Introduction

There are a lot of scientific experts involved in protecting and enhancing biodiversity. But at the local level there are not enough experts and resources to do everything. Usually many tasks such as rehabilitating and maintain the local ecosystem is left to local volunteers.

This activity looks at many of the different facets involved in maintaining local biodiversity.

Many of the projects are likely to need students to contact organisations, volunteer groups or institutions for information. The teacher will need to set up a system for students to use emails or postage that fits within your school policies. Email will be much faster. Emails may need to be passed through the teacher.

This activity could be conducted with a different focus. The projects could be set up as a display in a public place e.g., Council foyer, community library, etc. In this case, the media used to create the report will need to suit its location. Alternatively, the material could be designed for a website.

Activity

Small groups of students will choose a community biodiversity project to research and report on. They will then choose an appropriate way to present their report.

Before students start their investigations, decide who the audience will be and how their reports will be displayed.

Example of investigations

How the closest indigenous nursery works. Who picks the plants? What are the plants used for?
An example of a wildlife garden designed to attract wildlife. How was it designed? How successful is it? What can other people learn from the garden?
Projects being done by local groups looking after one of the local ecosystems. Describe the project and what it achieved.
A friends or Landcare group that does biodiversity projects. What kind of people are members? What have they achieved? What kind of help do they get? What additional help would they like?
An example of how Council or a land or water authority has worked with the local community to enhance biodiversity.
Propose a project that should be done in the local community. Provide a location and describe in as much detail as you can within the allocated time you have.

Plan B

If the groups finds they can’t get enough information then propose a project that should be done in the local community. Provide a location and describe in as much detail as you can within the allocated time you have.

Present or display the reports as agreed to at the start of the activity. Draw some conclusions about the contribution to biodiversity that community groups and individuals give. Collect ideas: What else could be done by the local community?

A bio-diverse community

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