There is a lot of talk about the loss of biodiversity at a global level as one of the greatest challenges facing nature conservation. But if we look at recent history, many of the efforts to reverse this trend have focused on species and their habitats, unfortunately with somewhat limited success for the pressing objectives ahead. One of the causes of this relative failure is undoubtedly the human factor, which is often at the root of these problems and has not been effectively considered or addressed in conservation efforts.

Aware of this reality and recognising the importance of changing human behaviour as vital to achieving global goals, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), through the Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the Commission on Education and Communication (CEC), created the IUCN SSC CEC Behaviour Change Task Force in May 2023.

This globally representative group’s main objective is to bridge the gap between behavioural sciences (which are often unknown or simply ignored) and conservation professionals through a multidisciplinary approach. It provides tools and expert support to influence human behaviour in favour of biodiversity conservation.

Aware that social sciences applied to conservation are the next and fundamental step towards more effective global conservation, and in line with its founding values (in which conservation is a cornerstone), Zoomarine Algarve has been supporting the efforts of this important Behaviour Change Working Group in pursuit of its objectives from the outset.

Synergies like this allow for a scientifically structured growth of conservation, science and education projects, framed in a global context, but focused on the local community and the zoological community.’

The Task Force’s official website is – https://www.conservationbehaviourchange.org/