Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

What kind of risk perceptions do forestry professionals communicate to the non- industrial private forest owners in southern Sweden and how do they communicate about risk matters to them?
Based on a semi-structured interview guide and an enquiry, risk communication in forestry consultancy among non-industrial private forest owners (NIPFs) and forestry professionals (FPs) at Skogssällskapet is described in relation to climate change and the consequences of economic forest hazards. Nine FPs were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews focused on the forest consultancy scenario when FPs meet the NIPFs. In accordance to theory on risk communication, this paper shows that an FPs' readiness needs educational tools to confront the NIPF better in a communication approach process. Furthermore, the survey indicates that these perceptions are, among other things, determined by social interactions. On the basis of these findings, I can derive a number of practical recommendations not just for scientists but also for personnel and institutions working in higher education and in the field of forest extension services.

Finally, the report observes an interesting and noticeable fact which most of the FPs have expressed: Lack of time seems to be crucial for their ways of handling risk communication in forest consultancy. In a stressful situation, unrealistic expectations on technical solutions, like computer based information systems, can arise simultaneously, as the time for personal meetings and reflection diminishes.