Protected Areas as a Context for Effective Science Communication and the Development of Sustainability Competences
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Date
2025-06-29
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Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski"
Abstract
This study analyses how Bulgarian protected areas can serve as platforms for meaningful science communication and as dynamic contexts for developing sustainability competences and supporting environmental conservation efforts. It focuses on how pre-service education students carry out science communication using digital tools and engage with ecological knowledge, how they interpret and communicate information from primary sources related to Bulgarian protected areas, and to what extent this process supports the development of sustainability competences in line with the GreenComp framework. The analysis covers 49 students’ projects focused on protected areas, developed within a structured educational model specifically designed for the study. The analytical approach focuses on three dimensions: (1) scientific accuracy and completeness of the ecological content—including accurate identification of systematic groups, characterized species of flora and fauna, specific ecosystems, and threats; (2) strategies used to communicate scientific information to non-specialist audiences; and (3) the extent to which students demonstrate key sustainability competences, aligned with the GreenComp framework, including: sustainability knowledge, systems thinking, critical thinking, personal and collective responsibility, collaboration, and initiative. The findings reveal competent patterns in information selection, use of visual and emotional tools, and consistent use of scientifically accurate language. Most students present the characteristics of the protected areas in a detailed, engaging, and scientifically sound manner, demonstrating contextual awareness of local environmental challenges and conservation priorities. These patterns support the use of GreenComp not only as a policy instrument but also as a useful analytical tool for measuring ecological awareness and engagement in academic settings. The study contributes to understanding how science communication and competence development intersect in educational settings, positioning future teachers as key mediators between ecology and society.
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Keywords
science communication, sustainability competences, ecological content, biodiversity, protected areas, GreenComp, Bulgaria