Ermolaeva, Yu.V., Zolina, A.A. & Varganova, I.V. (2025) Study of the phenomenon of plant blindness using an online survey of residents in St. Petersburg. Vestnik Tomskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Filosofiya. Sotsiologiya. Politologiya – Tomsk State University Journal of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science. 85. pp. 197–213. (In Russian). doi: 10.17223 ...

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Abstract

The phenomenon of “plant blindness”, the inability of people to perceive and appreciate plants in the environment, remains a serious problem for biosphere education and biodiversity conservation. As part of the study, an online survey was conducted among 253 respondents in St. Petersburg to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes towards plants. Overall, we found that people do notice plants less than animals, and also notice and distinguish brighter plants, which is in line with the results of international studies. For all respondents, the aesthetic and ecological significance of the plant world is important, but interest in it does not increase the likelihood of interest in and the ability to distinguish plants, thus there is a gap between awareness of environmental issues and willingness to act. Key findings showed that a significant proportion of respondents only visit city parks, avoiding protected natural areas, which limits contact with rare and endemic plants, which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of distinguishing plants in the wild. Awareness of rare plants remains low overall. Plant blindness may depend on the educational profile, interest in nature (thus, professions closer to interaction with nature demonstrated greater awareness of plant problems and attention to them). Respondents wanted to know more about plants from all possible sources. The study emphasizes the need to strengthen the role of botanical gardens in educational programs, as well as the importance of early interaction with nature in the formation of environmental awareness. The authors propose a comprehensive approach, including popularization of knowledge through the media, structured educational programs and active involvement of the public in the conservation of biodiversity. 

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