SEEDS OF BIODIVERSITY      Copyright 1/95

Contacts:

Isabel S. Abrams                Edward Radatz

Rationale for this international project:

Biodiversity is essential for sustainability. Therefore, preservation and restoration of biodiversity is a priority of Agenda 21 and the Earth Summit.

There are too few scientists trained in systematics - identifying and classifying biodiversity. Students can help scientists accomplish this momumental but vital task.

Seeds represent future generations -like youth.

Seeds are renewable resources. Sustainable development involves emphasizes the use of renewable resources and preserving resources for future generations.   

The adventure of "hands on" activities that lead to scientific discoveries will improve science education and encourage students to pursue scientific careers.

This will be a global activity - involving students from many ethnic and cultural backgrounds and with a range of abilities. It will also involve exchanges between nations that improve local environments.

Mission

To involve youth in biodiversity projects that contribute to sustainability; and to prepare them for leadership in biodiversity preservation.

Suggested Activities:

Identify Plants
Collect seeds
Classify seeds
Catalog characteristics

Catalog Plant Uses
Cultural (e.g. traditional foods, ceremonies)
Medicines
Foods
Fibers
Landscaping

Preserve Biodiversity
Reintroduce native species
Protect habitats/ecosystems
Collect and store seeds
Plant seeds
Exchange seeds between countries
Saving endangered seeds

Create Landscapes for Learning:
Plant gardens that promote science education on school grounds.
Follow the scientific method and use scientific knowledge to determine soil conditions, choose species, record plant growth and reach conclusions about the best environmental conditions for the garden.

Do "Hands on" and Interdisciplinary Science.
Biology: Taxonomy (plant classification) systematics (classify according to flower types, plants, create an identification system).
Botany: Plant taxonomy, life histories of plants
Ethnobotany: Cultural uses of plants
Agriculture Science: Crop requirements, pollination
Genetics: Selection for breeding. Cloning. Genetic engineering.
Chemistry: Soil analysis, photosyntheses, biochemistry of plants, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and chemicals produced by plants. Also see natural cycles (listed below).
Zoology: Symbiosis of plants and animals. Insects - biocontrol and pesticides. Grazing and browsing animals. Create wildlife habitats e.g. butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, pond for salamanders, toads.
Ecology: Relationships of plants, animals, physical environment - water, soil, sunshine, minerals. Biomes - plant zones around the world. Ecosystems - plant communities such as tundra, forest, prarie, desert, wetlands. Species interactions. Natural Cycles - nitrogen cycle, water cycle, oxygen cycle, growth and decay/soil formation. Biological rhythms of plants (e.g. annual, biennial, perennial, circadian early, late season, blooming).

Celebrate Cultural Diversity:
Develop activities that demonstrate links between biodiversity and cultural diversity.
History
Ethnic Foods
Ethnic Art
Folk Dance
Music and Song
Literature - Myths, Legends, Lore

"Green" the Urban Environment
Greening - planting gardens, restoring parks, and protecting natural areas in the city - make the urban environment more beautiful and livable. Greening contributes to sustainability because it increases biodiversity, reduces pollution, and improves the city's economy.
Protect natural ecosystems (such as prairies, forests, wetlands).
Create wildlife corridors and habitats.
Landscape vacant lots and city parks with native flora.
Conserve energy by planting shade trees and rooftop gardens that cool buildings.
Reduce the city's heat island effect with plants that cover asphalt roofs and streets.
Control pollution with wetland grasses, trees and microbes that remove contaminants from air, water and soil.
Control flooding and recharge aquifers by protecting wetlands.
Lower CO2 that contributes to global warming, with trees and grasses that absorb CO2 from the air.
Beautify the city with gardens.
Establish landscapes for learning on school sites.
Plant community gardens for recreation and to feed the poor.
Organize farmer's markets.
Plant rooftop gardens to cool buildings, absorb heavy rains.

Eco-Adventures:
Eco-system based activities that are physically challenging, promote a love of nature, and develop environmental leadership skills.
Do biking, sailing, hiking, canoeing in natural areas.
Organize eco-tours - safaris that reveal the nature of the city.

Service Learning:
Contribute to the community through Biodiversity Projects.
Link with local groups for Biodiversity Activities.

AIDS/Biodiversity Project: Help feed AIDS orphans by planting gardens that preserve biodiversity. The project will:
Provide information about AIDS prevention
Provide medical and social help for HIV/AIDS teens
Involve the use of native plants
Have students work with scientists to identify and preserve biodiversity, and to restore ecosystems. In the process, students will learn about science, technology, sustainability and environmental careers.

Projects should demonstrate how biodiversity contributes to sustainability.
For example: Biodiversity brings beauty, provides food, reduces pollution, raises real estate values, promotes a sense of community, reduces crime, promotes health, improves recreation.
Projects should also prepare youth for leadership in biodiversity by presenting career opportunities in landscape design, gardening, horticulture, floral design, environmental research, land use planning, and city planning.

Caretakers Network:
Caretakers schools will exchange information and seeds with students in different countries. They will discover biodiversity in different nations and the economic and cultural uses of plants.
Caretakers in countries such as Indonesia, N. Ireland, Russia, Sweden, Ethiopia, Peru, Israel, United States and Zimbabwe are already working on gardens, school beautification, and other biodiversity projects.

Caretakers will cooperat with:
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Dr. Al Teich, USA - American Association for the Advancement of Science
Harry Wals, Netherlands. Former President of Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe and creator of Town Farms.
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
National Science Teachers Association and Council of State Science Supervisors.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space tomato seeds network.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Botanical Gardens
Germplasm Storage Centers
Electronic bulletin boards

Benefits of SEEDS OF BIODIVERSITY International Project:
Promotes citizenship. Plantings will be done on public property. This requires cooperative effort so it fosters pride in one's work and one's contributions to the community..
Develop job skills. Setting goals and establishing the steps to accomplish those goals provide students with training for work.
Motivating youth to pursue science courses and careers.
Offering "hands on" science experience.
Involving students of many ethnic and racial groups who have a range of interests and abilities.
Fostering international understanding.