How can diverse perceptions of the term ‘biodiversity’ be reconciled to successfully engage in dialogue? How can scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers effectively collaborate to protect biodiversity? Biodiversity loss remains challenging to communicate, as its complexity allows for multiple interpretations and approaches to mitigation. This often leads to ambiguity in policymaker-stakeholder discussions, highlighting the need for an ongoing adaptation of biodiversity to specific contexts.
In this 90-minute interactive workshop, participants navigate adapting the term ‘biodiversity’ in real-world conservation scenarios. The conveners bring their rich experience as ecologists co-producing research, advocating through NGOs, engaging in policy discussions, and leading previous workshops, to guide fruitful discussions.
Goals: We aim to provide a time and place for reflection, fostering a diverse discussion through sharing personal views, experiences and tools for tackling the challenges of communicating biodiversity topics at the policy level. Participants will reflect upon unique and shared perceptions, and how each may advocate for effective policies. We’ll discuss opportunities and challenges encountered when communicating environmental issues in policy settings.
Outcomes:
Reflection upon the unique perceptions of biodiversity in policy settings, facilitating a starting point for communication based upon mutual understanding and trust.
Increased awareness of challenges professionals face when communicating about biodiversity in policy settings, enabling participants to anticipate and prepare accordingly.
Imbue participants with a sense of agency regarding their ability to overcome communication challenges when communicating in policy settings.