BioUniversity

BioUniversity — Discovering biodiversity on campus

University locations are not only places of learning and research, but often also habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species. This is exactly where the project comes in”BioUniversity“on. The project is an initiative of EU GREEN Alliance, which invites you to actively engage with biodiversity on our university campuses.

What is BioUniversity?

BioUniversity is a participatory project that aims to biological diversity to systematically document on the campuses of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg and other partner universities of the EU GREEN Alliance. Using the app iNaturalist students, employees, researchers and interested citizens can identify the local flora and fauna.

The aim of the project is to provide as comprehensive and scientifically usable a picture of the biodiversity at our locations as possible, which invites everyone to participate. Because biodiversity research doesn't have to start in the laboratory; it can start right on campus. All you need is a smartphone and curious eyes.

Why biodiversity on campus?

With their green spaces, gardens, hedges and meadows, university campuses often offer retreats for many animal and plant species, even in the middle of the city. These are not only important for the urban ecosystem, but also provide an ideal environment for Citizen science projects, which connect science and the public.

Just opened in a university context BioUniversity new perspectives: It raises awareness of ecological relationships, promotes environmental awareness and makes sustainable development tangible. At the same time, the data collected creates a valuable basis for future research projects, environmental education and concrete measures to protect and promote biodiversity.

A project of the EU GREEN Alliance

BioUniversity is part of the wider mission of EU GREEN Alliance. The alliance unites nine European universities with the aim of structurally anchoring sustainable development in teaching, research and campus life. With BioUniversity It shows in very concrete terms how this goal can be implemented in everyday life: in a practical, collaborative and future-oriented way.