A new survey outlines tangible means of nurturing biodiversity and inclusivity in the natural environments of universities and cities.
The natural environment of the University of Helsinki campuses is valuable in many ways, as it supports not only biodiversity, but also community wellbeing and inclusivity. A recent survey shows that the most significant natural sites in the areas where the University operates are the City Centre and Kumpula botanic gardens, the wooded areas of Kumpula and Viikki and the rocky knolls of Meilahti.
The survey also presents concrete measures for nurturing campus biodiversity. These include conserving green spaces, increasing controlled non-management, establishing meadows and favouring pollinator-friendly planting. The new report sets an example to other urban and university areas seeking solutions to curb biodiversity loss and climate change.
The survey and the underlying data are openly available, providing opportunities for both local and international learning and collaboration.
Rooted in biodiversity promotion
The survey is among the measures included in the University of Helsinki's 2022-2024 sustainability and responsibility plan. The promotion of biodiversity was documented in the plan as a priority area in daily operations.
The University has sought to examine values associated with campus areas and link them with biodiversity values.
The report was compiled from datasets depicting the biodiversity and other values of the University of Helsinki's four campuses, a geographic information survey engaging the University community, and campus species surveys coordinated by the Finnish Museum of Natural History. In spring 2024, over 1,300 University community members completed the geographic information survey exploring values and proposals for measures concerning nature on campus.
The campus survey was conducted by Postdoctoral Researcher Jussi Lampinen of the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) together with the University of Helsinki's sustainability and responsibility team and the Finnish Museum of Natural History.
