Enhancing public engagement and scientific literacy for marine conservation in Brazil: the role of informal science education events

Effective marine conservation increasingly depends on public engagement, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions facing acute socio-environmental pressures. In Brazil, a global marine biodiversity hotspot, important informal science education events such as Semanas de Biologia, Fiocruz pra Você , and the Semana Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia serve as important interfaces between marine science and society. This perspective paper reflects on the role of these initiatives in enhancing scientific literacy and public engagement for marine conservation, drawing on qualitative observations from outreach activities conducted between 2023 and 2025 and situating them within the broader literature on informal science education and science communication. Rather than presenting causal impact assessments, the paper examines how multisensory and participatory strategies, including biological specimens, tactile materials, interactive games, and low-cost immersive technologies, can foster accessible and meaningful learning environments for diverse audiences. Finally, it outlines future directions for strengthening informal science education as a strategic component of marine conservation, emphasizing multimodality, reflexive evaluation practices, community co-production, and equitable geographic access. By framing informal outreach as a key interface between science, society, and policy, this perspective contributes to discussions on how public engagement can support conservation governance in Brazil and other global marine biodiversity hotspots.