WILLEMSTAD – The University of Curaçao (UoC) took part in the City Nature Challenge Curaçao last Friday, engaging students, faculty, and staff in a collective walk through the Tiny Forest on the university campus. The initiative contributed to the global citizen science project aimed at mapping biodiversity. 

During the activity, Ergün Erkoçu, a research assistant at UoC, and Cindy Eman, a representative from Yu di Tera and the City Nature Challenge Curaçao, explained the importance of local involvement in conservation and biodiversity research. They also shared the story of the Tiny Forest project, which was launched in March 2023 by UoC and the UoC Research Institute (UCRI), with guidance from Liesbeth Echteld. 

Participants learned about the various plant species in the Tiny Forest and their ecological roles. By taking photos of the local flora and fauna, they actively contributed to the data collection for the City Nature Challenge through the iNaturalist app. 

This event aligns with the University of Curaçao's new direction under the leadership of Rector Magnificus Stella van Rijn, with a focus on Planetary Health—a holistic approach that connects human health with the well-being of the planet. The university proudly emphasized its contribution to raising awareness about biodiversity and looks forward to continued collaboration in sustainable development efforts on Curaçao.