Objective 3: Communication and trainingObjective 3: Communication and training

Objective 3: Communication and training

Many people are unaware of the significance of P. cinnamomi and the ways it can be spread. Ongoing delivery of awareness and capacity building programs in natural resource management at national, state and regional level can make a significant contribution to national implementation of the TAP.

In order to inform and empower stakeholders, particularly land managers and land users, to take actions that collectively minimise the spread and reduce the impacts of P. cinnamomi it is necessary to effectively communicate:

• the approach adopted in this TAP
• the scale of the threat to biodiversity posed by P. cinnamomi
• the priority biodiversity assets that need protection
• information for land managers, recreational users, ecotourism operators and other stakeholders on the tools and practices that will minimise the inadvertent spread of P. cinnamomi
• the necessity for land managers in conservation, forestry, horticulture, agriculture, and water resources to be trained to an appropriate level in the science and management of P. cinnamomi
• the need for integration of P. cinnamomi management, education and training with other natural resource management activities.

A number of networks of conservation groups and researchers with an interest in P. cinnamomi already exist. Networks such as the Dieback Working Group, Project Dieback in Western Australia, Leave No Trace Australia and the Australian Network for Plant Conservation can assist in communicating developments in the management of P. cinnamomi, host susceptibility and other issues. The appointment of a Dieback Coordinator to relevant local government areas may also assist in providing guidance and coordination for dieback matters at the local and regional scale.