Biodiversity Day
- Date: 22 May 2025, 11:00–15:00
- Location: Blåsenhus, von Kraemers allé 1, and Green area Lugnet, next to von Kraemers allé 5
- Type: Cultural event, Fair, Guided tour, Lecture, School activity
- Organiser: Uppsala University Sustainability Forum
- Contact person: Lotta Hallnäs Rask
- Research topic: Biodiversity
May 22 is International Biodiversity Day. Therefore, Uppsala University's Sustainability Forum, together with Akademiska Hus, is organising a theme day where biodiversity is at the centre.
The day is aimed at students, employees, adults and children who want to learn more about the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
Location: Most of the activities will take place in the entrance hall of Blåsenhus, von Kraemers Allé 1, Uppsala. Some activities will take place outdoors, such as the tree walk, art walk and small pilgrimage. The circled areas in the map below show more precisely where the different activities will take place:
Yellow rings = Activity square and stage
Pink ring = Yoga
Further down the page you can find the programme for the day.
Program (subject to updates)
07.30 - 10.00 Bird excursion in Årike Fyris
Join Per Alström, Researcher at Uppsala University, on a morning excursion along the Fyrisån river. During the walk, you will have the opportunity to observe the area's rich bird life and benefit from Per's expertise. During his career, he has been involved in discovering seven new bird species. Binoculars are recommended.
Meeting point: Vindbron (see map image)
11.00 - 15.00 Activity square - experience, discover and reflect
Welcome to the Activity square, open 11.00-15.00
Here you can have a cup of coffee and explore exhibitions on biodiversity. For children there is a drawing station where their imagination can run wild, and for adults a reflection station for thoughts on our common role in preserving nature. A place for curiosity, dialogue and engagement - for all ages.
Where: activity centres (yellow circles on the map)
11.00 - 15.00 Pilgrimage in Lugnet
Take the chance to leave the noise of your head for a while and remember all the beauty that is around us.
During the day, you can go on a short pilgrimage in the green area Lugnet. Along the way you will encounter the seven key words of the pilgrime - Freedom, Simplicity, Silence, Carefreeness, Slowness, Spirituality and Sharing - with short texts and simple reflections at each station.
Where: The alk starts at the Activity Square (yellow circle on the map). You walk the walk alone at your own pace.
Organiser: Uppsala University Chaplaincy
11.00 - 11.15 The threat to biodiversity
Göran Arnqvist, Professor of Zoo-ecology at Uppsala University, sets the tone for the day. What is the importance of biodiversity and what threats does it face? These are the questions that Göran will address in his opening speech.
Where: The Stage, basement floor Blåsenhus (yellow ring on the map).
Language: Swedish
11.15 - 11.30 Biodiversity on Campus - to measure is to know
Caroline Isaksson, Sustainability Specialist at Akademiska Hus, gives an insight into the company's company-wide work with biodiversity. She will talk about strategies for measuring and monitoring biodiversity on the campuses that Akademiska Hus manages around the country.
Where: The Stage, basement floor Blåsenhus (yellow ring on the map).
Language: Swedish
11.30 - 12.30 Tree walk in Lugnet
The Lugnet green area is home to a variety of trees, some of which are quite unusual for Uppsala's temperate climate. Join Ralf Wigenius on a walk through the area and learn more about the trees that grow here. Ralf can also tell you more about the history of the area and why so many different trees have been planted here.
Where: meeting point activity square (yellow ring on the map).
Language: Swedish
11.30 - 12.00 Jazz in the green - UU Jazz Orchestra
Let the diversity of nature be accompanied by the sounds of music! Under the direction of Erik Tengholm, a small ensemble from the Uppsala University Jazz Orchestra offers an atmospheric performance in the park.
Where: entrance hall Blåsenhus (yellow ring on the map)
12.00 - 12.45 Outdoor yoga session
Take a break from your day and reconnect with the present moment through a calm yoga practice under the open sky. Led by Eva Gylden, this free yoga session is part of the biodiversity day.
Where: Meet outside the entrance to Campus 1477
Equipment: Bring your own mat and dress accordingly to the weather
12.30 - 13.15 Speed talk with UU researchers
Join us in the world of research - at a fast pace! Researchers from Uppsala University will give short presentations on current research and share insights, discoveries and thoughts on biodiversity. Topical, engaging and easy to absorb, whether you are a researcher, student or just curious about the richness of nature.
Speakers: Wijnand Boonstra, Milena Trabert, Olga Vinnere Pettersson, Freddie Lymeus, Tobias Andermann.
Where: The Stage, basement floor Blåsenhus (yellow ring on the map).
Language: both Swedish and English
12.45 - 13.30 Art's connection to biodiversity
Join us on an art walk where we explore how art reflects and is influenced by the colours, shapes and relationships of biodiversity. Emilie Karlsmo, Senior Lecturer in Art History at Uppsala University, will guide us through works that highlight the role of nature in art and the place of humans in a diverse ecosystem.
Where: The Stage, basement floor Blåsenhus (yellow ring on the map).
Language: Swedish
13.15 - 14.00 Panel discussion
Building a Sustainable Future: Harmonising Human Development and Biodiversity
Can sustainable development go hand in hand with biodiversity conservation? In this panel discussion, researchers and students explore how we can build a future where human prosperity and biodiversity coexist. Moderator Ewa Livmar will lead the conversation with Margareta Krabbe, Wijnand Boonstra, and master students Nayeem Islam and Isabela Villamizar Ariza.
Where: The Stage, basement floor Blåsenhus (yellow ring on the map).
Language: English