The Role of Understanding, Trust, and Access in Public Engagement with Environmental Activities and Decision Making: A Qualitative Study with Water Quality Practitioners

Advancing environmental health literacy in support of environmental management requires inclusive science communication, especially with environmental justice communities. In order to understand experiences of environmental practitioners in the realm of science communication, the Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions at the University of South Carolina conducted two studies on science communication and research translation with the center's researchers and partners. This qualitative case study follows up with a select group of environmental practitioners on emergent themes from the initial work. It explores the specific topics of understanding, trust, and access and how those can become barriers or facilitators of public engagement with environmental activities and decision making. The authors conducted seven in-depth qualitative interviews with center partners whose work focuses on environmental water quality and impacts on human and environmental health. Key results indicate that the public may have limited understanding of scientific processes, establishing trust takes time, and access should be incorporated into the design of programs and activities to ensure broader reach. Findings from this research are relevant to other partner-engaged work and environmental management initiatives and provide insights on experiences, practices, and actions for equitable and effective stakeholder engagement and collaborative partnerships.

Automated summary

Advancing environmental health literacy and promoting inclusive science communication are crucial for environmental management, especially with regards to environmental justice communities. Through qualitative case studies and in-depth interviews, the Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions at the University of South Carolina explores the topics of understanding, trust, and access as barriers or facilitators to public engagement in environmental activities. The findings highlight the importance of improving public understanding of scientific processes, building trust over time, and incorporating accessibility into program designs to ensure broader reach and effective stakeholder engagement.