Raising awareness and action for biodiversity - the potential of places and pedagogy
Session 28
Introduction to the session
This session will focus on the role of formal and informal education and nature-based learning in raising awareness and action for biodiversity. The session aims to discuss how and why our relationship with nature has changed and what consequences it has for species conservation, but also how it can be strengthened through various forms of pedagogy and practice. The session offers opportunities for both researchers and practitioners within the field of education and communication to present and discuss how we can raise awareness, promote ecological literacy and stimulate action competence, which are key aspects for the transformative changes needed in society to protect and restore biodiversity.
The session will consist of 6 short presentations (8 min +2 min for questions), displaying different perspectives followed by a reflective exercise involving the audience, led by the moderator. We will also offer an interactive networking poster session during the conference.
Session programme
13:30: Introduction to session
by moderator Per Bengtson, Centre for nature interpretation, SLU
13:40: Where did all the species go? The history and future of species in Swedish biology education
Ebba Lisberg Jensen, Department of Curricular, Pedagogical and Professional studies, University of Gothenburg
13:50: Rewilding with Children – Nurturing Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship through Nature-Based Learning
Helen Ekvall, Gothenburg Botanical Garden, University of Gothenburg, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Interreg North Sea EXPBIO-project
14:00: Lära och leva med insekter – Handlingskompetens för att bevara biologisk mångfald
Peter Lampert
Daniel Olsson
Anna Mogren
Teresa Berglund
Niklas Gericke, Karlstads University
14:10: Nature Connectedness through art-science
Michael Magee, Natural History Museum Demark, Copenhagen, TETTRIs-project
14:20: Oak Trees and Humans: Reconnection through Place-Based Practice
Joakim Seiler, Department of Conservation, University of Gothenburg
Thomas Laurien, Valand - Academy of Art and Design, University of Gothenburg
14:30: Reimagining Biodiversity Education Through Botanic Gardens: The BGE 2025 Survey and Interactive Biodiversity Education Map
Harald Raaijmakers, University of Gothenburg
Laure Kloetzer, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Stefan Johansson, University of Gothenburg
Dawn Sanders, University of Gothenburg
14:40-15:00: Interactive exercise with the audience and reflection
Abstracts accepted for poster presentation:
- Naturlyftet – kunskap, känsla och kreativitet
Per Bengtson & Eva Sandberg, Centrum för naturvägledning, SLU, Uppsala - Exploring peatlands through story-driven science communication: A narrative approach to ecological literacy in children
Fia Bengtsson & Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA - Making Biodiversity Visible: Species Representation on Signs in Västra Götaland’s Nature Reserves
Rieke Hestermeyer, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg
Catharina Larsson, Västkuststiftelsen
Christina Claesson, Västkuststiftelsen
Julia Ostermann, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg - Nature-based learning at Botaniska - Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Stina Johlander and Karen Otto, Gothenburg botanical garden - The time for species knowledge is now!
Åsa Krüger and Stina Westerstrand, Gothenburg botanical garden, Gothenburg global biodiversity centre - The Fyris River Walk – a concept for promoting awareness and action for biodiversity in Swedish schools
Johan Lindell, Upplandsstiftelsen, Uppsala
Maria Brandt, Biotopia, Uppsala
Karl Lundén, Swedish Agricultural University, Uppsala - Ekologisk litteracitet som samtillblivelse genom fältarbete: Studier av praktiker för ekologiundervisning
Kristin Persson, Institutionen för ämnesdidaktik, Stockholms universitet - Biodiversity Awareness: The conceptualising of a new educational approach
Dawn Sanders, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg
Niklas Gericke, Karlstad University
Andrea Möller, University of Vienna - Golfbanan som utomhusklassrum – pedagogisk markanvändning
Maria Strandberg, Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation, STERF, Stockholm
Thomas Björn, Swedish Golf Federation, STERF, Stockholm - The Biodiversity Collage – a tool to raise awareness of biodiversity
Anna-Lisa Wrange, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg)
Marianne Loor, Mistra BIOPATH, Lund university
Further information about the session
Keywords: Education, ecological literacy, nature-based learning, nature interpretation, action competence
Language: English and Swedish
Time and venue: 13:30-15:00, Sydamerika.
Organisers:
- Anna-Lisa Wrange, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg (main contact person)
- Hanna Tornevall, Göteborgs Botaniska trädgård
- Ebba Lisberg Jensen, Institutionen för didaktik och pedagogisk profession, Göteborgs universitet
- Eva Sandberg, Centrum för naturvägledning, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Uppsala.
- Peter Lampert, Karlstad universitet.
- Åsa Elfström (Naturum Söderåsen) och Sofia Tiger (Naturum Fulufjället), representerar Naturhistoriska museers samarbetsorganisation NAMSA.
Strategy for transformative change in focus for the session
IPBES highlights 5 complementary key strategies for transformative change: From conserving vital places to shifting values. Together these create pathways to just and sustainable futures. Learn more: IPBES Transformative Change Assessment: Chapter 5. Realizing a sustainable world for nature and people: transformative strategies, actions and roles for all
As indicated in the illustration below, session 28 focuses mainly on strategy 5: Shift views and values to recognize human-nature interconnectedness
