Workshop
Communicating conservation science
Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizer(s):
MariaIsabel Torres, Alexa Velez Zuazo, Alejandro Prescott-Cornejo
Description
Effective communication of scientific information is crucial if we are to tackle the challenges we face in this era. Scientists need to effectively communicate with policymakers and the general public to create awareness and generate support for action. Moreover, journalists need to have a good grasp of conservation science to report on conservation issues accurately. To address this communication gap, a workshop will be held to bring together scientists and journalists, allowing them to learn from each other and leverage their knowledge to achieve media coverage. Led by Mongabay staff, this session will help ATBC attendees to improve their communication skills, effectiveness, and comfort in interacting with journalists.
Program Outline
1. Topics Covered
Writing to your target audience
Identifying compelling stories
Choosing visuals
Reaching out to journalists
Making it easy for journalists to cover your work
Navigating social media
Managing uncertainty inherent to science
Understanding journalism and impact
2. Interactive Session – Speed-Dating with Mongabay Editors
At the end of the session, each interested participant could participate in a speed-dating session with Mongabay editors to apply the lessons they had just learned to pitch why their research/work deserves press coverage. Mongabay journalists would then have a minute or two to provide feedback.
Materials that participants need to bring:
Notebook
