Exploring environmental communication : discussing systems concepts with communicators in Banff National Park
Abstract
Through examples of ecological or living systems this research project introduced selected
systems concepts to a purposely-selected sample of environmental communicators within Banff
National Park. Participants’ individual reflections and collective discussions of the systems
concepts led them to develop an expanded understanding of what constitutes effective
environmental communication. Subsequent changes occurred to the system within which the
project took place, including changes to participants, between participants, between participants
and their environment, and to the researcher. Research project design reflected the systems
concepts being discussed and encouraged participants to freely construct their own experiences.
Content analysis enabled examination of qualitative data collected through web-based questions
and discussion. Conclusions support that a systems thinking approach can enhance
understandings of effective environmental communication, including increasing awareness of
looping processes such as feedback, promoting collective action and a sense of community, and
developing understandings of connections between ecological systems and social systems.
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