We are proud to share that Andrew Blewett of the Cultural Geography Group will be defending his PhD thesis titled “Mental model analysis and beaver conservation in England” on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 1 PM.
His thesis explores stakeholder perspectives on the first free-living reintroduction of Eurasian beavers in England through the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT). Beavers are keystone species that shape river ecosystems, but their conservation raises complex social and ecological questions. Using fuzzy cognitive mapping, Andrew examines how stakeholder knowledge, emotions, and perceptions influence conservation policy and decision-making. His research highlights the power of aggregated mental models in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and informing conservation strategies.
Don’t miss this fascinating discussion at the intersection of ecology, psychology, and conservation policy.
📅 When: April 10, 13:00
📍 Where: Omnia, Wageningen University
Centre for Space, Place and Society 