involved so the communication process has to remove impediments to change and build capacity. That might include training, funds or equipment, or even child minding assistance.
While what constitutes best practice environmental communication is clear, it is also clear that environmental communication delivery and outcomes in Australia are not as effective as they could be. In the last decade, use of energy and water per person is increasing. Land clearing is still widespread, especially in Queensland. Communities are generally frustrated and suspicious of government activities. Recognising the need ‘to pick up our game’ the Federal government is now funding a Foundation for environmental education to try and break down some of the barriers to effective communication and moves towards sustainability. 5. PACIFIC SCIENCE EXCHANGEThe Pacific Science Exchange is an informal, facilitated service currently being trialed by a UNESCO funded project being coordinated by Rod Lamberts at the National Centre for Public Awareness at ANU. This service: § provides a focal point for people with science-related issues to get in contact with people who may be able to help - especially those issues that are related to communicating science to others; § puts Pacific Island residents in touch with services and information relevant to their needs and interests; and § provides an electronic venue for people to share ideas, stories and information relating to science communication in the Pacific.
Any subject matter relating to science, medicine, engineering, technology, IT and the environment is welcome on Science Exchange. The service is being tested to find out what kinds of information or services relating to science and science communication would be of use to the Pacific. It will be evaluated in June this year.
Anyone who has an interest in science and science communication in the Pacific is welcome to use the Science Exchange. To find out more contact Rod on: science.exchange@anu.edu.au; phone 02 6125 0747.
7. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE MONTHLY e-NEWSLETTERSubscribe/unsubscribe: send email to admin@econnect.com.au with “subscribe” or “unsubscribe” in subject line. View past newsletters: http://www.econnect.com.au/news_newsletter.htm 8. CONTACT USEconnect Communication works with science, environment, ecotourism and natural resource management agencies to:
Contact us: phone 07 3846 7111; email admin@econnect.com.au Website: http://www.econnect.com.au New tips: http://www.econnect.com.au/news_qt.htm
Copyright: Econnect Communication Pty Ltd, 2003 Articles in this newsletter can be reproduced if Econnect Communication Pty Ltd is acknowledged as the source
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