Supported by the Rotary Club of Christchurch, NZ, the School Biodiversity Education program is inspiring young minds through hands-on environmental education, fostering a deeper connection with nature and empowering communities to protect local ecosystems.
The School Biodiversity Education Project is a collaboration between the Community Action for Fresh Water (CAFW) and the Styx Living Laboratory Trust (SLLT), demonstrating the power of partnerships in environmental education and community engagement.
A vision takes shape
In September 2023, a group of Rotarians from Christchurch discovered Rotary United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) ‘Adopt a River’ initiative, rebranded in February 2024 as Community Action for Fresh Water (CAFW). The program’s focus on clean rivers, biodiversity, planting, pest control and community engagement resonated deeply with club members.
Inspired by past engagements with SLLT, particularly a talk on bird conservation by Dr Antony Shadbolt, the team saw an opportunity for a powerful collaboration.
A business case was developed and approved by then-District Governor Phil Gully, leading to the formation of CAFW District 9999. Members Chris Williamson, Peter Moody and Tanya Jenkins played key roles in mobilising the initiative to create an educational experience that would inspire the next generation to protect New Zealand’s unique ecosystems.
Bringing biodiversity to the classroom
The foundation for the project was already in place. SLLT had an existing biodiversity education program designed for school children, offering hands-on learning experiences that seamlessly blends science with cultural education.
Seeing its potential, CAFW decided to expand the program’s reach, setting a goal of enlisting 500 students from 10 schools in 2024.
The rationale was simple yet profound: biodiversity matters. As the United Nations states, biodiversity is the backbone of life on Earth; essential for food, water, medicine, climate stability and even economic growth. With more than half of global GDP reliant on nature, fostering environmental awareness from a young age is not just a noble pursuit but a necessary one.
PICTURED: Program participants learned practical conservation methods to reduce the impact of pests like rodents and feral cats.
Planning and execution
With a budget of $10,000 – $20 per student – CAFW secured funding from Rotary clubs, while SLLT coordinated school participation. Each session ran from 9am to 2:30pm and covered topics such as:
- Water quality monitoring
- Bird monitoring
- Mātauranga Māori science
- Rongoā Māori (traditional healing)
- Predator control
- Importance of invertebrates
- Native plants and weed control
While New Zealand lacks large predators, rodents and feral cats pose a serious threat to biodiversity, and students learned practical conservation methods to reduce their impact.
Community impact
By the end of the initial phase, the results spoke for themselves:
- Funds raised: $11,700 – surpassing the initial target of $10,000
- Student participation: 525 students attended
- School involvement: Eight schools participated.
- Community engagement: The initiative strengthened ties between SLLT, Rotary clubs and local schools. In August 2024, the project took a significant step forward by joining the Community Waterways Partnership, which includes 48 organisations dedicated to water conservation.
“The opportunity to spend time among rākau (trees), harakeke (flax) and manū (birds) was invaluable. Funding trips like these is challenging, but the knowledge gained by students about their environment is crucial.”
The power of environmental education
Feedback from teachers and students has reinforced the project’s success.
“I was fortunate enough to take 50 students from our Tī Kōuka hub to participate in the Kā pūtahi rangatahi mātauranga education program,” said Shirley Primary School teacher Clare Marshall.
“The children thoroughly enjoyed their day in nature, exploring places they had never visited before. Many expressed a desire to return with their families.
The opportunity to spend time among rākau (trees), harakeke (flax) and manū (birds) was invaluable. Funding trips like these is challenging, but the knowledge gained by students about their environment is crucial.”
A model for the future
The School Biodiversity Education Project has proven to be more than just a short-term initiative – it has set the stage for continued environmental education and community engagement. With strong support from stakeholders and an eager student base, the project is well-positioned to expand in the coming years.
By fostering a deep connection between young minds and their natural surroundings, this initiative ensures that the next generation is not only aware of biodiversity challenges but is equipped to be part of the solution.
In the words of Tanya Jenkins: “Education + Awareness = Protection.”
MAIN PICTURE: The School Biodiversity Education program offers hands-on learning experiences that blend science with cultural education.