Forest Dialogues – A practical guide for marteloscope exercises with citizens

The Martelkom Digital Guide provides a practical framework for using marteloscopes as participatory learning environments that support communication between forestry professionals and the public. Marteloscopes are fully inventoried forest plots where participants can simulate forest management decisions using digital tools and immediately observe ecological and economic consequences.

The guide focuses on designing and facilitating structured dialogue formats. It outlines how to prepare participatory exercises, define target groups, organise learning modules, and conduct guided discussions about forest management trade-offs. Participants engage in forest perception activities, simulate management decisions, and reflect collectively on outcomes, thereby improving understanding of biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and multifunctional forest management.

The guide emphasises communication principles such as transparency, openness to different perspectives, and experiential learning. It positions marteloscopes not only as training tools but as platforms for social learning, stakeholder engagement, and trust-building in forest governance.