Promoting public participation in wildlife matters
Zoos and marine parks represent a unique vehicle for the dissemination of important scientific advances and challenges to people of all ages. This relaxing environment can encourage public debate on issues regarding its inhabitants. The main objective of 'EU zoos and science in the 21st century: Engaging the public in nature conservation' (EUZOOS-XXI) initiative was to make this dialogue a reality. The project focused on four areas: invasive alien species control, endangered species protection, ecological connectivity and biodiversity. Over the three-year EUZOOS-XXI timeframe, the team was able to redefine the role of zoos and marine parks. Researchers also successfully engaged citizens in public participation meetings (PPMs). As a result, four European facilities — in Italy, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom — have implemented novel public education programmes. The primary target group is a whopping 1.6 million people every year. A model has also been tested as a method of involving the general public in conservation at these facilities. Resources from the EUZOOS-XXI project are plentiful. A complete list can be accessed on the project website. This includes books, magazines, journals, websites, CD / DVD / videos, activities and events, computer games, performances and animal sound files. Communication of project information and experiences to key stakeholders was achieved via conferences and newsletters. With teachers in mind, the list varies slightly and includes lectures and workshops, laboratory and hands-on activities, science journal articles, classroom aids, quizzes, computer games, hand-held device applications (such as cell phones and iPods) and games, music and animal sounds, movies and video clips, performances, field trips and exhibits, and software and technology. There is also a teachers' book, 'A Squirrel’s Tale', available in English, Italian and Portuguese. It is expected that the EUZOOS-XXI initiative will help mitigate the ever-increasing isolation of the public at large from nature and conservation. With emphasis at the school level, the void that exists between urban life and science in general should disappear. The collaborations started as a result of EUZOOS-XXI will hopefully continue to flourish so that Europe's zoos and wildlife will reap the benefits for future generations.
