Jürgen Wolters: Biodiversity in the context of Education for Sustainable Development

Nowadays citizens are increasingly questioning stakeholders from environmental and development politics regarding their position to the use of biofuels: Are we talking about a beneficial instrument for climate protection whereby the use of fossil energy sources can be reduced? Or is it a curse for man and nature, especially in the Third World, where the increase in the cultivation of bio-energy crops is making foodstuffs increasingly exorbitant as well as destroying the natural habitats of animals and plants? Those turning to politicians and experts for guidance are currently confronted with a Federal Government, which is at loggerheads on the subject of bio-energy as well as a squad of "green experts" who were themselves surprised at the far-reaching consequences of the debate on climate-neutral strategies for reducing global fuel demand, which they themselves initiated.

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Manfred Niekisch: Biodiversity: conservation as a question of survival

When the Convention on Biodiversity came into effect it led to a new conception of the diversity of life on earth – an understanding which goes much further than the conventional term "diversity of species". According to the new definition, it is no longer the number of species that is decisive but the genetic differences within each species as well as the interaction between animals and plants in their habitats, i.e. the diversity of life forms and ecosystems. This includes the many cycles of matter and processes, whether it be photosynthesis, digestion processes, water and nitrogen cycles; in short all that "comes to be" and all that "passes away". Thus the dimension of time is added to that of space, which is the difference between the concepts of "the diversity of species" and "biodiversity".

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Susanne Gura: Poverty - Climate - Biodiversity: The North must reduce consumption

Agricultural fuels not only pose a particular threat to the fight against poverty but also for biodiversity. At a time when biodiversity is decreasing at a rate of a hundredfold of the natural rate – as rapidly as never before – the cultivation of crops for biofuel is increasing rapidly and threatens to destroy further ecosystems. Which is why this is a central issue at the Bonn negotiations within the framework of the Convention on Biodiversity.

Interview with Beate Jessel

Education and information are extremely important areas for a successful implementation of the national strategy on biodiversity that was adopted by the Federal Government last November. The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation is active with regard to research and development projects as well as pilot projects in all areas of education, ranging from nursery schools and secondary schools to extra-curricular activities, and for all generations from young children to adults, so that we can work together towards our ambitious goals.

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Gisela Stolpe, Judith Jabs: Advanced training courses on the subject of "Biodiversity within German development cooperation" at the International Academy for Nature Conservation Island Vilm

Advanced training courses for experts at the interface of nature conservation and development have been taking place at the International Academy for Nature Conservation Island Vilm (INA) since 1999; the concept for these courses has been developed by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation in cooperation with the GTZ. Courses are carried out on current trends and challenges for nature conservation within development cooperation as well as courses focusing on particularly topical issues of development cooperation. The expert input on new issues, methods and current international developments are as important as the exchange and reflection of case studies.

Peter Heyne, Guido Puhlmann: Biodiversity in Biosphere reserves –  from use to conservation

UNESO-Biosphere reserves are model regions for sustainable development; a worldwide programme with over 500 nature reserves, whereby, in Germany alone, 13 can be experienced first hand from the Wadden Sea to Berchtesgaden. Examples for the protection of natural livelihoods, economic development and hands-on education are developed, tested and put to practice. Biodiversity is threatened worldwide and can only be conserved on a local basis with local inhabitants and land-users. Biosphere Reserves work on the basis of the involvement of many different regional partners.

Susanne Stahlschmidt, Georg Tenger: The value of diversity - The diversity of species as a bridge between nature conservation education and learning in the global world

Biodiversity is a subject, which is a part of the repertoire of every zoologist and botanist. In environmental education, events are often based on the difference between species – whether excursions for adults for learning about particular habitats and species or in the case of events organised for children, which concentrate on life in the soil or in water right down to the individual species. Apart from the circle of interested experts or in the case of education in schools, biodiversity is not considered as being particularly important. This is a frightening fact as biodiversity forms the web of life of which we are an integral part.

Mireille Hönicke: Biopoli – a Youth Education Project on Biodiversity

"What do we need biological diversity for?" This and other questions are gone into by the young people's project BIOPOLI. BIOPOLI is aimed at school children and young people from 15 to 25 years of age. The "BUKO Agrar Koordination" places qualified persons throughout Germany, who present BIPOLI subjects at schools and youth clubs, on request. Central themes are biodiversity for securing global nourishment, seed and the rights of farmers worldwide. The instructors can give an introduction which lasts for the length of two lessons, a whole morning, or a whole project-day depending on what is required. Background information is given on the subject as well as various viewpoints so that the young people are able to form their own opinions on the subject. Moreover dealing with these subjects enables a deeper understanding of global economic and political contexts.

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Christiane Schell, Horst Freiberg: The Global Education Initiative of CBD: CEPA – Communication, Education and Public Awareness

The goal of the international Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources as well as the fair sharing of the benefits from their use. The CEPA (Communication, Education, Public Awareness), which is a global education initiative, was founded to support the information and public relations activities of the CBD; here the subjects conservation of biodiversity and education for sustainable development are linked and put into practice.

Silke Kleinhückelkotten: Suitable target-group communication on (agro-)biodiversity

For effective and efficient communication on the conservation and for the sustainable use of biodiversity with the public as a target, a clear target group orientation has to be in place. A message, which is meant for "all" is often left unheard. The lifestyle perspective opens a differentiated viewpoint of the person at the receiving end of the communication, on the respective predominant value orientations and approaches, and on communication habits and aesthetic preferences. It allows for a selection of relevant groups, the identification of specific connection options for messages and the adaptation of the communication to the communicative preferences of the target environment.

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Uwe Rotter: Digital diversity of species – Discovering species diversity hotspots with the help of computers

Lately in the border district between Bolivia and Brazil; it is just after a shower and the raindrops still glitter on the giant fronds. A dazzling toucan sits on a branch and one asks oneself the inevitable question, why doesn't the bird tip forwards with such a huge beak. In passing a sudden movement reveals a tiny frog sitting on a green leaf, which due to its camouflage is only visible when it moves. It is a beautiful place, although the long trek to get here is really tiring. Then our guide discovers a certain plant and gives me a leaf to chew on - I soon feel revived.

Rolf Mack: Movies and video clips on biodiversity and sustainable development worldwide

We live in a society, which is significantly influenced by the media. In order to approach the population and especially the young generation with important messages, the use of modern media is of utmost importance. It is pointless complaining about the insufficiencies of information in the form of short 'clips'; this is another case where the customer decides what he or she wants to consume.