ABSTRACT
The loss of biodiversity has reached alarming levels, yet it is underestimated by public opinion, which is essential to influencing politicians and decision-makers. What is the level of public awareness about biodiversity in Europe? Do Europeans agree or disagree that the European Union should better inform citizens about biodiversity issues? This chapter presents the agenda of the European Environment Agency and examines its consecutive surveys on the attitudes of Europeans. It discusses the ways in which public understanding of biodiversity can be raised through education and communication, bridging the gap between science and ecology on the one hand and people’s social and economic reality on the other. Special attention is devoted to selected examples of good practices in the promotion of biodiversity and on the best tools and approaches relevant to the “Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020” launched by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
