A Model for Policy Advocacy and Public Mobilization in Environmental Governance
The Together for Healthy Forests project, spearheaded by Hnutí DUHA–Friends of the Earth Czech Republic, stands as a compelling testament to the power of public participation and constructive advocacy in shaping sustainable forestry policy. Implemented between October 2023 and October 2024, it was conceived in response to persistent unsustainable forestry practices in Czechia and to the need for broad-based engagement in forest-management reform.
The primary objectives of the project were to empower citizens and stakeholders to influence forestry policy, to foster informed advocacy through targeted education and training, and to facilitate direct communication between the public and policymakers.
Central to this vision was the development of practical tools and participatory platforms designed to lower barriers to civic engagement. That is why the focus was placed on the deployment of an innovative online tool enabling individuals to contact policymakers directly and to participate in petition campaigns. This digital instrument, accompanied by a comprehensive petition, proved instrumental in mobilizing citizens.
In tandem with the digital outreach, the project team organized educational activities to build capacity among forest owners, activists, and community leaders. A series of webinars provided a platform for sharing experiential knowledge on biodiversity protection and sustainable forest management. One particularly impactful session featured forest owners recounting the challenges and best practices associated with maintaining healthy and resilient woodlands. The exchange of experiences catalyzed the establishment of an ongoing knowledge-sharing community comprising forest owners committed to conservation objectives.
Collaboration was a cornerstone of the project’s methodology. Hnutí DUHA coordinated efforts with scientists, experts, officials, and civil society organizations, culminating in the joint preparation of the Plan for Healthy Forests. This policy document synthesized field-based insights and scientific evidence, and was a key reference during consultations on amendments to the Forest Law.
The achievements of the Together for Healthy Forests project are significant. It contributed directly to influencing the content and direction of forest legislation, defending critical provisions that protect soil and biodiversity while also fostering ongoing scrutiny and advocacy concerning areas where further reform is needed.
By merging digital innovation with grassroots mobilization, the project strengthened the civic ecosystem necessary for accountability and long-term environmental protection, and it provided a replicable model for organizations seeking to drive systemic change in environmental governance.
The Together for Healthy Forests project, supported by the Engaging Central Europe program of the Transatlantic Foundation, was implemented under the PROTEUS program and co-funded by the European Union.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Transatlantic Foundation (TF) or the European Union (EU). Neither the EU nor TF can be held responsible for them.
