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Exploring Species Together During the Biodiversity Challenge 2025
From 30 April, biodiversity will take centre stage during the fifth edition of the annual Biodiversity Challenge. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) invites everyone to spend eight weeks – until 27 June – discovering the wealth of plants, animals, and fungi in their surroundings. This year, the challenge once again offers a varied and engaging programme for many participants.
Three Levels of Biodiversity Fun
The Biodiversity Challenge has three core components: activities on the WUR campus, international collaboration with European universities, and events throughout the city of Wageningen. A highlight on campus is the brand-new ‘Big Day’ challenge, where student teams aim to record as many species as possible within 24 hours. In addition, there will be weekly identification evenings and lunchtime excursions, led by enthusiastic students and staff.
Ambitious Goals for 2025
In 2024, no fewer than 1,575 species were found on campus – a significant increase compared to the 1,373 species recorded in 2023. This year, the bar is set even higher, with the ambitious goal of discovering at least 2,000 different species. With this, WUR aims to further map the biodiversity on campus and raise awareness of the importance of nature conservation.
International Collaboration
The Biodiversity Challenge also enjoys widespread international attention, with eighteen participating universities from the ICA network across Europe, from Sweden to Portugal. This year, Hochschule Geisenheim University is also organising a special photo competition to reward the most stunning nature images. The international challenge concludes with a celebratory gathering on 27 June at Impulse, including award presentations and a closing drinks reception.
Wageningen: Biodiversity Close to Home
The municipality of Wageningen, together with local partners such as KNNV, IVN/Groene Wiel and Stadslab, is organising a city-wide BioBlitz from 22 May to 22 June. The official launch will take place on 22 May at various primary schools. A large public event is planned for 24 May in and around the Grote Kerk, featuring excursions, children’s activities, and performances by a sound artist.
Join In and Discover for Yourself
Everyone is welcome to take part, from experienced nature enthusiasts to curious locals. By simply recording species using the ObsIdentify app, you actively contribute to mapping and protecting biodiversity. Every observation counts and helps strengthen nature conservation efforts in Wageningen and beyond.
You can find more information, the full programme, and registration options on the Biodiversity Challenge 2025 website.