Climate expert Peter Makwanya has highlighted the critical role of communication in raising public awareness and reducing emissions from deforestation. In an opinion piece Makwanya highlighted the necessity for both the government and local communities to stay informed about forest cover changes and ongoing forest losses.
“The role of communication for public awareness is essential in this regard, in the interests of both the government and local communities to reduce emissions from deforestation. This is significant in facilitating timely and accurate information regarding forest cover changes and providing updates on unfolding forest losses, as monitoring tools,” Makwanya said
He noted that while local communities heavily depend on forest resources for their livelihoods, continuous education is vital to integrate them into sustainable forest management.
“Although local communities derive most of their livelihoods from forest resources, they need continuous education so that they are part of the intrinsic value chain. Local communities’ participation in sustainable forest management is vital as they need some ownership including strengthening their understanding of the impact of land use changes and attempts to protect forest resources at their disposal,” he said
Effective communication between the forest sector, locals, and the government is essential for resolving deforestation issues, Makwanya argued.
“Forest and forest product sectors need to communicate effectively, especially in a reciprocal way including both locals and the government. Communication is instrumental in resolving the deforestation question and providing solutions to forest governance issues. There should be an essential and holistic exchange of forest-related information among the communities and between communities and government departments.
“This is critical in maintaining a healthy forest repository spelling out tree species under threat. Within every system, forest management system included, there are leakages which can render the whole process ineffective and ungovernable.
“These are local and international leakages contributing to lack of forest stewardship and ecological governance. Issues of carbon trading, although essential, are not yet firmly in the public domain hence not very much clear to forest users and stakeholders concerned,” Makwanya said.
