How the arts and science can jointly protect nature

A new study (https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.70012) by a large international team of conservation scientists and artists explores how growing synergies between conservation and the arts can unveil many mutual benefits and fresh approaches to intractable conservation problems. “These collaborations can generate new knowledge, attract funding, boost visibility, and even catalyze behavioural change”, says Ivan Jarić, researcher from the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and lead author of the study. “By working together, artists and conservationists can co-create ideas, uncover new perspectives on conservation challenges, and develop more innovative, effective solutions.”

The arts can bring powerful contributions to conservation—provide inspiration, stimulate innovation, enhance well-being, and provide new ways to understand and analyze complex issues. Artists can further strengthen scientific communication, education, publishing, marketing, and fundraising efforts, while also shaping public attitudes and social norms. In return, conservation can support the arts with expert knowledge, scientific data, natural materials, funding, and guidance on sustainable art practices.

Examples of diverse forms of interactions between art and conservation. (a) art as a source of data and information – ancient rock engravings in Shuwaymis, Saudi Arabia, provided insights in historic local fauna and ecosystems (photo by Heritage Commission; CC BY-SA 4.0); (b) art providing art-based methods for research and synthesis – Alexander von Humboldt’s Tableau Physique, presenting a synthesis of altitudinal distribution of vegetation zones on Mount Chimborazo; (c) art attracting societal support for conservation efforts – Season's Greetings, a mural by graffiti artist Banksy in Port Talbot, Wales, addressing the issue of air pollution (photo by FruitMonkey; CC BY-SA 4.0); (d) artwork detail, supporting education and awareness raising – 'Our Story digital collages of the Underwater Realm' aimed at finding new connections and meaning about underwater places; (e) conservation providing material and resources to artists – 'Gaia' micrarium by Michal Trpák at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, representing biodiversity, made out of microscopic slides and other samples of various species (photo by Daniela Procházková); and (f) an example of a synergy between art and conservation – 'Sonic Kayak' art/citizen science project, which generates sonification of underwater measurements while also monitoring the environment (CC BY-SA 4.0).

While collaborations between the arts and conservation are growing, they still face major challenges. These include limited funding, institutional resistance, and narrow views of careers within both fields. Artistic methods are sometimes viewed as lacking scientific rigour, making some conservationists hesitant to engage. Additionally, the rise of generative AI introduces new complexities and risks that require open dialogue, transparency, and shared ethical standards among collaborators. Art has the power to shape public perceptions of nature—but can also unintentionally misrepresent biodiversity through stylized, simplified, or sensationalized framing, reinforce stereotypes, or marginalize local and Indigenous perspectives. “To avoid these pitfalls, we stress the need for respectful, reciprocal partnerships that recognize artists as equal contributors—not just as tools for outreach or fundraising”, explains Christina Lux from the University of California, Merced, another author of the study. “We argue that embracing creative approaches requires conservationists to advocate for collaboration on artists’ terms, valuing the depth and diversity of knowledge that art can bring to conservation.”

Strengthening collaborations between the arts and conservation will require increased funding, institutional support, and recognition of the unique value that artists can bring to interdisciplinary teams. Developing clear, shared language and tools to assess the effectiveness of such partnerships are also key.

Different types of interactions between the arts and conservation. By Jagoba Malumbres-Olarte.

Conservationists are well-positioned to work alongside artists, particularly through shared commitments to public engagement and social action. “We call on academic and conservation institutions to create space for this work, including artist-in-residence programs and integrated interdisciplinary initiatives”, suggests Stephanie Januchowski-Hartley from the Florida International University, another author of the study. “Ultimately, deeper synergies between artists and conservationists can lead to broader public support—benefiting not just conservation and the arts, but the health of the planet as a whole.”

Contact: Ivan Jarić, ivan.jaric@hbu.cas.cz

For more detailed information, check the article published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment:

Jarić, I., Januchowski-Hartley, S., Mammola, S., Malumbres-Olarte, J., Lux, C., Crowley, S.L., Albert, B., Correia, R.A., Giannoulatou, I.D., Jeschke, J.M., Ladle, R.J., Markes, S., Mutiny, J., Pillai, A., Sbragaglia, V., Veríssimo, D. and Roll, U. (2025). Bridging worlds: exploring synergies between the arts and biodiversity conservation. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.70012