Outreach drawer collections and visual science communication enhance public engagement with native bee diversity in Colombia

Scientific research is often confined to academic circles, limiting public awareness of critical discoveries. This document highlights the transformative impact of science communication through an entomological exhibition accompanied by a visual infographic in a rural museum in La Tatacoa, municipality of Villavieja, Huila, Colombia. Based on an undergraduate research project on native bee diversity in the region, a collaborative initiative led to the creation of a small bee exhibition at the Tatacoa Natural History Museum. Despite initial skepticism regarding the presence of more than 110 bee species in this arid ecosystem, the exhibition effectively captured public interest. Following its publication on social media, the exhibition went viral, significantly increasing awareness of local biodiversity. The initiative also became a valuable educational tool, fostering environmental engagement among local students and inspiring conservation efforts. The subsequent renovation of the museum further enhanced public appreciation of regional biodiversity. This case study underscores the impact of accessible science communication in bridging the gap between academic research and societal awareness, demonstrating that visual and interactive formats can foster greater public engagement with conservation and biodiversity.