Biodiversity Illustrated

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address biodiversity conservation and how we, environmentalists and the general adult population appreciate ecosystems in connection to our own prosperity and wellbeing. The rapid deterioration of global ecosystems has led to unprecedented biodiversity loss, with extinction rates currently 100 to 1000 times higher than natural rates. This crisis not only threatens natural spaces but also has cultural, economic, and health implications. Many communities depend on ecosystems for essential resources, protecting biodiversity is a key aspect of protecting the environment. With this project, we wanted to raise awareness on the causes and impacts of biodiversity loss on ecosystems, culture, economies, and human health; equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to biodiversity protection on a local scale; enhance the competencies of educators and adult education staff to effectively teach and inspire action on biodiversity-related challenges; promote civic engagement and participation, fostering a culture of collective responsibility and empowering communities to take action on biodiversity conservation and climate change.<< Objectives >>With the implementation of this project the consortium wanted to:- Train and enhance participants' knowledge on biodiversity issues, what constitutes a healthy ecosystem, and what people can do locally and/or regionally at a small scale to protect biodiversity. Deepening their understanding of the challenges facing ecosystems, species, and the broader environment. Building a foundation of informed individuals who recognize the urgency of protecting biodiversity.- Increase the competencies of what is biodiversity, equipping participants with the skills needed to protect biodiversity on a local scale as it enables wider participation and collective action. Mobilizing larger groups of people to take responsibility for their natural surroundings that result in broader medium and long-term impacts. - A key innovation of the project was its focus on increasing public engagement and interest through the power of storytelling and visually appealing content aimed to make biodiversity conservation relatable and compelling, addressing the gap between awareness and behavior change through the activation of relational and emotional intelligences.<< Implementation >>The project implemented the following activities: - 3 transnational project meetings, the first one held in Iceland, the following in Madeira and the last one in Cantabria.- 2 LTTAs. The first one in Spain, equipping partners with practical skills to foster biodiversity at a local level. Next training session was held in Madeira, Portugal, training participants in documentary filmmaking.- Development of 2 outputs: A Biodiversity book, a narrative story including elements of the research and the artistic contributions. And a Biodiversity Curriculum, a methodology adapting the Handbook’s content into a pedagogical resource for adult education, containing the training Program on the 36 Biodiversity hotspots. Both outputs are digitally available for free download on the project website in all four languages (English, Spanish, Icelandic and Portuguese).- A 15-day physical exhibition showcasing the Handbook’s artistic elements was held in Madeira. The exhibition was one of the multiplier events, and in total the project hosted 6 MEs.- The outputs were piloted through 3 workshops per partner country, together with 2 online coaching sessions to support participants in any actions regarding biodiversity conservation.<< Results >>The Biodiversity Illustrated Handbook - “Carrying the Seeds of Life: The 36 Biodiversity Hotspots and the Future of Life on Earth” (a scientific&fictional adventure book with 75 original illustrations of hotspots by 8 international artists, 36 hotspot passports and activities), and the Biodiversity Illustrated Curriculum - “For the Sake of Biodiversity” methodology, everything in English, Icelandic, Spanish, Portuguese - available for free open download from the project website;Two training events attended by 18 participants (on how to protect biodiversity locally and on how to make documentary videos about ecosystems).3 documentary films about the endemic, volcanic ecosystems of Iceland; the laurel forest of the island of Madeira; and the dense forests of the region of Cantabria in northern Spain.1 Project website, featuring downloadable versions of the Handbook and the Curriculum, the documentary films, a 3D map with the hotspot details and the project information.6 Multiplier Events, including a book launch and exhibition in Madeira (+presentations in Scotland and Hawaii, beyond the project geographic scope), totalling more than 250 people in person;3 educational events, covering more than 90 participants.