Project description

The loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest threats to our future. Even in Sweden, there is a depletion of biodiversity. The SamBio project aims to build and disseminate knowledge about why biodiversity is important and to generate commitment to biodiversity in Västra Götaland. The project is directed partly towards children and youth (schools and teachers) but also towards the business sector. The project is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Gothenburg and a number of public actors in the region (museums, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, science centers).

Overview and aims

The project, coordinated by the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC) at the University of Gothenburg, aims to build and disseminate knowledge about biodiversity and create engagement for biodiversity in Västra Götaland to support the implementation of the regional development strategy. The target audience for the project includes children and youth (including schools/teachers), as well as businesses in the Västra Götaland region.

The project is based on collaboration among 22 partner organizations in the region, including museums, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, science centers, and researchers from various institutions at the University of Gothenburg.

One part of the project aims to make biodiversity an accessible concept, aspiring to provide schoolchildren and teachers with current and relevant information, and fun activities related to biodiversity, regardless of where they are in the region. The second part of the project focuses on increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building with a focus on the business sector.

The overall purpose of the project is to strengthen existing connections and create new collaborations 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 aim of the project is to enhance public understanding of biodiversity-related issues in the Västra Götaland region. Additionally, it seeks to facilitate knowledgeable decision-makers in the business sector in the coming years, ultimately leading to a sustained positive impact on biodiversity in line with global sustainability goals.

Funding

The project is led by the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC) at the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Gothenburg. The project, titled "SamBio: Collaboration for Biodiversity - Knowledge, Emotion, Action," is funded from 2023 to 2025 by Region Västra Götaland.