Students to come together for biodiversity workshop

Students from seven Canterbury schools are gathering at North Loburn School,* North Canterbury, tomorrow (October 19) to learn more about New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.

In addition to hands-on biodiversity workshops, the students will hear from Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson about the importance of biodiversity and how they can help.

“Everyone has a role in protecting the diversity of Canterbury’s native flora and fauna,” said Environment Canterbury Commissioner Rex Williams. “Having strong and diverse natural ecosystems complements the productive capacity and sustainability of our agricultural economy.”

“Canterbury’s biodiversity is also a huge attraction for visitors from near and far and the value of tourism is well-recognised as a major economic driver.”

Enviroschools has organised the workshop in partnership with Environment Canterbury, Department of Conservation, Waimakariri District Council, and with sponsorship from Mother Earth foodstuffs.

The workshops will conclude with a brainstorming session where students will be encouraged to come up with ideas and initiatives for future actions.

Schedule of events
9.30 am Welcome and morning tea
10.30 am -12.30 pm Workshops (four workshops, 20mins each on rotation basis) – Unique Aotearoa (unique biodiversity), kiwi ecology and adaption, biodiversity threats (predators) and telemetry (kiwi tracking)

1.00pm School’s sharing and reflecting on the next steps.

The Enviroschools partnership
Enviroschools Canterbury is a whole school approach to education for sustainability. With support from the school community, students plan, design and take action towards creating a sustainable school environment.

With thanks to local funding partners Environment Canterbury, Department of Conservation, the Enviroschools Foundation, Christchurch City Council, and Waimakariri, Kaikoura, Selwyn, and Timaru district councils.