Community Perceptions of Invasive Species and Environmental Management in a U.S. Island Territory
American Sāmoa | Wednesday, May 14 from 12:00-1:15 p.m.Hawaiʻi | Wednesday, May 14 from 1:00-2:15 p.m.Palau | Thursday, May 15 from 8:00-9:15 a.m.CNMI & Guam | Thursday, May 15 from 9:00-10:15 a.m.FSM | Thursday, May 15 from 9:00-10:15 a.m. (Weno) / 10:00 am-11:15 p.m. (Palikir)RMI | Thursday, May 15 from 11:00-12:15 p.m. New Zealand | Thursday, May 15 from 12:00-1:15 p.m.
A Webinar Via Zoom By the Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (Pacific RISCC)
Webinar Details:![]()
Title:
Community Perceptions of Invasive Species and Environmental Management in a U.S. Island Territory
Webinar Description:
Dr. Gawel’s presentation will focus on research into perceptions of environmental issues, especially invasive species, amongst residents of Guåhan (Guam). She will cover themes that arose during small group discussions with residents of the island territory including apathy, proenvironmental behaviors, frustrations with efficacy, disconnectedness from environmental decision-making, and trust in institutions. Although the most infamous invasive species from the island is the brown treesnake, residents are concerned with a variety of invasive species and environmental issues, and are eager to engage in solutions to these problems. Dr. Gawel will share direct quotes from participants in discussions that exemplify these themes and place them in the context of the colonial history, natural history, and current political status of Guåhan.
Speaker details:
Dr. Ann Marie Gawel, PhD, is the first Eleanor J. Sterling Conservation Fellow at the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. She grew up in the islands of Micronesia, and continues to focus her research questions in this region. She has published research on seed dispersal ecology, the ecological role of non-native species, and human perceptions of environmental issues. Ann Marie is currently exploring ways to incorporate usefulness and cultural importance into conservation measures that have long focused on setting aside areas and limiting human use. Ann Marie is also active with conservation efforts in the Mariana Islands of Micronesia. She has worked as a biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She currently sits on the board of a Marianas-based conservation non-profit Tåno, Tåsi, yan Todu (TTT), an organization committed to building local capacity in the Marianas, promoting local and Indigenous knowledge in conservation education, and facilitating community-led forest restoration efforts.
Revelant Links:
Gawel, A.M., Wald D.M., & Rogers H.S., 2024 Community Perceptions of Invasive Species and Environmental Management in a U.S. island territory. Conservation Biology, Vol 38, Issue 6, e14394. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14394