18 June 2026
Written by: Ephy Kouzi, FOCUS STC
In the age of rapid digital information, environmental conversations are often caught in conflicting claims, making it difficult to distinguish between scientific reality and misleading narratives. While misinformation usually involves the accidental sharing of wrong data, disinformation is more calculated – it is the deliberate distortion of facts to create doubt or stall progress1. At ᴇNᴀBʟS, as we work to mainstream Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) across universities and vocational training, prioritising evidence-based clarity is essential because we recognise that even the most effective ecological tools can be obscured by fragmented or misleading information.
As a Horizon Europe project, ᴇNᴀBʟS acts as a bridge between the scientific community and the wider society. Our mission is to weave nature-centric thinking into the fabric of higher education and vocational training2, but our impact is also felt on the ground through our Living Labs. These Labs create vital spaces where researchers, local citizens, and professionals collaborate to solve real-world problems together. However, the path to mainstreaming NBS is often met with skepticism, where scientific initiatives can be misrepresented as “unwanted” or “top-down” environmental agendas. By identifying these risks early, the project seeks to protect the integrity of its mission, educational modules, and overall approach. The goal is to equip students, professionals, and citizens with the critical literacy skills needed to navigate a complex information landscape3, ensuring that conservation efforts are recognised as scientifically sound tools for societal resilience.
The practice of debunking myths and “pre-bunking”4 – building resilience before false narratives take hold – is about more than just correcting the record; it is about building a foundation of public trust. When the dialogue surrounding biodiversity is cleared of unfounded conspiracy theories – such as the idea that conservation has to exclude people or that “green” always means “expensive”5 – the focus can return to the practical, local benefits of NBS. By championing transparency and science-backed communication, ᴇNᴀBʟS helps build a foundation where citizens and decision-makers can engage with nature honestly. Ultimately, this effort ensures that nature-based solutions are recognised for their true value: practical, evidence-based tools that support our economy, our health, and our collective future.
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18 June 2026
