You too can improve biodiversity in your local area
Environmental Sciences
During a recent event, the Leiden Institute of Environmental Sciences presented the breadth of its research on biodiversity. And Chairman of the Board Annetje Ottow presented her book ‘Nature in your garden’ that tells you how you can work on biodiversity close to home.
Het Centrum voor Milieuwetenschappen is een snelgroeiend instituut. Onderzoekers ontwikkelen modellen en meetmethodes om onder meer klimaatverandering, milieudruk en verlies aan biodiversiteit in kaart te brengen. Die wetenschappelijke kennis wordt vaak toegepast in actuele maatschappelijke discussies, bijvoorbeeld over pesticiden, stikstof of duurzaam landgebruik.
The Centre for Environmental Sciences is a fast-growing institute. Researchers develop models and measurement tools to chart such issues as climate change, environmental pressure and loss of biodiversity. This scientific knowledge is often used in current societal discussions, for example about pesticides, nitrogen or sustainable land use.
Book
The CML Science Day offered staff the chance to learn more about the scope of the institute’s research and to get to know one another better. Scientific Director of CML Martina Vijver also invited the president of the Executive Board, Annetje Ottow, because she has written a book about how you can make your own garden into a biodiverse paradise.
Ottow started work on her own garden after she was inspired by biology students. The book Nature in your Garden (Natuur in je tuin) shows how you can contribute more to biodiversity and interact more consciously on a small scale in your own garden, balcony or neighbourhood. Vijver: ‘We research how you can design cities to be heat-resistant while at the same time maintaining biodiversity. People often have the idea that they can’t achieve anything on their own, but Annetje shows with her book that you really can.’
In a discussion on the stage with Vijver and Barbara Gravendeel (prefect of the Hortus Botanicus Leiden), Ottow gave those present some tips for their gardens. ‘Get rid of the paved patio and see what happens if you do nothing in your garden. And make sure you leave those stinging nettles alone; they’re really important for butterlies.’
The proceeds of the Nature in your Garden book will go to the Living Lab Vrouwe Vennepolder, project that aims to find ways of improving future agriculture.