Have you ever wondered why some people seem so opposed to conservation measures that are necessary to save a species?
Have you ever been frustrated when all the science points at a real problem unless certain changes are made – but the warnings fall on deaf ears?
Are you seeking new ways to be more efficient in your efforts to achieve lasting conservation success?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the following workshop might be for you.
Marine mammal scientists and advocate for conservation social science, Andrew Wright and Sandra Ploeg, are seeking expressions of interest for a workshop titled “Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public: advancing marine mammal conservation goals through human psychology” to be held in Dundee, Scotland, on the 19th April 2026, ahead of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) conference. It is expected to run 11:00-18:00 to cater to anyone arriving for the ECS conference that begins the following day. The costs will depend upon the level of attendance, but they are expected to be under EUR 50 (coffee breaks, but not lunch, included). Accommodations for discounted rates may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
Overview of the Workshop:
Achieving conservation goals often hinges on the adoption of new behaviours by one or more groups of people. This can be hard to secure through regulatory changes for marine mammals as data on their distributions and the full extent of the threats and associated risks are lacking, enforcement can be tricky, especially when regulated activities are offshore, and public awareness is low because many problems are hidden far away under the waves.
To overcome this, it is not uncommon that more data is sought. However, such efforts rarely secure immediate conservation successes. Conservation projects often focus on evidence about the protected species and its environment, and evidence about human psychology is often underrepresented in the conservation efforts. Instead, securing behavioural changes in the species under management, humans, requires the application of tailored tools and techniques that have been designed based on an understanding of their social structures and motivations, as well as the psychological factors driving both. This is the prevue of the conservation social sciences.
Many conservation biologists are thus being forced to venture into the relatively new and rapidly developing field of conservation social science, developing interventions and campaigns based on experience, intuition, and human understanding. While some of these interventions work out perfectly, some interventions may fail to have the desired impact due to a lack of understanding of human psychology and how this may influence the effectiveness of the tools being used. Importantly, some social science tools are counterintuitive, but incredibly effective when implemented correctly. Similarly, others can feel more intuitive but can be counterproductive in many situations.
This workshop is meant to highlight a variety of social science tools and their proper use for encouraging pro-conservation behaviour.
This full-day workshop will combine lectures, discussions and brainstorming sessions to:
1) introduce marine mammal scientists and managers to the human psychological factors that may hinder or strengthen their conservation efforts;
2) provide an overview of tools that can be applied to overcome some of these various challenges to incite pro-conservation behavioural changes necessary for achieving greater success in the conservation of marine mammals; and
3) explore the potential application of those tools to some of the conservation problems brought forward by participants.
Expressions of Interest:
Interested parties and those with any questions should reach out to Andrew Wright at marinebrit (at) gmail.com no later than 30th January. Spaces will be limited, so allocation will be on a first-come-basis.
We are currently exploring hybrid options, but can make no guarantees at this point.
Andrew & Sandra
Andrew Wright is a marine mammal biologist by training with experience in the conservation social sciences, as well as domestic and international environmental management and policy. He co-founded the Conservation Marketing and Engagement Working Group of the Society for Conservation Biology in 2015 and remains active within that community after leaving the Board in 2019.
Sandra Ploeg is social psychologist and conservationist. She is currently working as a project leader for conservation of several species, focussing on citizen science, community led conservation and behaviour change.