Goal

To develop a communication plan (internal and external) to inform stakeholders on the development of the adaptation planning process. The communication plan includes a strategy on what has to be communicated, how, when and to which stakeholders.

Preconditions

In order to develop a communication plan it is essential to have defined the scope of the climate risk, the roles of stakeholders, the risks and the goals (see scoping, role definition, risk assessment and goal definition).

Outcomes

A communication plan for the relevant stakeholders with a specified strategy on what, how, when and to whom to communicate in the development of the adaptation plan.

Guidelines

Determine the message and level of communication. What to communicate depends primarily on the aim of communication. There are four levels of communication:

1. Content
2. Process and structure
3. Relations and atmosphere
4. Emotions

Most attention is given to the first and second level of communication, while it is also important to address levels three and four. In communicating with stakeholders it is essential to be open, transparent, respect different perspectives and interests and be fair.

• Determine the target group. Many different stakeholders have to be reached. Different communication strategies can be developed for different stakeholder groups.
• Determine the means of communicating the message. Examples are:
  • Use of Social Media, website, other forms of media
  • Organizations of events, campaigns
  • Development of brochures, flyers, etc.
  • Make a video, e.g. video on youtube
• Decide when to communicate. Regular communication is important at different stages of the process. At which specific intervals is situation specific.

Experiences

No experiences available yet.

Supporting tools and methods

RAMSES Communicating the urgency of adaptation and local accomplishments

The ‘Stakeholder mapping and engagement’ worksheet developed within this project is a step-by-step description of steps to take to develop an effective communication strategy to convey the urgency of climate adaptation. The method contains an overview of pro’s and cons of some various communication methods. The steps are described at a high level, which makes the method open for interpretation.

There are many sources available on the internet with information how to develop a successful communication plan, like wikihow.com.