Stakeholders Meet to Develop REDD+ Communication Strategy

The project is being jointly implemented through the collaboration of the FAO, the Department of Forestry and the Ministry of Finance to reshape the country’s approach to climate resilience and sustainable development.

Additionally, the day’s consultative meeting held at Ocean Bay, Cape Point, focused on the development of effective communication strategies for the implementation of the REDD initiatives.

The meeting was also aimed at fostering collaboration and to gather valuable insights from key stakeholders to enhance collective approach toward addressing deforestation, forest degradation and sustainable management of forest resources.

Alagie Sanyang, Regional Forestry Officer, West Coast Region under the Department of Forestry, revealed that the main objective of the forum is to facilitate the REDD+ readiness process by meeting knowledge gaps, bringing stakeholder groups to engage and work together to provide better enabling environment for stakeholder groups to work on policies, tools and sector integration that are considered as essential elements for the REDD+ implementation.

The project, he added, is being jointly implemented by FAO, the Department of Forestry and the Ministry of Finance, saying it is an initiative that underscores the importance of international cooperation, government leadership and multi-sectoral collaboration to address the growing threats posed by climate change.

“Forest resources are among the most biologically productive ecosystems with unique environmental and economic benefits to man for sustainable development. However, the level of forest degradation is estimated high due to ongoing human pressure on the forest resources in the sub-region.”

He reminded that the most important functions of the forest cover are the contribution of the biomass materials to the food web relevant for the livelihoods of the population of the country.

“The forest cover also provides environmental services such as reduction of excessive amounts of soil erosion, the protection of the river banks and water bodies, habitat for wildlife, ecotourism and a sink for carbon dioxide.”

He emphasised that the success of the project depends on their shared dedication to collaborate and ability to work in the development of the REDD+ communication strategy.

The consultative meeting, he added, would serve as a way forward in addressing key national requirement for the REDD+ project.

Thus, the event provides a perfect opportunity to review the current communication challenges and successes related to REDD+ and identify target audiences, key messages and appropriate communication channels, among a host of others.