The project

Biodiversity education network has been lanched 2021-2022 in a project funded by the Ministry of education and culture. Universities of Eastern Finland, Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Oulu, Turku and Åbo Akademi are collaborating in this network. Biodiversity education network is the first collaboration network in the theme of biodiversity education in universities.

The aims of the project

Biodiversity competence in society
Capacity to apply knowledge multidisciplinary and widely
Co-operation in teaching
Learning opportunities for the students
Interdisciplinary and mobility
Finland’s visibility and role in international biodiversity questions
Finland’s transitions to an ecologically sustainable low-carbon society

The project is divided into four workpackages

Bringing together biodiversity courses and identifying needs for education

Bringing together existing courses

Identifying blind spots and needs

Digitalizing and diversifying biodiversity courses

Planning of need-based courses

Creating common learning objectives

Digitalizing and using virtual learning environments

Developing co-operation in organizing field courses

Supporting practical competence

Developing the use of research stations

Piloting common courses

Developing a nationwide biodiversity education network model

Developing a nationwide biodiversity education network model

Answering to the biodiversity questions with networked education co-operation

Principles of the biodiversity education network:

Graphics by: Manfred Steger

Common target and willingness to work together

Clear steps, ways of working, timetables

Motivation, active participation and informing

Clear coordination and responsibilities

Co-operation, communication, openness, discussion

Reflection in early stage