Our Understanding of Biodiversity (SDGs)

Biodiversity describes the variety of species and ecosystems on our planet. It is an extremely important asset, as society relies on this natural capital to ensure ecosystem services such as pollination and climate regulation. For this reason, biodiversity is also addressed within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically in Goals 14, “Life Below Water,” and 15, “Life on Land.”

Biodiversity plays a critical role in the course of climate change; it can make a significant contribution to mitigating it. For example, endangered ecosystems such as wetlands serve as important “carbon sinks”—areas where large amounts of greenhouse gases are stored, thereby slowing global warming. The destruction and land-use conversion of these ecosystems, on the other hand, release even more greenhouse gases. Furthermore, species biodiversity is closely linked to the economy, particularly the agricultural sector. According to the UN, more than half of global GDP is heavily dependent on nature, and more than one billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods.                                                                                         

The protection of biodiversity must be promoted at all levels. In addition to international guidelines, government regulations, and the efforts of environmental and nonprofit organizations, universities must also take responsibility for protecting biodiversity. The University of Hamburg is therefore making efforts to strengthen research and teaching in this area, to enhance its campuses with measures that promote biodiversity, and to support endangered species in the city of Hamburg.

UHH/Esfandiari

Like all of the UHH’s sustainability efforts, our work is guided by the framework of Footprints, Handprints, Brainprints, and Heartprints.

As part of our Footprints, we evaluate our campuses and strive to make them environmentally friendly. We actively investigate which species can be found in our region and on our campuses and organize initiatives to support them. Key players in the Footprint area are the Biodiversity, Wurzelwerk, and Campus Greening student groups, which give students the opportunity to actively participate in campus design and implement projects that promote biodiversity.

The Handprint on biodiversity focuses on knowledge dissemination. We are working to expand the course offerings in this subject area and, as part of our sustainability certificate program, offer workshops, lectures, and field trips on biodiversity. Through informational signs and an educational trail, we aim to highlight the biodiversity-promoting measures at our campuses and to inform and inspire visitors. At the same time, we maintain close ties with various organizations that help us implement projects. As a key player in Hamburg’s community, we also engage in dialogue with the Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture (BUKEA) and regional networks within Hamburg’s business community.

In the area of Brainprint, we are establishing an intra-university network to give professors, researchers, and students the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on the topic of biodiversity. To further strengthen research, we collaborate with various universities and organizations.

The “Heartprint”—that is, the impact of organizational culture on biodiversity—is, of course, part of our efforts. Strengthening our organizational culture—through cooperation, tolerance, diversity, and psychological safety—is one of our core values and a central social dimension of sustainability. In the context of biodiversity, a major focus of Heartprint is on collaboration with staff, students, the Sustainability Office and Green Office, the AStA and student working groups, as well as all other potential stakeholders who participate in our biodiversity-promoting initiatives.