Nature Positive Universities
The Nature Crisis
Nature is in crisis with up to 1 million species currently threatened with extinction, many within decades (). The five main drivers according to the are:
- Invasive species that establish themselves outside their natural habitat and have devastating impacts on native plant and animal life.
- Changes in land and sea use including conversion of natural habitats for agriculture and urban space.
- Climate change with global temperatures rising by at least 0.7C since 1980 affecting species and ecosystems across the world.
- Air, soil and water pollution from chemicals and waste.
- Exploitation of natural resources.
Our Nature Positive Journey
We recognise that the climate and nature crises are inseparable and that biodiversity is our strongest natural defenceagainst climate change; ecosystems are natural carbon sinks providing nature-based solutions to a changing climate ().
By signing the Nature Positive Universities pledge we are continuing our journey to halt and reverse nature loss, and to actively restore biodiversity and ecosystems affected by our activities. The Ecology and Landscape Action GroupLink opens in a new window (ELAG) provides strategic oversight of our commitment to biodiversity and healthy ecosystems; it includes management, grounds and sustainability staff as well as academics and students.
The journey to date:
Our Strategic Commitment:
We have set SMART targets Link opens in a new windowfor biodiversity including for habitat creation and engagement.
Read more about Warwick's Environmental Sustainability Strategy hereLink opens in a new window.
Biodiversity in Procurement:
Encouraging suppliers to assess their impact on biodiversity and implement measures to reduce it through third party tools such as NET positive Futures LTD鈥檚 Net Zero Carbon Tool or Supplier Engagement tool.
Working with partners to protect nature and improve biodiversity:
Undertaking habitat creation and enhancement projects on campus including:
- Reintroduction of the endangered, native, White-clawed CrayfishLink opens in a new window;
- Reducing mowingLink opens in a new window and enhancing meadowsLink opens in a new window; and
- Installing nest boxes for endangered swiftsLink opens in a new window, which are present in the area.
In order to achieve the Wildlife Trusts鈥� Biodiversity Benchmark, we are:
- Developing a biodiversity management system;
- Baselining and mapping habitats and their condition;
- Assessing the significance of the habitats and species;
- Developing actions plans; and
- Identifying roles and responsibilities and associated competencies.
Engaging with staff and students through:
- Using campus as a living labLink opens in a new window for teaching and research;
- Running of programme of species and habitat surveysLink opens in a new window;
- Working with a Biodiversity Action TeamLink opens in a new window of students for mutual benefit; and
- Encouraging participation through events Link opens in a new windowand Citizen ScienceLink opens in a new window.
What is biodiversity 鈥� definition
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a specific ecosystem, region, or on the planet as a whole. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecological processes that sustain these organisms. (Source:
The benefits of biodiversity
The benefits of biodiversity are vast and include:
- Disease resistance
- Carbon sequestration
- Storm, flooding and coastal erosion regulation
- Food security
- Health and wellbeing