Educational Background: After school I studied (and finished) political science before and study now biology (still a beginner) and pedagogics.
Where I live and how I view my environment: Where I live is hard to answer... I pay a rent in two different places and sleep at four different places. Well, let's say Berlin which is - unfortunately?? - a very big but also very inspiring city.
The Harz is the protected area which is closest by to where I'm around.
I usually view my environment when I'm on my bike and going from one place to another and one of the most important aspect is the fresh air and birds singing...
Biodiversity means to me personally: I have a couple of different perspectives on biodiversity. The first is the “scientific” one, defining biodiversity as the diversity in and the functioning of species, genetic information and ecosystems.
A more economic but also cultural view on biodiversity (which I also share), biodiversity is a great source of information and ideas. This may be exploited, but it may also just serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to discover more and more.
My most personal point on biodiversity is, that I have an almost spiritual view on biodiversity. Not in the sense of something religious, but in a sense that discovering new species and the great variety of life is just motivating and inspiring. It also shows again and again that humans are far from understanding nature in depth and that this at least should be a reason to protect nature and its functioning.
My Symbol of biodiversity: The sun?
The honey bee?
A seed?
A tree or a handfull of soil?
My motivation for participating: First, I want to learn about biodiversity issues around the world and especially again in the Bavarian Forests.
Second, I’m eager to get to know people from around the world who deal with diversity issues and want to do something about it or already do.
Third, I would like to learn what there can be done and to find common strategies and create a network with people that deal with the issue.
I think it is very important to strengthen the point that biodiversity is not replacable by technical means or by economic value. It is important to see the value biodiversity has in itself. It is the responsibility of our generation to handle biodiversity as a common good and to find mechanisms to protect it without privatizing it (as this is not a sustainable solution). The question is not how to exploit biodiversity best, but how to protect it.
How did I show I am ready to "Go 4 BioDiv": Personally, I try to live a sustainable live as far as possible, buying organic food, cycling and recycling and avoiding waste and so on.
My message to other participants: I'm really looking forward to meet you all.
