Abstract
Responding to inadequate awareness of the outstanding importance of biodiversity, the BioFrankfurt network was founded in 2004 in the State of Hesse, Germany. It is presented here as a case study and may serve as a model for other parts of the world, such as the Middle East. In 2007, only about 26% of the German population were familiar with the term Biodiversity, and most of them only had a vague idea about its meaning. The BioFrankfurt network of institutions addressed this problem, raising public awareness and supporting research, education and conservation. A regional biodiversity education program has been developed and delivered to more than 500 schools. Since 2007, an innovative public relations campaign combines raising awareness on regional biodiversity issues with activities to improve the public image of the Frankfurt area. Because of its geographical focus, the networks activities gained the attention of local and regional politicians and other decision makers, culminating in the joint establishment of a new Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre by BioFrankfurt member institutions. The success of current activities attracts interesting partners, resulting in challenging cooperation initiatives. The authors are convinced that the networks concepts and activities have a great potential to profoundly enhance the notion and acceptance of biodiversity issues elsewhere.
Highlights
Biodiversity is the natural wealth of the Earth, and provides the basis for human life and prosperity (Wilson 1988, Gaston and Spicer 2005)
The majority of people, probably in most parts of the world, are unaware of the fundamental significance of biodiversity for their life, and for past, current, and future cultures and economies. In response to this lack of awareness, we founded a biodiversity network, which is presented here as a case study. It may serve as a model for other parts of the world, such as the Middle East
The Frankfurt area in Germany has a considerable number of institutions and organisations with international expertise in a wide range of biodiversity issues
Summary
Biodiversity is the natural wealth of the Earth, and provides the basis for human life and prosperity (Wilson 1988, Gaston and Spicer 2005). The biodiversity network BioFrankfurt: An innovative strategic approach to... BioFrankfurt – A unique Biodiversity Network initiative The Frankfurt area in Germany has a considerable number of institutions and organisations with international expertise in a wide range of biodiversity issues.
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