Shifting into the new normal: invasive species outreach in the age of COVID-19

Abstract

Hawaiʻi is home to a significant variety of native endemic plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world. Many of these unique organisms are threatened or critically endangered. Invasive species are introduced to Hawaiʻi either on purpose or inadvertently, and cause a range of negative impacts once established. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee works islandwide to prevent, detect, and control the establishment and spread of invasive species that threaten the environment, economy, and way of life on Hawaiʻi island. Effectively addressing the widespread impacts of invasive species on a mostly rural island requires active public engagement in invasive species detection and control efforts. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has traditionally focused on public outreach through providing community workshops and educational opportunities in a face-to-face environment, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to these valuable in-person events. However, it also presented an increased opportunity to engage the public in digital spaces. The work described in this report outlines three projects that I worked on, representing the methods of video production, graphic design, and social media content marketing. The work that I completed during my professional internship proved to be invaluable for many reasons, but most uniquely, because it centered on building trust and credibility with the public during these unprecedented times.