biodiversity Champions programme
What is it?
The Biodiversity Champions programme is for 1st & 2nd year students in post primary schools. During the programme they will learn about nature through a number of online sessions and culminating in an in-person field trip and award ceremony.
The programme has the following aims:
Developing student knowledge through online sessions.
Connecting with the outdoors through learning tasks & a field trip.
Raising awareness of wildlife and Bitesize Biodiversity in participating schools.
Champions will take an action for biodiversity in their schools.
Why is this programme necessary?
Research shows that nature connection among students, and teachers, is low.
Biodiversity is under threat. Wildlife populations worldwide have declined by 70% in just 50 years.
This programme gives schools the opportunity to engage more with biodiversity and examines the potential for school grounds to support biodiversity.
When and where will it take part?
Feb - April 2026
The programme will run as a pilot programme in the Dublin area.
There will be 4 weekly 40 minute online sessions during school time.
1 in-person field trip event and awards ceremony.
Teachers will accommodate the Champions to log onto the online sessions.
how to apply?
Schools are invited to complete an expression of interest form here by Wednesday 28th January 2026.
If selected, schools can nominate two students to take part in the programme, i.e. 2 Biodiversity Champions per school.
The BC programme is open to 1st & 2nd year students in secondary schools but schools will apply (not students directly). In total 12 schools x 2 students = 24 students will participate.
If you have any questions or queries, please get in touch with codie@issn.ie
