Informing biosecurity trail design: An annotated bibliography and literature review of educative tracks and trails

Abstract

The introduction of unwanted biosecurity risk goods occurs in, around, and between a range of Aotearoa New Zealand environments. Wilson et al. (2020) describe a complex biosecurity landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand, incorporating a variety of vectors, pathways, distinct physical environments and biosecurity system management initiatives. While significant growth in mail, passenger and freight volumes entering Aotearoa New Zealand in recent years (MPI, 2016) has contributed to increased concerns about biosecurity risk, leading to stricter border controls, biosecurity risk is also addressed in markets beyond the border and within Aotearoa New Zealand. The public of Aotearoa New Zealand is increasingly recognised as an important dimension of the nation’s biosecurity landscape, with MPI acknowledging its reliance on local people, industry groups, scientists and others in reporting suspect plant pests and diseases and biosecurity issues promoted in local communities and schools (MPI, 2018c; MPI, 2019). As such, this review assesses the potential for interpretation as a tool to assist in the management of biosecurity risks in a common setting used for both interpretation and public recreation. Specifically, the objectives of this project were to: 1. Summarise research literature examining how educative tracks and trails can influence visitors’ awareness/knowledge, attitudes and behaviour; and 2. Report how this literature can inform biosecurity trail design and other biosecurity themes in Aotearoa New Zealand