ERIC Number: EJ1436302
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: EISSN-2154-8463
Beautiful and Wanted -- How Young People Perceive Invasive Alien Plant Species and Certain Options of Their Management
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v14 n3 p331-352 2024
The perception of eight invasive alien plant species (IAPS) by 311 children and young people (10-24 years old) and their choice of management options were investigated, either with or without prior information about the IAPS given. In the first questionnaire, photographs of the IAPS (four terrestrial herbs, one tree and three aquatic plants) were presented, but their invasive status was not revealed. Participants characterized each plant by five opposing attributes, e.g. unwanted -- wanted. In a consecutive second questionnaire, half of the participants were informed about the invasive character of the plants, the other half not. Both groups then evaluated various management options. Plants with attractive flowers were considered most beautiful and wanted. Moreover, if participants perceived an IAPS as familiar, they considered it native. Participants with information about the IAPS were more likely to choose containment or eradication and were also more able to justify their management decisions in a considerate manner. Participants without information were more likely to choose no intervention, especially in case of flowering forbs. The findings indicate that even a brief information about IAPS might help young people to make informed decisions when dealing with invasive species.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Plants (Botany), Secondary School Students, Student Attitudes, Wildlife, Sustainable Development
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Germany
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A