Forests Sourcebook - HCV Resource Network

Table 10.4 Techniques for Conveying Information
Key Points Advantages Disadvantages
Printed materials • Information bulletins, brochures, reports: • Direct • Demand specialized skills and resources
Text should be simple and nontechnical, • Can impart detailed information
in the local language where possible, and • Cost effective
relevant to the reader. • Yield a permanent record of communication
• Provide clear instructions on how to
obtain more information.
Display and exhibits • Can serve both to inform and to • May reach previously unknown parties • Costs of preparation and staffing
collect comments. • Minimal demands on the public • Insufficient without supporting techniques
• Should be located where the target
audience gathers or passes regularly.
Print media • Newspapers, press releases, and press • Offers both national and local coverage • Loss of control of presentation
conferences can all disseminate a large • Can reach most literate adults • Media relationships are demanding
amount and wide variety of information. • Can provide detailed information • Exclude illiterates and the poor
• Identify newspapers likely to be interested
in the project and to reach the target
audience.
Electronic media • Television, radio and video: Determine the • May be considered authoritative • Time allocated may be limited
coverage (national or local), the types of • Many people have access to radio • Costs can be high
viewer, the perceived objectivity, and the
type of broadcast offered.
Advertising • Useful for announcing public meetings or • Retain control of presentation • May engender suspicion
other activities.
• Effectiveness depends on good preparation
and targeting.
Formal information • Targeted briefing: Can be arranged by • Useful for groups with specific concerns • May raise unrealistic expectations
sessions project sponsor or by request, for a • Allow detailed discussion of specific issues
particular community group, firm, or
industry association.
Informal information • Open house, site visits, field offices: • Provide detailed information • Attendance is difficult to predict, resulting in limited
sessions A selected audience can obtain first-hand • Useful for comparing alternatives consensus-building value
information or interact with project staff. • Immediate and direct • May demand considerable planning
• Visits should be supported with more • Useful when the project is complex • Field offices can be costly to operate
detailed written material or additional • Local concerns are communicated to staff • Only reach a small group of people
briefings or consultations. • May help reach nonresident stakeholders
Source: World Bank 1999: 10.
Note: This table, extensively abridged, was adapted from the World Bank’s The Public Participation Handbook (1996), which contains a full version of the table and extensive supporting text
describing each tool.
330