These questions motivated a large, international team of conservation scientists and artists to conduct a new study. Together, they dug deep into the evocative power of art to elevate environmental justice. Led by Ivan Jarić, a researcher from the University of Paris-Saclay in France and the Czech Academy of Sciences, the study highlights how artistic initiatives can both positively and negatively influence public perceptions of nature.
Published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, the research underscores the significant role art can play in conservation efforts. It suggests that while art has the potential to inspire and educate the public about biodiversity, it can misrepresent ecological issues if not approached thoughtfully. Stylized or sensationalized representations can oversimplify or mischaracterize the chaos and complexity that is biodiversity. This misrepresentation not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but overlooks and further marginalizes local, Indigenous voices and perspectives.
The report underlines the myriad ways arts and conservation intersect. It’s a testament to how their partnership can reveal unexpected win-win opportunities and drive innovative approaches to address rapidly growing environmental threats. This landscape of ancient rock engravings in Shuwaymis, Saudi Arabia, presents some of the most vivid artistic expressions of the region’s cyclical ecology. These artworks are essential assets for research and public engagement.
Christina Lux, a co-author from the University of California, Merced, emphasizes the importance of creating respectful partnerships between artists and conservationists.
“To avoid these pitfalls, we stress the need for respectful, reciprocal partnerships that recognize artists as equal contributors—not just as tools for outreach or fundraising,” – Christina Lux
Lux contends that conservationists need to adopt more creative strategies, making the case for working together on artists’ terms. Together, this collective experience and expertise can create and foster the development of innovative new knowledge, funding opportunities, heightened visibility, and even behavioral change.
Ivan Jarić is equally enthusiastic about these types of partnerships, which he believes foster innovative and impactful solutions to big conservation problems.
“These collaborations can generate new knowledge, attract funding, boost visibility, and even catalyze behavioral change,” – Ivan Jarić
This research calls on scholarly and conservation organizations to cultivate environments that promote joined-up thinking. That can mean building artist-in-residence programs, or creating new interdisciplinary initiatives. Stephanie Januchowski-Hartley from Florida International University notes that deeper synergies between artists and conservationists can enhance public support for environmental efforts.
“Ultimately, deeper synergies between artists and conservationists can lead to broader public support—benefiting not just conservation and the arts, but the health of the planet as a whole,” – Stephanie Januchowski-Hartley
The researchers emphasize that art can provide powerful contributions to conservation by inspiring action, stimulating innovation, enhancing well-being, and offering new perspectives on complex environmental issues.