Communicating Ecosystem Services
Tools for Scientists to Engage the Public
The Project
Believing that people will protect what they value, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the Ecological Society of America (ESA) have worked together to develop a new project that focuses on the valuable but under-appreciated services that nature provides. Our goal is to increase public awareness of the importance of ecosystem services, and, by extension, of our country's biological resources. We have developed a series of tool kits and a website to help achieve this goal.
Tool Kits
Each tool kit focuses on a specific ecosystem service, such as water purification. They provide expert-reviewed background information on the service as well as materials for public distribution. The tool kits also include general tips to help scientists develop presentations and write articles for non-scientific audiences. These materials can be used to address local media, community groups, state and federal legislators, or other audiences. Although designed for people with a scientific background, no special expertise in a particular ecosystem service is required to use any of the materials.
The following tool kits are complete and ready to use now.
| Pollination |
Water Purification |
The next in the series are scheduled for release soon.
| Flood Damage Control |
To provide greater access to project materials, we've also launched a Communicating Ecosystem Services website. At this site you can view and download the tool kits -- including useful presentation/visual aids not available in hard copy versions -- and stay up-to-date on project events and activities. To access the website, click on the project logo above or go to Related Links.
Use the tool kits to help spread the word about the importance of ecosystem services.
- Give a presentation in an academic setting or to a local community group.
- Meet with or write to your congressional representatives.
- Write a letter to the editor or an op-ed for your local newspaper.
- Be an ambassador to the project by letting colleagues and others know about this resource.
Download the tool kits from the project website today and let your imagination be your guide!
