Social learning refers to the growing capacity of a social network to develop and perform collective actions. In promoting social learning in watershed management, use technical information in a way that supports local actors to explore and clarify their own understanding of the river basin. Beware of information or communication tools that are either poorly designed or used inadequately, for example with too much technical content. Those can act as a barrier by overwhelming actors with technical information which is not relevant or understandable for them. Continue reading →
Theme: Message delivery 
How to effectively convey information to the target audience
Findings Navigation: Browse by Audience; Browse by Theme; Browse by Best Education Practice; Browse by multiple topics
Maurel, P., Craps, M., Cemesson, F., Raymond, R., Valkering, P., & Ferrand, N. (2007) Finding 1
Social learning refers to the growing capacity of a social network to develop and perform collective actions. In promoting social learning in watershed management, it is important to frame information in such a way that a convergence of views becomes possible through interaction and collective learning processes, e.g. maps illustrating the impacts of water releases, as perceived by the users; graphs showing flow/time relationship and details of the hydrological regime; and field trips and video sessions to allow participants to see the impact of water releases on fish reproduction. Other useful tools include, for example, tools to communicate a vision about water management such as might be accomplished with a 3D model of a hydro-electric dam, a3D chart localizing all the dams on the river, video cassettes and measuring instruments, which testify that the water management authority cares about people’s safety, and stakeholder involvement in data gathering. Continue reading →
Ferreyra, C., & Beard, P. (2007) Finding 6
To facility collaborative watershed management, design a multi-level communication strategy that addresses inter-personal, inter-organization, and community needs. Continue reading →
Atwood, C., Kreutzwiser, R., & de Loe, R. (2007) Finding 1
In water conservation programs, there is a need to communicate effectively about the necessity for, effectiveness of, and fairness of the conservation programs. Continue reading →
Hoppe, K. (2005) Finding 3
In stormwater communication efforts, focus the media buy on specific regions where action is most needed, rather than statewide, and provide local programs events and activities that encourage public behavior change. Continue reading →
Hoppe, K. (2005) Finding 2
In stormwater communication efforts, focus on TV media time during local news; and use radio to target specific markets. Continue reading →
Hoppe, K. (2005) Finding 1
In social marketing projects, focus communication messages on sources of water pollution and actions that must be taken, when the public is already aware that they should care about water quality. Continue reading →
Dufort, N. (2005) Finding 2
An effective stormwater public education program applies a multi-faceted creative advertising campaign that incorporates messaging through newspapers, bus shelters and municipal litter receptacles, radio commercials, and television advertisements. Provide door-to-door newsletters distributed to all residents. Provide funding to community groups for the implementation of projects that further the goals and objectives of the Plan while complementing city-led capital works projects. Continue reading →
Howarth, D., & Butler, S. (2004) Finding 1
To increase resident interest in water conservation, three urban case studies (Phoenix, Copenhagen, Singapore) highlight the following successful strategies:
- Active involvement from citizens sought as opposed to passive response from consumers
- Citizens asked what sort of conservation measures they would be willing to adopt and brought into the process early
- Multi-faceted approach supported by pricing, technical assistance and inter-agency co-operation
- Well publicised target set for per capita consumption giving customers and the water department a collective goal
- Involvement of Copenhagen Energy in ongoing dialogue and city wide environmental initiatives
- “Turn it off” campaign brought home the reality of water not being conserved – it ceased to be an abstract concept
- Very high profile and comprehensive communication campaign that, although varying in content and intensity, has been in existence for several years
- Campaign led by multi-agency committee (i.e. not just the water utility or the government)
Lowrie, K. W. and M. Greenberg. (1997) Finding 5
Encourage businesses to take advantage of external relationships such as those offered by trade associations and courses. Continue reading →
