RiKA - Key data

Topic

Forest risk and crisis communication as well as acceptance building regarding plant protection measures in forests as a prerequisite for sustainable and future-oriented forest management.

Aim of the research project

The project aims to create a dedicated, target group and media-specific communication strategy as well as the development and implementation of corresponding media campaigns with the aim of promoting acceptance of plant protection measures in forests.
The preparatory work required for this includes recording the actual use of selected plant protection products, identifying previously applied strategies and measures for risk and crisis communication, analyzing information and media usage behavior and surveying the level of knowledge and acceptance.
For the project, plant protection measures are considered that are primarily dedicated to the control of the two species Ips typographus L. (large spruce bark beetle) and Hylobius abietis L. (large brown weevil). These plant protection measures can be used as examples, as they contain a large proportion of the typical methods and measures for plant protection and can therefore be used to draw conclusions and develop solutions for other insect pests.
In geographical terms, the project focuses on the federal states of Saxony and Brandenburg. The project initially addresses all target groups of risk and crisis communication, but focuses on stakeholders at the middle decision-making level (e.g. NGOs, clubs/associations, politicians at local and regional level, press), as it is assumed that they have a significant influence on the social dialog on PPPs in forests.