Semi-nati. The Beauty of Biodiversity

The permanent program "Ocean Schools" starts in the fall, with free training sessions via digital webinars and on demand, aimed at teachers of all levels, the first of which is an introduction to the activities and an inauguration.

The path throughout the year develops through thematic insights, theoretical reflections, and practical suggestions on the most urgent issues that concern our time: climate and the environment, man and the blue planet, and biodiversity.

After the first phase dedicated to teachers, the program directly involves students, aged 3 to 19, with proposals for workshops to be carried out independently directly at schools, in the classroom, aiming to encourage collective reflection, critical thinking, and inspire conscious actions in favor of the environment.

All activities will be carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences of the National Research Council (CNR-ISMAR).

The educational program proposed for the 2024/2025 school year is being implemented within the framework of the Biodiversity Gateway, promoted by the National Biodiversity Future Center, the national center inaugurated within the PNRR with the aim of studying and preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, coordinated by the National Research Council.

Friday November 8, from 4:30 to 5:30pm, Ocean Space in collaboration with the CNR ISMAR Institute of Marine Sciences and Biodiversity Gateway invites school managers, teachers, and educators to participate in the webinar to present its educational and training mission for the 2024/2025 school year.

During the presentation meeting, the new year of Ocean Schools will be introduced: the permanent educational program of Ocean Space that consists of a series of training appointments for teachers and thematic pathways for students, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences CNR ISMAR.

PROGRAM

• 4:30 - 4:40pm | Institutional Introductions

Mario Sprovieri, Director of CNR ISMAR

Sara Mattiazzi, Communication and Marketing Manager, Ocean Space/TBA21

• 4:40 - 4:50pm | Presentation of Biodiversity Gateway

Fantina Madricardo, CNR ISMAR researcher, National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) project

Michol Ghezzo, CNR ISMAR researcher, Biodiversity Gateway project

• 4:50 - 5pm | Ocean Schools – Presentation of the 2024/2025 school program

Valeria Bottalico, Education manager, Ocean Space/TBA21

• 5 - 5:30pm | "Semi-nati". The Beauty of Biodiversity

Prof Ferdinando Boero, Keynote speaker, Full Professor of Zoology and Anthropology at the University of Naples Federico II and international science communicator.

The term biodiversity was coined “only” in 1988 by the American entomologist Edward O. Wilson. The etymology is clear, an abbreviation of biological diversity.

Biodiversity represents the richness of life on Earth, manifesting itself in an extraordinary variety of animal and plant species, ecosystems, and microorganisms of the surface and underwater worlds. This webinar aims to offer an in-depth reflection on the crucial role of biological diversity for the well-being of the planet and humanity. Biodiversity supports the stability of ecosystems, climate resilience, and food security.

Through concrete examples and case studies, we will discuss current threats, such as climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, and strategies to preserve this precious natural resource. The meeting aims to inspire greater commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, highlighting its intrinsic beauty and importance for a sustainable future.

The meeting is reserved for teaching staff and educators of all levels, and is completely free with mandatory registration.

To participate in the Schools Open Day webinar, reservation is required by filling out the online form at this link.

Ferdinando Boero is a Zoologist and ecologist of international fame, former full professor of Zoology and Anthropology at the University of Naples Federico II, associated with the Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts of the National Research Council (CNR), and president of the Antonio and Rinaldo Dohrn Foundation (FARD) of Naples. He has worked and lived in many parts of the world, from California to New Guinea, studying marine biodiversity. He has published hundreds of scientific articles, monographs, and popular books including: Ecologia della bellezza (Besa Muci editore, 2006), Ecologia ed evoluzione della religione (Besa Muci editore, 2008), Economia senza natura. La grande truffa (Codice edizioni, 2012).