Building public understandings of ecosystems
To help support education and engagement in ecology, Dr Maria Armoudian heads up a multidisciplinary project combining science with the art of communication. Using a range of communication tools, Dr Maria Armoudian and GMCNE research fellow, Dr Komathi Kolandai-Matchett are working with a diverse team of researchers to grow public understanding of ecosystems.
For many researchers providing the public with accurate and solution-focused messages about our natural ecosystems can be a challenge. News reporting tends to focus on single events, personalities, or controversy and conflict, which can lead to cynicism and discourage people from engaging.
“We are reaching a crisis point when it comes to the sustainability and conservation of our rich marine ecosystems,” says Dr Armoudian.
“This project will use a broad approach to engage the public in understanding complex marine ecological issues and possible solutions.”
We are testing different communication approaches and media formats, including videos, to find the best ways to communicate the realities of our marine ecosystems.
In one study, Dr Kolandai-Matchett produced two five-minute videos on ocean acidification, to enhance public knowledge of this little understood issue. The two videos conveyed similar key messages in two different ways; via an information-based method and a story-based method.
An online experimental study was then used to show how the videos helped raise ocean acidification awareness.
In another project, Komathi and Maria worked with Professor Simon Thrush to create a video on marine ecosystem tipping points. Also using an online experimental method, this study investigated communication effects in different media platforms.
Maria and Komathi are presently embarking on a third study which concerns news media communication of environmental issues in collaboration with other GMCNE researchers.
The ultimate goal of the overall project is to improve the public’s understanding of ecosystems and generate support for sustainable environmental policies and solutions, beginning with marine ecosystems.
View both Ocean Acidification videos.
About the researchers
Dr Maria Armoudian
Politics and International Relations
Dr Komathi Kolandai-Matchett
Politics and International Relations