e-Conference on Communication for Environmentally Sustainable Development

Introduction

Communication for Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) is often defined as the planned and strategic use of communication activities and media products to support effective policy-making, public participation and project implementation geared towardenvironmental sustainability.

Unfortunately, in most developing countries, the state of the environment takes a back seat to more pressing economic priorities. Communicating the importance of sound environmental stewardship and wise use of natural resources to decision-makers and the public as a whole is one of the most difficult challenges because the benefits are not immediate, nor do they necessarily accrue to the individual that bares the cost. Stakeholders need to understand and be able to contribute to support the "greater public good" in some intangible future for which they are asked to sacrifice in the present.

The World Bank is giving increased importance to strategic communication in support of sustainable environment programs. Although there is a significant body of good work ongoing in this area, the lessons learned are not being captured in a way that organizations and individuals can learn from mistakes and best practice. The challenge is to create opportunities in which the best communications tools and practices can be recognized, built upon, reinforced and used in a more effective, efficient, and timely manner.

The main objective of this e-conference was to bring together experiences and perspectives of environmental and communication specialists from the World Bank and other development agencies, environmental scholars, activists and NGOs, and decision-makers who are concerned with public involvement and communications in environmental matters. The e-conference was intended to provide an opportunity for a dialogue that would be help define the elements of professionally designed communication strategy in environmental projects.

A new topic was introduced each week and discussions were moderated by experts from leading academic centers, practitioners and/or experts from development agencies. The conference was organized around four main topics:

1. What is Communication for ESD All About?
2. Planning and Implementing Environmental Communication Activities
3. Best Practices in Communication for ESD
4. The Power of Partnerships

There were more than 700 registrants from 110 different countries. All postings are available - click here.

Click here for the full report in PDF format.