The Political Plant: Official Project of the UN Decade on Biological Diversity

This exemplary project sends out a clear signal of commitment to preserving biodiversity in Germany. Three partners are cooperating in the project, which is funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation: the University of Kassel with the didactics of political education and the Witzenhausen Tropical Greenhouse, the Education Working Group in the Association of Botanical Gardens (VBG) and the Federal Working Group of State-run Educational Institutes for Nature and Environmental Protection (BANU). The project partners combine biodiversity education with political education and are developing 16 event formats with a multi-perspective approach to plant biodiversity. The word mark "The Political Plant" is intended to help develop meaningful narratives and options for action for individuals and groups. It exemplifies the fact that ecosystems, wild and cultivated plants are equally subject to political considerations, conflicts and legislation. In 9 federal states, 8 nature conservation academies, together with 1-2 botanical gardens each, will design offers and formats for different target groups and carry them out in 2020 and 2021. Political education is contributing its expertise. This approach opens up the recognition of systemic connections, shows options for democratic participation in shaping sustainability processes and allows discussions about the gap between research and action both within the project team and among the event participants.

These activities made a lasting impression on the UN Decade expert jury. In addition to the official certificate and an award plaque, the University of Kassel will receive a "diversity tree", which symbolizes the diversity of nature. The project is now presented on the website of the UN Decade in Germany at www.undekade-biologischevielfalt.de.

The United Nations has proclaimed the period from 2011 to 2020 as the UN Decade on Biodiversity to counteract the global decline in natural diversity. A broad-based awareness in our society of the great value of biodiversity is an important prerequisite. By recognizing exemplary projects, the UN Decade on Biodiversity in Germany draws attention to the value of natural diversity and the opportunities it offers us. At the same time, these model projects show what concrete measures for the conservation of biological diversity, its sustainable use or education can look like in practice.

An independent jury of experts, made up of representatives from various social groups, decides which projects receive awards. The UN Decade expert jury meets twice a year. The competition is now closed, information on the UN Decade can still be found online at the UN Decade on Biodiversity office at www.undekade-biologischevielfalt.de.

The term "biological diversity" encompasses the multitude of animal and plant species as well as the diversity of microorganisms and fungi. It also includes the genetic diversity within species, which is reflected in the different varieties of plants and breeds of animals. But the various habitats and complex ecological interactions are also part of biodiversity. Biodiversity is a prerequisite for the functioning of ecosystems with their various ecosystem services.

Contact details
University of Kassel
Tropical Greenhouse
Steinstraße 19
37213 Witzenhausen

Eva Maria Kohlmann (Coordinator)
Phone: 05542-98 1244
E-mail: die-politische-pflanze@uni-kassel.de
www.die-politische-pflanze.de

Contact at the UN Decade on Biodiversity Office:
Arno Todt (Project Manager)
UN Decade on Biodiversity Office
c/o nova-Institut GmbH
Industriestraße 300
Building 611
50354 Hürth

Phone: 02233-481463
geschaeftsstelle@undekade-biologischevielfalt.de

Further information on the UN Decade competition at:
www.undekade-biologischevielfalt.de