By : Adebayo Thomas
Beginning from February 2017 the Project step – up its public awareness drive with special radio talk programme via state based radio stations in the old 7 first movers’ states of Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu and Imo.
This activity commenced in Calabar Cross Rivers State before moving to Enugu, Anambra and Imo States. Plans are underway for the other NEWMAP states to key -into the programme. Expected guests/ participants includes the States NEWMAP Project Coordinators, Communication Officers, States Commissioners of Environment and Permanent Secretaries.
Given that NEWMAP is States led, the Radio Phone-in-programme would be closely linked to the communities and areas of project interventions, this approach was to take cognizance of raising community awareness and soliciting support of relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring project ownership and enhanced participation. Consequently, there will be continual interaction like this between the project and beneficiary communities, monthly, to explore appropriateness of interventions, monitor impact and promote involvement of community members and other stakeholders whose participation is considered pertinent to project activities, the aim being to ensure sustainability of project gains. The overall communication objective of the programme includes:
- Public awareness, increase knowledge and understanding on erosion and environmental issues as well as change stakeholder attitudes and behaviours.
- Generate community ownership and participation
- Share ideas and experiences and updates with communities/stakeholders on NEWMAP operations for necessary support and participation.
- Promote sustainability.
