Engaging the Public in Novel Ecosystems

Novel ecosystems are fundamentally social and ecological. This chapter discusses the role of public engagement in novel ecosystems and suggests strategies for facilitating this broader public dialogue. It examines strategies and methods for communicating about the novel ecosystems concept and for engaging the public in thinking about and planning for such places. Effective communication and engagement require involvement of scientists to ensure dialogue with scientific knowledge) and decision-makers (to ensure that public views influence policy-making) as well as professional facilitators, communication experts and other specialists. Most importantly, a diversity of stakeholders representing different values, interests and ideologies need to be included in such efforts. Communication about novel ecosystems should be less about abstract scientific concepts and more about local, on-the-ground changes. The goal of effective communication should be to engage people in a broad public dialogue that informs policy decisions.