Welcome to RiKA
Plant protection in forests is a sensitive topic - many people react with concern or rejection as soon as chemical measures are mentioned. Yet forest protection is a complex and increasingly urgent task in view of the climate crisis, pest pressure and the far-reaching restructuring of our forests.
RiKA (risk and crisis communication and acceptance building for plant protection measures in forests as a prerequisite for sustainable and future-proof forest management) starts right here: The project investigates how forestry decisions - in particular on the use of plant protection products - can be communicated in such a way that they are comprehensible, transparent and connectable. The aim is to create greater understanding, strengthen social trust and prevent conflicts.
The focus is on questions such as:
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How do you communicate transparently and credibly - even in crisis situations?
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What expectations does society have of modern forest protection?
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How can acceptance be promoted without ignoring justified criticism?
In terms of content, RiKA builds on the ReBek project, which shows that intelligent forest protection can also work without poisons: In ReBek, two sub-projects are developing innovative trap and attractant systems for bark beetles and weevils as well as natural scents that keep pests away in a targeted manner by signaling to them an unsuitable habitat. Together, these approaches demonstrate that forest protection can be natural and yet effective. You can find more information about the "ReBek" project here.
RiKA complements this technical and nature-based innovation approach with a communicative perspective: How can such new, often complex methods be explained in an understandable way? How can trust in forestry decisions be promoted - regardless of whether chemical or alternative measures are used?
RiKA combines forestry practice, communication science and social perspectives in order to develop practical communication strategies - for sustainable forest protection that is effective, understood and meets with social acceptance.