SamBio: Working together for biodiversity
Earth's biodiversity is under threat, and its biggest threat is human activity. The SamBio project aims to raise awareness and knowledge of what biodiversity is, why it is important, and what industries and the public can do to preserve it.
About the project
Background
Earth's biodiversity is under threat. Despite the fact that humans are entirely dependent on a healthy and rich natural environment, it is our human activities that are the main reason why species and ecosystems around the world are declining at an accelerating rate. The loss of biodiversity is most severe in tropical countries, but it is largely driven by consumption in rich countries like Sweden. But the same negative trend can be seen in many native species and ecosystems here, including in Västra Götaland. Region Västra Götaland (VGR) wants to be a pioneer in a sustainable transition, and these issues are prioritized in the region's activities and the following governing documents: Environmental Goals 2030, the Regional Development Strategy for Västra Götaland 2021–2030, and the Biodiversity Plan for Västra Götaland 2022–2024.
The Biodiversity Plan for Västra Götaland 2022–2024 states that an increased awareness of what affects biodiversity is an important basis for creating acceptance among the public, and for decision-makers in industries and other key stakeholders.
Summary of the project
This project is designed to address this lack of awareness in society. The project aims to create and promote information and engagement about biodiversity in Västra Götaland. This is to support the implementation of the regional development strategy. The work will be carried out in two parts, focusing on (1) training and (2) interaction with stakeholders. The project is coordinated by the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC) at the University of Gothenburg. The first part of the project will coordinate research and educational efforts through the GGBC and local science centers to make biodiversity a coordinated and accessible concept for children and young people. The aim of this is to provide school children and teachers with access to up-to-date and relevant information and fun activities related to biodiversity across the entire region. The second part of the project focuses on increased cooperation, knowledge sharing and skills development with a focus on the business community.
The overall aim of the project is to strengthen existing links and create new partnerships to increase understanding of what biodiversity is, why it is important and what we can do in the short and long term to preserve it. The long-term result of this project will hopefully be a better-informed public in Västra Götaland and more informed decision-makers in the business community in the coming years. This can lead to a long-term positive impact on biodiversity in Västra Götaland, fully in line with the global sustainable development goals.
Project summary
PROJECT NAME
Hay meadow on Angereds Gård
STATUS
Ongoing
OUR ROLE IN THE PROJECT
Project owner
PROJECT START
2022-03-01
DURATION
4 years
PARTNERS
Göteborgs Stad
FINANCIER
Naturvårdsverket