The program included short talks, non-stop videos and a poster exhibition, where the visitors could read more about a variety of projects and research conducted on sustainability across different disciplines, including activities by UArctic network. Different projects were also presented in the form of interactive booths, focusing for example on sustainable food, biodiversity education and responsible use of textiles and clothes.
Our team was present with staff members from the Center for Continuous Learning and the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, offering information about our new biodiversity related courses and activities within international networks, including COIL@UArctic. Our biodiversity courses (Biodiversity.now A, Biodiversity.now B, Nature-Based Economy, Current Nature Policy) were promoted through posters (QR codes) and the distribution of leaflets and flower seeds.
In addition, three interactive activities related to biodiversity and NBS were displayed: (i) A poll in which visitors could select a topic on which they would like to develop their skills; (ii) Suggestion for campus development regarding nature-positive goals; and (iii) an online escape room game, exploring local biodiversity.
The five scenarios in the game were a display of 360˚ images of different ecosystems in the North Karelia region.
Outcomes
During the six days of the event, our booth received many visitors. The vast majority were UEF students and staff members from different faculties or services. Many students from the department of biological and environmental sciences were naturally attracted to the booth due to their strong relation to the topic. Other students from a diverse range of programs also demonstrated curiosity in the topic, for instance, students of social sciences, education, theology, public health and computer science. Another popular profile of visitors were the international degree and exchange students.
In general, visitors have reported that regardless of their background they can see the importance of biodiversity and would like to learn more about it, particularly by taking short-term courses that could be added to their minor or optional studies. In addition, many have reported not knowing about such courses or projects developed in the university. The event was successful in sharing information about COIL@UArctic Thematic Network.
Elina Oksanen, Professor, Vice-Dean, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences at University of Eastern Finland, Vice-Lead of the Thematic Network on Collaborative Online International Learning and Biodiversity Education across the Arctic Circle (COIL@UArctic)