BIOVERSITY2026

Project description

BIOVERSITY2026 is a widespread bioblitz organised within the framework of Biodiversity Week, taking place in Pisa and surrounding areas in May. The initiative invites students, citizens and volunteers to observe, photograph and share local biodiversity records through the iNaturalist platform.

Throughout the week, guided excursions, workshops, outreach events and field observation activities will be organised, with the aim of bringing the community closer to the biodiversity around us, from the most visible organisms to smaller and often overlooked forms of life.

Objectives

The aims of BIOVERSITY2026 and Biodiversity Week are to promote knowledge of local biodiversity, encourage the active participation of citizens and students, and strengthen the connection between the university, the local territory and society.

The activities are designed to engage citizens and students in exploring biodiversity from different perspectives, including species observation, ecological roles, interactions among organisms, and the presence of often overlooked life forms, such as small organisms and microorganisms.

A further aim is to introduce participants to citizen science tools and opportunities, particularly through the use of the iNaturalist platform and participation in different projects active in the local area. In this way, participants can contribute to the collection of naturalistic data and become more familiar with biodiversity monitoring practices.

BIOVERSITY2026 also aims to create opportunities for information, training and collaboration among students, environmental guides, researchers, local organisations and citizens. Through guided excursions, workshops and outreach events, the initiative seeks to promote a more informed and active engagement with the knowledge and protection of biodiversity.

About funding

Funding bodies: Commissione per lo sviluppo sostenibile di Ateneno dell'Università di Pisa