Embedded Files
Transforming cities into refuges for pollinators and birds through biocultural citizen science.
We are experiencing the biggest wave of urban growth in history. What happens when cities only cater for humans?
We are experiencing the biggest wave of urban growth in history. What happens when cities only cater for humans?
As millions of people flock towards fast-growing cities all over the world, species like butterflies, native bees and birds have more and more trouble finding food, refuge and everything they need to survive. Today, many species are struggling.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg...
Cities occupy less than 3% of the world's surface. Paradoxically, it is in the cities where decisions about the future of ecosystems are made. The problem is people living in cities often times don't have an emotional connection with Nature so they don't feel the need to protect it.
As such, the disconnection between people and Nature not only has a negative impact in urban species of pollinators and birds, but also in species distributed in remote areas.
But we are working on a solution!
Biocultural citizen science: a tool for transforming cities into places of reconnection with pollinators and birds.
Biocultural citizen science: a tool for transforming cities into places of reconnection with pollinators and birds.
We brought together science and Indigenous knowledges to help populations of pollinators and birds recover and, at the same time, reconnect people living in cities with urban Nature.
Our pedagogy connects experts - both scientists and Indigenous experts - with everyday people interested in regenerating Nature. In as little as 6 weeks, people without any background in conservation are able to create a habitat for pollinators and birds!
Once the habitats are ready, our experts offer support to the participants for an entire year. During this time, we record all the species benefited.
Today, our habitats are helping more than 72 species!
But the biggest impact of our program is the profound transformation experienced by the people who built these habitats.
But the biggest impact of our program is the profound transformation experienced by the people who built these habitats.
Our habitats - some as small as 16 square meters - are often the first contact experience between the participants and non-human species that live in their own city.
Through the process of building and monitoring a habitat, the participants start recognizing the species that visit the habitat and to develop empathy towards them. Ultimately, this awakens an inner motivation to protect Nature.
In the words of the participants:
In the words of the participants:
"This experience changed my life and the way I see the world."
"My habitat is currently visited by native bees, hummingbirds, goldfinches, ladybugs and butterflies. Helping create this community of species feels really nice. They have become like my other family."
"As an architect, I will make sure to take into account the pollinators and birds in the projects I design."
We currently offer three different programs to create a habitat:
We currently offer three different programs to create a habitat:
Want to build a habitat in your own home?
Want to build a habitat in your own home?
Create a Pollinator Resort
Create a Pollinator Resort
Available worldwide
Available worldwide
You can build a habitat in your yard, patio, terrace or other outdoor space! Pollinator resort is an experiencial online program where scientists and Indigenous experts guide you to create a habitat for pollinators and birds in just 7 weeks. Our experts will then continue to guide you for an entire year to make sure your habitat is successful.
Want to build a habitat in your school?
Want to build a habitat in your school?
Become a Steward of the Birds
Become a Steward of the Birds
Available in 🇺🇸🇲🇽
Available in 🇺🇸🇲🇽
Stewards of the Birds is a program that allows children to become biocultural citizen scientists and create a habitat in their school. Once the habitat is created, they work directly with scientists and Indigenous experts to generate important data for pollinator and bird conservation.
Want to build a habitat in the public space?
Want to build a habitat in the public space?
Build a Bird Refuge
Build a Bird Refuge
Only available in 🇲🇽
Only available in 🇲🇽
If you are based in Mexico we can guide you step by step to transform the roundabouts and sidewalks of your neighbourhood into habitats for pollinators and birds! Our program Bird Refuge helps you all the way: from organizing your neighbours, to navigating the administrative process for adopting a public space, and giving you the tools for creating a successful habitat.
Page updated
Report abuse