Biodiversity
Biodiversity is an important theme in research and education at Wageningen University & Research. For what we do in our “own” environment, biodiversity is one of the key elements in our sustainability policies. Biodiversity is the variety of life in a defined area. Biodiversity encompasses all types of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the enormous genetic variation within the species and the variation within the ecosystems of which they are part.
Wageningen Campus
The Wageningen campus is a public space of approximately 60 hectares, where more than 18,000 people study and work. WUR wants to make Wageningen Campus a showcase for resilient, climate-proof, liveable and healthy public space.
The green component of the ‘campus ecosystem’ is representative of WUR's expertise. Based on a living lab approach, the development and management of the green space is established in consultation with WUR experts from education, research and operational management. How we do this can be read in the Green Vision for Wageningen Campus.
WUR promotes biodiversity by transforming the species-poor, disturbed, mineral-rich soils of the campus into species-rich dry and wet barren haylands in some areas. In other places, WUR develops vegetation by mixing native and non-native species, which provide a year-round food source and shelter for insects, birds and other animals. The planting on Wageningen Campus is a mix of natural and cultural greenery. The central strip on the campus has a park-like character with meadows, ponds, hedgerows and shrubbery. In addition, there are several natural gardens on campus.
With specific management, biodiversity is supported by, for example, sowing mixtures for flower meadows, the “winding” mowing of the banks of ditches and ponds, the creation of green elements and nature-inclusive construction. This makes the campus a place where flora and fauna thrive, while offering an attractive and educational environment for students, employees and visitors.