Enough concepts! It's common sense and that's it.
- escuelabosque3
- Aug 2, 2024
- 2 min read
In the complex work of restoring the ecosystems of the Amazon . “ Amazonia Emprende Escuela Bosque ” from Florencia Caquetá, addresses the complexity of communication in the restoration of ecosystems . In a world where technical language and academic concepts often overwhelm local communities, this episode underscores the need for a simpler, more direct approach to fostering effective action. The reflection focuses on how interactions between nature and people can be improved by stripping away unnecessary technicalities, promoting common sense and tangible action.
The beginning of the trend of complicating ecosystem restoration processes through the excessive use of technicalities and theories that rural communities find difficult to understand. It is mentioned that the interactions between nature and people are already complex in themselves, and adding more complications only creates confusion and distance. Experts, academics and consultants often introduce concepts such as theory of change and logical frameworks that, although well-intentioned, are not always practical or relevant to the daily lives of communities.
The host shares a personal anecdote from his university days, where he lost an exam for not correctly differentiating between sustainability and sustainability. This experience highlights how academic debates can seem trivial in the face of the urgent and concrete needs of rural communities. In places like the Colombian Amazon , terms like climate change can be abstract and incomprehensible to local residents, who are more concerned about immediate problems such as a lack of basic infrastructure.
The implementation of development projects that do not consider the local context and prioritize indicators and reports on the real impact on the communities. Effective communication is presented as the crucial first step in resolving this disconnect. The lack of a common and understandable language between development professionals and beneficiary communities creates a chasm that prevents the implementation of sustainable solutions.
A key point is the need to apply common sense to ecosystem restoration . Instead of focusing solely on planting trees or meeting international standards, it is suggested that projects should prioritize basic needs such as access to food and sanitation. True landscape restoration involves addressing these fundamental needs before addressing broader sustainability goals.
He also highlights how resources allocated to development projects often benefit intermediaries more than local communities. A community leader is quoted as saying that expenses on accommodation and transportation for consultants and experts often outweigh the direct benefits to the community. This criticism suggests that a more efficient approach focused on true local needs could maximize the impact of these projects.
And we conclude a call to rethink how ecosystem restoration is communicated and implemented. Common sense and simplicity in language are essential to truly connect with communities and encourage sustainable action. The experience of living and working in the Amazon has opened the eyes of the presenter and his colleagues, reaffirming their commitment to a more practical and less bureaucratic approach. And we invite all professionals in the sector to reconsider their methods and work more closely and effectively with local communities to achieve genuine and lasting restoration of ecosystems .
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