The Coppieters Foundation participates in the debate of the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for the Environment, Climate Change, and Energy (ENVE)

Featuring an interview of Coppieters Foundation President on how to effectively communicate environmental policies at the local level

News / 16.4.24

On 11 April 2024, the Coppieters Foundation was invited to participate in the 22nd debate of the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for the Environment, Climate Change, and Energy (ENVE). Alongside representatives from other political foundations, we engaged in discussions regarding effective communication strategies for policies related to the European Green Deal at the local and regional levels.

During the debate, the Coppieters Foundation emphasized the significance of addressing the intersectionality between environmental issues and socioeconomic and political dynamics within Europe. The Foundation advocated for the inclusion of language, cultural, and national minorities in European strategies for transmitting environmental policies. This approach is crucial for ensuring that the European Union’s Green Deal is not only effective but also socially just and equitable.

Moreover, the debate provided an opportunity for reflection on the Foundation’s activities concerning sustainability. Over the past years, the Foundation has supported various initiatives related to islands, tourism, and the Covid-19 pandemic, wherein the main focus areas of Coppieters – minority rights, stateless nations, and self-determination – intersect with environmental concerns.

 

Interview to Coppieters Foundation President Antonia Luciani at the European Committee of the Regions dedicated Green Deal Liveblog

“Implementing community outreach programs specifically tailored to linguistic minorities can facilitate better understanding and engagement with green policies” – Coppieters Foundation President Antonia Luciani.

At the sidelines of the debate, the President of the Coppieters Foundation was asked about the inclusion of linguistic minorities and specific strategies to ensure their access to green policies in an interview for the European Committee of the Regions’ Green Deal Liveblog.

❔How can policymakers ensure that green policies are communicated effectively to linguistic minorities who may speak languages other than the dominant language in a region or country?

Policymakers should prioritize producing materials in multiple languages, including those spoken by linguistic minorities. This ensures that information about green policies is accessible to a wider audience. Translation services should be utilized to accurately convey the message.

In general, proficiency in the co-official languages must be ensured at the end of compulsory education, and the linguistic rights of their speakers in access to public services must be guaranteed. Administrations should ensure that the media regularly use significant percentages of all official languages in their reporting.

Implementing community outreach programs specifically tailored to linguistic minorities can facilitate better understanding and engagement with green policies. These programs should involve local leaders, community organizations, and language experts to ensure cultural sensitivity and effective communication.

Policymakers must recognize and respect the cultural nuances and linguistic diversity within linguistic minority communities. Communication materials should be culturally sensitive and relevant to the target audience to increase their engagement and participation.

What strategies can be implemented to address linguistic barriers and ensure equitable access to information about green policies for linguistic minorities, particularly in regions with diverse language communities?

To address linguistic barriers and ensure equitable access to information about green policies for linguistic minorities, particularly in regions with diverse language communities, several strategies can be implemented, such as:

  • Multilingual Communication Channels: Establishing communication channels that cater to various languages spoken within the community is crucial. This includes translating information materials, websites, and public notices into multiple languages.
  • Community Engagement and Consultation: Actively involving linguistic minority communities in the development and implementation of green policies fosters trust and understanding. Holding consultations and community meetings in different languages encourages participation and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered. The Coppieters Foundation organizes forums and events where linguistic minorities can voice their concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
  • Localized Outreach Programs: Tailoring outreach programs to specific linguistic minority groups enhances engagement and comprehension. Providing educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions in languages spoken by these communities helps convey information effectively.
  • Digital Accessibility: Leveraging digital platforms and technologies can overcome linguistic barriers by providing information in multiple languages online. Creating multilingual websites, social media content, and mobile applications ensures widespread accessibility. 
  • Partnerships with Language Experts and Community Leaders: Collaborating with language experts, translators, and community leaders who are fluent in the languages spoken by linguistic minorities ensures accurate translation and cultural relevance. Partnering with local organizations and community leaders builds trust and facilitates effective communication. The Coppieters Foundation engages language experts and community leaders to translate and disseminate information on green policies, ensuring linguistic accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
  • Capacity Building and Empowerment: Investing in language skills development and empowerment programs within linguistic minority communities empowers individuals to access and advocate for information on green policies. Offering language classes, literacy programs, and training sessions strengthens communication channels and promotes active participation. The Coppieters Foundation supports capacity-building initiatives, providing resources to linguistic minorities to enhance their understanding of environmental issues and policies.
  • Policy Integration and Mainstreaming: Integrating language considerations into green policy frameworks and mainstreaming language diversity ensures that linguistic minorities’ needs are addressed comprehensively. Incorporating language rights and accessibility provisions into policy documents and initiatives promotes inclusive governance.

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The Coppieters Foundation is financially supported by the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not liable for the content of the event nor the opinions of the speakers.

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