Project Island Song encompasses 7 pest-free islands in New Zealand's Bay of Islands. The eventual aim is the restoration of the islands and the reintroduciton of endangered species. The area is popular with local, national and international campers, kayakers, yachties, tourists, fishers etc. so the risk of rats/mice reinvading these islands is high. I am looking for ways of getting these various users of the Bay to stop, check their gear, then go and have fun on the islands. We have a strong visual brand and slogan, signage on the mainland and the islands, posters on commercial boats, biosecurity flyers being given out to all and sundry - but... the change in behaviour i.e. checking gear before leaving the mainland is not happening as frequently or as consistently as we would like. Any help would be appreciated. Helen
Helen Ough Dealy
New Zealand
Invasive Species: Encouraging Campers to check Gear
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How about offering incentives in the following manner: give people an information card describing the importance of checking their gear and how to do it. Then they can sign the card to show compliance and turn it in for some type of recognition. Maybe a company could offer discounts or a free coffee if that is practical. Maybe a donor would agree to contribute a small amount to island restoration for every card turned in. It would be on the honor system and compliance won't be 100% but likely very high among those turning the card in. People could also enter contact information if they like that you could use as a mailing list.
Steve Steinhoff
Neighborhood Design Center
United States
Hi Helen,
What about using a social norm to get people to make sure they check their gear. One way you could do this is by producing brightly coloured gear check tags (similar to bagage tracking tags)that would be attached to gear that has been checked. This way, individuals who have not checked their gear can be seen as acting outside of the norm (when they see others on the islands with the gear check tags. These tags could be provided to operators that bring tourists etc. to the islands...
Jason Smith
Technology Analyst
Government of British Columbia
Canada