Figure: Integrated approaches
Strengthen the role of public aquaria in the conservation of biodiversity:
Compared to zoos and botanic gardens, public aquaria are relative newcomers to conservation, even though they have always played key roles in raising public awareness about the diversity of aquatic organisms. Many freshwater aquatic organisms have extremely circumscribed ranges, so their habitats are highly susceptible to degradation or loss, and the organisms themselves are particularly vulnerable to translocated competitors, predators, and introduced pathogens. Freshwater aquaria can minimize this problem by establishing captive breeding programs for threatened species. Australia's Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, which includes a complete coral reef ecosystem, was designed and is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority specifically to educate the public and thus help conserve the world's largest marine protected area. Such programs should be replicated and expanded.
6.Expanding human capacity to conserve biodiversity:
Objective: Increase appreciation and awareness of biodiversity's values and importance
Build awareness of the importance and values of biodiversity into popular culture:
Since most people learn about important public issues through popular culture, biodiversity conservation will not attract public support unless it too is conveyed through entertainment, advertising, popular arts, and the print media. Public awareness campaigns waged by either non-governmental organizations or governments can shape public opinion. These leaders- village elders, television commentators, newspaper editors, popular entertainers, athletes, religious leaders, and corporate executives-can make the biodiversity message compelling.
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