6 Questions with Dr. Judy Mann-Lang: Exploring the Intersection of Psychology, Research, and Behaviour Change

Dr. Judy Mann-Lang is a passionate conservationist with over 30 years of experience in education, research, and leadership. She specializes in conservation education, behaviour change, and the social aspects of recreational fisheries and Marine Protected Areas. With a Master’s in Ichthyology, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and a PhD in Culture and Environmental Learning, she has held key roles at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research, including Director of Education and CEO. Judy currently works with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and consults on projects across Africa. She is also President of the International Zoo Educators Association and chairs the Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Committee for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

1) We always like to start by asking how you got into your field. Can you share what inspired your journey into conservation and human behaviour?

My interest in conservation started at a young age, thanks to my dad, who was a passionate fisherman and nature lover. I apparently asked for a fishing rod and an umbrella when I was two so I could join him fishing in the rain! From there, I knew I had a deep connection to nature, particularly the marine environment.

By 11 or 12, I dreamed of teaching children about the ocean, so I pursued a master’s degree in Ichthyology. After spending two years studying fish ear bones, I realized my true passion was in communication and working with people, not just the fish themselves. That led me to the role of Education Officer at the Aquarium in Durban, where I worked in various positions.

I started off believing that if people just knew more, they would change their behaviour. But over time, I realized that education alone isn’t enough. That’s when I discovered conservation psychology, and it felt like the perfect fit. I pivoted from focusing on the ocean to studying people and understanding what drives their behaviour. Throughout the years, I’ve held leadership positions that taught me more about people, and I often joke with my husband that he has the easy job studying fish!

2) What drew you to join the IUCN Behaviour Change Task force, and how does your current work align with the mission and goals of the organization?

At its beginning, Diego asked me to join the IUCN Behaviour Change Task force. The task force’s focus on understanding and influencing behaviour in the context of conservation aligned with my own passion for education and real-world impact. What specifically drew me to the task force was its mission to create a truly international and representative approach to conservation behaviour change. It’s crucial that the task force isn’t just based on perspectives from the global north. Conservation issues in regions like Africa, South America, or Asia are very different from those in North America or Europe, so having a diverse and globally representative team is essential. By bringing together people from all over the world, we can ensure that the solutions we develop are relevant and practical for everyone, not just a select group of countries or regions.

3) Could you tell us about any exciting projects or research you’re currently working on?

I’m currently working on two exciting projects. The first is the Marine and Coastal Educators Network, which we started over 20 years ago to provide a platform for marine and coastal educators to exchange ideas and inspire each other. Over time, we’ve realized the need to expand the concept of ocean literacy. It’s no longer just about what we know, but also about how we interact with and influence the ocean. We’re conducting baseline research in South Africa and collaborating with experts like Emma McKinley to understand how South Africans connect with the ocean, and we hope to expand this into a broader network of ocean literacy advocates along Africa’s coastline.

The second project is focused on promoting sustainable seafood at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. The goal is to transform nearly 100 restaurants to predominantly serve sustainable seafood. We’re working with suppliers, restaurants, and customers to make this a reality. It’s both a behaviour change and research project, and I’m excited to see the progress we’re making in this space.

4) In your opinion, what is one of the biggest challenges the world faces in driving meaningful behaviour change toward conservation?

In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges in driving meaningful behaviour change toward conservation is a lack of understanding of the potential of behaviour change research. Many people aren’t fully aware of how this research can truly help us in conservation efforts. Another significant barrier is the absence of clear examples. We don’t have enough real-world cases that show exactly how specific behaviour change theories or approaches have worked, and how they’ve helped individuals or communities make a difference for conservation.

What we need are more studies and examples where we can demonstrate why behaviour change is effective. At the moment, there are still a lot of people who believe that simply educating people about a species, like teaching them about fish, will automatically lead to a change in behaviour. While education is certainly an important part of the equation, it’s not enough on its own. We need to recognize that behaviour change is a complex process, and there’s much more to it than just imparting knowledge. It’s about finding strategies that go beyond education to inspire lasting change.

5) Who is someone in the conservation world (or beyond) that you look up to or that has influenced your career?

There have been many mentors throughout my life who have supported and guided me, but I would have to give the most credit to my husband. He’s been the most stabilizing force in my life. His grounded nature always helps me refocus when things get overwhelming. We’ve even worked together on projects, running training courses and starting the Marine Protected Areas Day initiative. We’re a team, and he has always pushed me forward, particularly when things get busy or tough. It’s easy to overlook the person closest to you because their support feels like a given, but I really do appreciate everything he’s done to help me keep going!

6) As you look ahead, what are your goals or hopes for the future of conservation and behaviour change?

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my research and continuing to work on projects that make a real impact. I hope to contribute to changing global conservation practices through education, especially in regions where resources are limited. I’m also passionate about working with younger generations and helping them develop the skills to lead in sustainable practices. Ultimately, my goal is to leave behind a legacy of practical, actionable steps that people can take to protect the planet.

Did you enjoy this post? Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and expert perspectives in the next installment of our "6 Questions With..." blog post series!