There are many techniques and products to communicate the results of an integrated environmental assessment (IEA) following the UNEP Global Environment Outlook (GEO) approach. This module guides you through the communications process, showing you how to get your message to the audiences you want to reach.

Before you start producing your main report and other products, you need to make a series of important decisions. By identifying your target audience(s), you will be better able to shape your message and select the right content, and later, the right presentation format. By carefully considering your budget, you will be better and more able to make realistic decisions about the kind of product you feel will be most beneficial. 

You will have to decide what kinds of information products best suit your message. There are printed materials (e.g., popular reports, flyers, posters, brochures), electronic (e.g., websites, CD-ROMs) and visual (e.g., photos, graphics, maps), each with its advantages and disadvantages. The module discusses strengths and weaknesses of different channels and how to go about approaching the media.

In addition to written materials, this module provides advice on visual materials. It covers the basic principles of the cartographic process, and gives concrete suggestions about ways to express your message visually. 

A big part of the production and dissemination process is related to practical and organization steps. You need to evaluate internal and external resources to best meet your needs. Not everything can be produced in-house; often it is best to use external services for needs such as cartography, web design, editing and printing. 

Finally, the module provides advice on building long-term communication strategies.