Educative trails on biosecurity awareness: A case study from Auckland Botanic Gardens

Abstract

Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) has recognised the importance of a ‘biosecurity team of 4.7 M’ to face its current and future biosecurity challenges. The Biosecurity Trail (the Trail) at Auckland Botanic Gardens (ABG) was developed in 2019 to raise public awareness of biosecurity threats to plant species and provide opportunities for the public to learn how they might be involved in the ‘team of 4.7 M’. The Trail is 1.8 km long, with 12 signs containing information on invasive plant pests and diseases. This project aimed to: (i) gain insight into public awareness of biosecurity threats; and (ii) assess the effectiveness of the Trail in terms of influence on visitor awareness, attitudes and behaviour regarding biosecurity.