Imaging conservation: Sea turtle murals and their effect on community pro-environmental attitudes in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

Public art in Mexico has historically served as a platform for protest and social commentary. The purpose of this action research was to document sea turtle murals throughout Baja California Sur (B.C.S.), Mexico and to better understand the potential relevance of public art as an impetus for fostering pro-environmental attitudes, and the extent to which murals are a useful tool in efforts to protect the marine environment and the recovery of endangered species. Through qualitative research, we conducted 333 surveys and interviews with both adult and student participants in nine B.C.S. communities. Through descriptive narratives of participant responses, and Type I tabulations, we found evidence of outcomes that sea turtle murals may have in relation to respondent environmental attitudes about support for marine protections and the recovery of endangered species of sea turtles. Unexpected results from semi-structured interviews with respondents pointed weakly to the potential for murals in helping to shape pro-environmental behaviors towards the treatment and recovery of endangered sea turtles. The results of this action research may provide useful insights for improving management practices during future efforts to protect and restore marine environments and endangered species. That is, public participation in strategically placed community accessible art, may prove to be a valuable and innovative component of a broader suite of outreach and education initiatives used for bolstering community responsibility and empowerment for conservation of the marine environment.