City-Sparkasse and Biological Station's collaborative project phase achieves success in Solinger schools
In the heart of Germany, the city of Solingen is making strides in environmental education and sustainability, with the City Sparkasse Solingen leading the charge. The Sparkasse, known for its commitment to societal engagement, is planning to expand and develop similar initiatives in the future, following the success of the **"BIDI - Shaping Habitats Together - Experiencing Biodiversity"** project.
The BIDI project, a joint educational endeavour between the City Sparkasse Solingen and the Biological Station Mittlere Wupper, has been making waves in secondary schools across the city. The project aimed to instil a deeper understanding of biological diversity in students, providing them with hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom.
Eight schools participated in the project, each choosing from three modules: 'Excursions', 'Practical Days', and 'On-Site Eco-Check'. Through these modules, students embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring and identifying animals and plants in forests, meadows, and waters, and engaging in tangible biodiversity experiences such as eco-checks of schoolyards, building wild bee nesting aids, and loupe safaris on orchards.
Andreas Tangemann, a member of the Sparkasse's board, expressed his delight at the project's response. He noted that the high demand for extra-curricular education support shows the project can make a concrete difference. Pia Kambergs, a biologist at the Biological Station, echoed this sentiment, stating that the lively learning sites in nature provide children with a direct access to the diversity of life.
The impact of the BIDI project on students has been significant. Students have gained a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecological concepts, developed a sense of responsibility for the environment, and honed skills related to conservation, teamwork, and scientific observation. Moreover, the project has enhanced students' engagement with nature, giving them a tangible connection to it and visible results of their efforts.
Looking ahead, the City Sparkasse Solingen plans to replicate the project in other schools and communities, aiming to broaden its impact regionally. The organisation also intends to incorporate biodiversity projects more systematically into school curricula, establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and maintenance, and strengthen collaborations with environmental NGOs, local governments, and scientific institutions.
With the use of new technologies and approaches, such as digital tools for species monitoring, the BIDI project is set to continue shaping the future of environmental education in Solingen, empowering students to take an active role in biodiversity conservation.
- The BIDI project, a collaborative initiative between the City Sparkasse Solingen and the Biological Station Mittlere Wupper, is a notable example of environmental-science education, providing secondary school students with hands-on experiences and a deeper understanding of biological diversity.
- In an effort to broaden the impact regionally, the City Sparkasse Solingen plans to incorporate biodiversity projects more systematically into school curricula, encouragingeducation-and-self-development that emphasizes scientific observation, teamwork, and conservation.
