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

This exemplary project sends a clear signal of commitment to the conservation of biological diversity in Germany. Three partners are cooperating in the project, which is funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German Federal Foundation for the Environment): the University of Kassel with the Didactics of Political Education and the Witzenhausen Tropical Greenhouse, the Education Working Group in the Verband Botanischer Gärten e.V. (VBG) and the Bundesweite Arbeitskreis der staatlich tragenen Bildungsstätten im Natur- und Umweltschutz (BANU). The project partners combine biodiversity education with political education and develop 16 event formats with a multi-perspective approach to plant biodiversity. The word mark "The Political Plant" is intended to support the development of 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 are working together with 1-2 botanical gardens each to design offers and formats for different target groups and carry them out in 2020 and 2021. Political education contributes its expertise to this. This approach opens up the recognition of systemic interrelationships, shows options for democratic co-design of sustainability processes and allows for discussions about the gap between knowledge and action, both in 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", symbolic of natural diversity. From now on, the project will be 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 of Biological Diversity to counteract the worldwide decline in natural diversity. A broad-based awareness in our society of the great value of biodiversity is an important prerequisite. By honoring exemplary projects, the UN Decade of Biological Diversity 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 biodiversity, its sustainable use or communication can look like in practice.

An independent jury of experts, which includes representatives from various social groups, decides on the projects to be honored. The UN Decade expert jury meets twice a year. The competition is now closed, but information on the UN Decade can still be found online at the UN Decade of Biological Diversity office at www.undekade-biologischevielfalt.de.

The term "biological diversity" covers the multitude of animal and plant species as well as the diversity of microorganisms and fungi. Also included is the genetic diversity within species, which in the case of plants is reflected in the different varieties and in the case of animals is associated with breeds. 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 person at the UN Decade of Biological Diversity office:
Arno Todt (project manager)
UN Decade of Biological Diversity 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 of Biodiversity competition at:
www.undekade-biologischevielfalt.de