Biodiversity Project, along with state and regional partners, is launching the Great Lakes Public Education Initiative in 2004 to raise awareness of the Great Lakes, threats to their health and their value. 

The campaign will focus on four key issues:

1.  Water Quality
2.  Water Quantity
3.  Habitat, Biodiversity, and Land Use
4.  Invasive Species
 

These issues were chosen through research and consultation with state and national groups and evaluation of our 2002 Great Lakes public opinion research on the lakes. The polling shows that there is a strong sense of pride and personal responsibility for protecting the lakes, but that the public really lacks an awareness of threats to the lakes. 

The impacts of polluted run-off, commercial development and water export are not widely understood by the public.  Issues of groundwater, biodiversity, and invasive species control can be confusing and frustrating for people.  The Great Lakes “appear” to be fine – so there is little urgency in dealing with these complicated issues.  Compounding the problem is the fact that most people don’t understand what they can do in their daily lives to improve the health and future of the Great Lakes.

Biodiversity Project and its partners in the region will be testing innovative communications strategies this year to engage the public on the health and future of the Great Lakes.  Our goal is to encourage a broader, more engages constituency that cares more and is more receptive to actions that will protect the lakes.  At the same time, we’re building sustainable partnerships with federal, state, non-profit and private entities to increase capacity for communicating effectively on Great Lakes issues. 

Look for increased media outreach, events, point-of-experience education, and electronic communications related to the lakes this spring and summer.  A special website for citizens interested in doing more the Great Lakes will be launched in late spring – featuring important facts about the lakes and simple solution oriented actions that we can all take to help protect this valuable international treasure.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Great Lakes Public Education Initiative please don’t hesitate to contact Jeffrey Potter, Director of Communications Programs at (608) 250-9876.