Biodiversity Challenge 2023
Biodiversity Challenge 2023

Programme

 

What is the biodiversity challenge?
We challenge you to come and discover biodiversity together with us on the WUR campus. Join one of our guides to go on a species safari and help us to map the biodiversity on campus, or join an excursion to the food forest or Student Farm on campus. There are presentation and stands about the importance of biodiversity, and what you can do to help biodiversity. Want to find out how you can help pollinators, or what can be discovered with camera traps? Bring all your questions, and let’s explore!

For whom is the Biodiversity Challenge? 
The Biodiversity Challenge is organised for (families and friends of) WUR employees, WUR students and the residents of Wageningen. Visitors of all ages are welcome.
The Biodiversity Challenge is organised by the Wageningen Biodiversity Initiative of WUR, together with Stadslab of bbltk Wageningen and the City of Wageningen.

 

Wageningen University & Research exists 105 years
This year, Wageningen University & Research celebrates its 105th anniversary. This activity is part of the festive lustrum programme.

Since the foundation of the Rijks Hoogere Land-, Tuin- en Boschbouwschool, scientists and students have committed themselves to a future with sufficient food for everyone. Now, 105 years later, that future looks different. Zero hunger is just one of the goals of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), along with circular production and consumption, climate action and other sustainable development goals.
In the lustrum year, we will not only look at WUR's rich past, but also at the future, in line with the lustrum theme: 'Shaping Sustainable Futures'. The Biodiversity Challenge fits well within this theme: together we will explore the state of biodiversity in our surroundings, and learn what we can do to help biodiversity. Visit our website for more information about 105 years WUR.

 

Programme Saturday 1 July

Location: Omnia, building 105, room Podium.
You do not have to register for the presentations, they are freely accessible.
Please be aware that presentations will be in Dutch except for the one on tropical marine biodiversity at 12:50, but questions can also be asked in English. The excursions are bilingual (EN-NL). 

 

06:00 – 08:30 Excursions (please register!)  
09:00 – 09:45

Biodiversity; what is it, and why is it so important for the functioning of the planet?  (Liesje Mommer)

In this opening lecture, Professor Liesje Mommer explains that biodiversity is important for the food on our plates, helps combat climate change, as well as making people happier. She also explains how we can make more room for biodiversity together.
Please be aware this presentation will be in Dutch. 
  Official opening by Maud Hulshof (Alderman City of Wageningen) and Rector Magnificus Arthur Mol (Wageningen University & Research)  
10:00 –12:00

Excursions (please register!)

  
12:30 –12:50 Biodiversity around the house (Wieger Wamelink)
That biodiversity in the Netherlands is in bad shape is well known,
but what can you do yourself to promote biodiversity in your immediate environment?
In this lecture, ecologist Wieger Wamelink explains how you can invite biodiversity into your garden or balcony.
Please be aware this presentation will be in Dutch. 
12:50 - 13:10

Tropical marine biodiversity in the Anthropocene
(Adriana Alzate Vallejo)

(Presentation in English)

We will travel to tropical seas, home to one of the richest ecosystems: coral reefs. We will explore the incredible diversity of life in coral reefs worldwide as well as their importance.
We will discuss the threats these ecosystems face and how we can conserve them for future generations.
13:10 - 13:45

Ode to weeds (Norbert Peeters)
You know them, those plants that are excellent at kicking their own butts and rampaging through your garden on their own.
Everyone has battled them at some point. Everyone has weeded. But what makes a plant a weed? In any case, the term 'weed' does not refer to a fixed group of plant species. In fact, many species that used to be reviled are now being protected.
Other species suffer the opposite fate. Exotics such as the giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed were once brought to Europe as ornamental plants. Meanwhile, the tide has turned and they are cursed as 'invasive exotic species'.
In short, time to take a closer look at the word 'weeds' and weedy plants.
In this lecture, botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters pays tribute to weeds.
Please be aware this presentation will be in Dutch. 

 

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14:00 - 16:00 Excursions (please register!)