What do we mean by ‘science communication’ within UNESCO Global Geoparks?

• Author(s): Rodrigues, Joana ; Silva, Elsa Costa e ; Pereira, D. I.
• Date: 2024
• Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/97982
• Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
• Subject(s): science communication; public engagement; UNESCO Global Geoparks
• Document Type: Other
• Language: English
• Contributor(s): Universidade do Minho

Description

Given their mission to promote geological heritage and sustainable development, UNESCO Global Geoparks serve as unique and privileged platforms to communicate science and geoscience effectively, especially under contemporary environmental challenges. These territories are deeply committed to communicating science, and nowadays, reference institutions at the forefront of geoscience communication worldwide. Nevertheless, the formalization of science communication as a practice and research field still needs to be improved in these contexts. One of the consequences is the current ambiguity and need for clarity surrounding the definition and scope of science communication within Geoparks. To answer the question of what 'science communication' really means within the scope of UNESCO Global Geoparks, a conceptual analysis was conducted through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on both the terminology and the main strategies. The detailed analysis revealed a wide range of terms, such as popularization, dissemination, interpretation, or public education, among others, with 'science communication' being a less prevalent term. Despite appearing synonymous, these terms have different meanings and reflect different approaches and communication paradigms. From a conceptual point of view, a significant inconsistency was observed in the adopted terminology, with terms often used interchangeably, characterized by an almost arbitrary usage, and needing more formal and rigorous definitions. The diversity of terms may be seen as simply a matter of semantics, but, in fact, it reflects a need for more formalization and a gap between science communication research and practice in Geoparks. Regarding the practice analysis, the data were gathered and framed within broader categories representing the central science communication paradigms: dissemination, dialogue, and participation models. The intersection of these two perspectives resulted in an analytical framework that revealed a diverse landscape of science communication, showcasing a broad spectrum of approaches, even if the theoretical positioning behind it is only sometimes precise or consistent. At the same time, the prevalence of one-way approaches primarily focused on translating and disseminating knowledge is observed despite the aim of mobilizing the public for action. Geoparks acknowledge the importance of promoting dialogue and participation beyond mere transference of factual information. However, dialogical and participatory strategies still seem to be limited, demonstrating a strong attachment to conventional educational approaches. The literature has shown that higher levels of scientific literacy are not directly correlated with increased awareness and engagement with science. Geoparks, like other science communication contexts, should rethink their strategies to promote more effective public engagement with science. It should be underscored that Geoparks are territories, by definition, committed to public engagement, participatory approaches, and community empowerment with the unique opportunity to make a difference in tackling Earth's environmental challenges. This research seeks to enhance the formalization and laying the groundwork of science communication in the context of Geoparks, providing a solid foundation for future research.