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Using the past to tell more persuasive conservation stories
J Q Goben1, A M Mychajliw2,3, O L Olson3,4
1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Summary
Conservation storytelling can be improved by using geohistorical records to provide long-term perspectives. This approach helps shift baselines and restore environmental memory for more effective biodiversity conservation.
Area of Science:
- Conservation science
- Environmental history
- Science communication
Background:
- Stories are fundamental to human experience and cultural transmission.
- Conservation efforts increasingly utilize storytelling to engage the public.
- Current storytelling often lacks long-term environmental context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the 'past stories hypothesis' for enhancing conservation storytelling.
- To demonstrate how geohistorical data can improve conservation narratives.
- To explore the potential of long-term perspectives in biodiversity conservation.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating geohistorical records (e.g., sediment cores, fossils) into conservation narratives.
- Contextualizing current biodiversity changes within longer ecological timescales.
- Analyzing the ethical considerations and audience engagement of inclusive storytelling.
Main Results:
- Geohistorical data can restore 'lost environmental memory' and reveal shifted baselines.
- Longer temporal perspectives create more compelling and persuasive conservation stories.
- This approach enhances credibility and trust, fostering greater support for conservation goals.
Conclusions:
- Integrating geohistorical data offers a powerful tool for conservation storytelling.
- Shifting temporal baselines can broaden engagement and inspire diverse conservation actions.
- An inclusive, data-anchored storytelling approach is vital for effective biodiversity conservation.
Keywords:
acción de conservacióncommunicationcomunicacióncomunicación estratégicaconservation actionconservation storiesconservation storytellingethical storytellinghistorias de conservaciónlíneas de base cambiantesnarración sobre conservaciónnarración éticapersuasionpersuasiónshifting baselinesstrategic communication
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