Author(s): Ana Estela Barbosa
Linked Author(s): Ana Estela Barbosa
Keywords: Biodiversity water public perception questionnaire sensitization video
Abstract: The separation in the management of water resources, and of nature and biodiversity jeopardizes synergies and collaborations in favor of sustainability. Several international organizations highlight the need for comprehensive approaches, being Nature-based Solutions one of them. Everyone should be engaged, and the appropriation of natural and biodiversity values by society, as well as the understanding of their nexus with water brings behavioral changes towards respecting and protecting the environment. An online questionnaire to assess public perceptions of water, biodiversity and its nexus was launched in the scope of a project funded by the Portuguese Ministry of Environment and Energy. The 412 responses were analysed to evaluate beliefs, gaps and impressions. Half of the respondents, from 17 to 84 years old, had no specific knowledge on water or biodiversity topics. Based on the results, a 4-minute-long educational video was produced with the tittle: “Water Sustains and is Sustained by Nature and Biodiversity”. Being released recently, the assessment of feedback (45 answers to a short survey) and other reactions to the video (+500 visualisations over 4 days) validate its educational and engaging merits.
Year: 2025