Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
How can local populations be won over to protected areas?
SWISS ACADEMIES FACTSHEETS, VOL. 15. NO. 5, 2020
What can the scientific literature tell us about the social acceptance of large-scale protected areas? Which recommendations for practice does it offer, and how can research help to advance our understanding of the social acceptance of protected areas in the future? These questions were investigated in a synthesis study.
A key factor for the acceptance of large protected areas like national parks or nature parks is communication that is tailored to the various target groups and happens through locally anchored people. Clear and transparent information about goals, plans, and opportunities for participation is equally crucial. The aim must be to develop a common vision with which local people can identify. This vision should be incorporated into the objectives of a protected area and implemented through concrete projects.
Michel AH, Wallner A (2020) How can local populations be won over to protected areas ? Swiss Academies Factsheet 15 (5).
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Innovative Teaching Formats at the Science-Society Interface: Reflections and Future Directions in Swiss Higher Education
Science-society dialogue is crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges. One important avenue for strengthening this link, in an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, is teaching formats that encourage students to engage in the public sphere. However, an illustrative collection of best practices in Swiss higher education has been lacking so far. This practice-driven report draws on a non-exhaustive stocktake of existing courses in Switzerland and participatory workshops among lecturers. It features illustrative examples from Swiss higher education institutions and introduces a new typology of science-society teaching formats, offering educators a structured way to design and analyze courses across six dimensions. In addition, the publication discusses both the opportunities and challenges of implementing such teaching formats. To further advance science-society education, the report identifies three priority areas for action.
Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Strategy for natural history collections in Switzerland
Thirty-seven institutions, take a decisive step towards unlocking the full potential of natural history collections in Switzerland. Together, they publish and endorse a strategy based on 6 pillars and 52 key activities to better preserve collections, ensure their accessibility and promote their use for science and society.
