Leveraging Digital Interventions to Build Public Support for Bold Policy Change Aimed at Conserving Biodiversity

Abstract

Bold policy change is urgently needed to overcome the current biodiversity crisis. A significant concern in conservation research is that for such policy to be successfully implemented, broad and enduring support from political decision-makers and the wider public is required. Here we consider ways to facilitate this support by leveraging digital interventions aimed at raising awareness. We explore the current landscape of digital conservation interventions through the lens of two variables: audience and politicization. Four unique types of digital interventions emerge, each with potential to raise awareness for policy change: niche educational, broad educational, focused and political, and broad and political. We propose that digital conservation interventions aimed at changing the political attitudes of specific groups and reaching broad audiences are currently under-utilized. We finish by sharing examples from conservation and other disciplines that can serve as inspiration to assist in filling these gaps.

Keywords

awareness / biodiversity / digital intervention / policy change / pro-environmental

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2025 The Author(s). Integrative Conservation published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG).