Crash Course in the Human Dimensions of Shark Conserva tion

Hollie Booth and Dr Divya Karnad IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group | Human Dimensions Working Group | Co-Chairs

It is increasingly recognised that effective and ethical shark conservation requires understanding and changing human behaviour; and engaging coastal communities, with full respect for the rights of indigenous and local people. However, many shark conservationists primarily receive biological training, and therefore need support for addressing these interdisciplinary challenges. To work towards addressing this, the Co-Chairs of the new SSG Human Dimensions Working Group are organising a week-long crash course in the Human Dimensions of Shark Conservation.

When? There will be a series of five Zoom seminars held over a 2-week period starting Tuesday 27th July and ending Thursday 5th August. Specifically, the sessions will be on the following dates: • Tuesday 27th July 2021 • Thursday 29th July 2021 • Tuesday 3rd August 2021 • Wednesday 4th August 2021 • Thursday 5th August 2021 Each session will start at 11am (UTC) and run for approximately 90 mins.

Google Form at: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPS0tsI9DZqe-Ldosk5tWG3wNvcrHViko4JD0G0erv6EYErg/viewform • All sessions will be recorded and made available for those who can’t attend

What? We will aim to explore the following topics: • Why human dimensions? • An overview of socio-economic research methods • Human dimensions application areas: understanding the socio-ecological situation • Human dimensions application areas: designing interventions and changing behaviour • How has human dimensions been useful in addressing specific management challenges and next steps

Who? • The course is being co-ordinated by Hollie Booth and Divya Karnad, with the help of several external invited speakers. Contact us via HollieBooth@IUCNSSG.com or DivyaKarnad@IUCNSSG.com if you have any questions. • The course will be open to non SSG members, so please feel free to invite others who may benefit from this course!