Outreach and advocacy in the age of coexistence with nature- The mission of ecology communicators

Abstract

Ecology needs to become a practical science that can contribute to solving the conflict between human activities and nature. Communicators in ecology are needed to perform outreach activities, which promote citizens’ understanding of basic ecological concepts and advocacy activities, which, in turn, promote the development of policies informed by facts and needs at the frontline and provide information for decision-makers. This paper discusses the training of communicators, strategies for science policy, their relationship with academic societies, and basic conditions for public activities. Natural history museums are academic institutions that are open to the public and provide a platform for discussions between these two sectors; they can also be used to develop the skills of communicators. Museums would better serve as communication platforms in society with the presence of communicators. Academic society itself would gain new perspectives as it gets feedback from citizens seeking better utilization of their knowledge and function for consensus building.