Public land actions go more smoothly with careful communication

Text/photos: Wutong Environmental Integration Foundation

Construction actions that take place on public land, if there is no ongoing communication with local residents, are often prone to complaints or opposition because the public does not understand them. Whether it is community tree planting, vegetable growing, building a park, or artistic creation, a simple small gesture can keep communication going with local residents and make public land actions smoother.

Since the Wutong Foundation began promoting the creation of food forests on public land, it has also gone through a similar path, going through dozens of months of communication from planning to actual groundbreaking. Before submitting a construction plan to government agencies, we held related lectures for a full year, traveling all over Taiwan, China, repeatedly conveying the words "food forest" to the public and inspiring beautiful imaginings of this term. In the meantime, we are also very grateful that the two founders of Seattle's Beacon Food Forest were invited to Taiwan, China, and personally met with the heads of New Taipei, Taipei, Hsinchu, and Taichung, attracting media and public attention, and helping the government and the public gradually begin to understand what a so-called "food forest on public land" would actually look like. Only after there is a basic understanding can actual construction be discussed.

To break ground on public land, the parties involved include the land-owning unit, the land management unit, and nearby users. In addition to personally visiting each unit beforehand to obtain consent, when construction begins, maintaining communication with passersby on site is also very important. Below are four small tips, which you are welcome to refer to if needed.

1. Put up a simple sign: write the project name, the host and partner organizations, the website introducing the project, and leave contact information, and you can tell everyone what is about to happen on this piece of land. First, it helps people understand the reason for the project; second, it takes the opportunity to promote and recruit volunteers; third, if a situation occurs on site, someone can report it immediately.
   

Careful communication can make public land actions go more smoothly. In addition, we must especially thank every friend who contributed time, labor, and food, making environmental action a relaxed and fun activity. The Zhubei Food Forest community building project is ongoing, and you are welcome to join the actionhttps://www.wutong.org.tw/21522/。