Sometimes to coexist, we need a little distance, and sometimes, quite a distance. With the merge of COVID-19, we have seen messages of safe distancing everywhere. Restaurants, shops and other facilities had posters and infographics displaying safe distancing measures to encourage safe behaviours in the street.
To our benefit, citizenship creativity flourished in an attempt to create the most imaginative and artistic communication materials to promote safe distancing behaviour in each establishment, which now are of inspiration for those professionals working in coexistence.
With the pandemic, we have also learned that we are not the only ones who need safe distancing. Wildlife needs a safe distance too. Safe behaviours outdoors and in wildlife habitats should also be encouraged.
Since lockdowns, scientists could understand how the presence of humans in the wilderness alters behavioural or physiological changes in wildlife. Something that was suspected but not proven, beyond, of course, the human activity effects on habitat loss and wildlife extinction.
While outdoor recreation is highly encouraged to reconnect with nature, its negative effects on wildlife populations are starting to be recognised. Before the pandemic, natural habitats managers lacked scientific recommendations and communication materials to promote safe distancing with wildlife in natural habitats. Now, there seems to be more information on the matter.
Below, there is an example of an infographic developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society to explain safe distancing measures with wildlife.
If you need something similar, you can have a look at the creativities establishments in your area have created to convey safe distancing and adapt it to wildlife. Sometimes we don’t need to invent the wheel but paint it with a different colour. To increase creativity and retention you can convey measurements (centimetres, yards and inches) into memorable and tangible things. So, instead of saying ‘keep a safe distance of 100 meters with deers’, you can say ‘keep a safe distance equaling 60 backpacks with deers’.
We are looking forward to seeing what communication materials you create!
