The Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP), including its Botanical Garden and Hall of Biodiversity – Ciência Viva Center, is the first institution from Portugal to become an official member of the European Commission Global Coalition United for #Biodiversity.
Launched on World Wildlife Day 2020 by EU Commissioner for Environment Virginijus Sinkevicius, the Global Coalition calls for the strong mobilization of all national research centres, science and natural history museums, botanic gardens, zoos, parks, aquariums and beyond to make their voices heard about the nature crisis. At a time, science warns us 1 million species are at risk of extinction within years due to human activities, jeopardizing the future of Humanity, we need to unite all forces ahead of the crucial UN Biodiversity Conference (COP26) in 2021. By the end of 2020, 500 institutions are expected to take part in this movement.
STANDING UP FOR BIODIVERSITY AND BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
With the mission to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge about evolution, diversity and convergence between the natural and cultural worlds, the MHNC-UP seeks to stimulate curiosity about natural and cultural phenomena and contribute to their understanding.
Working together with other museums, science centres, universities and research institutions at national and international levels, we unlock the power of collections, taking advantage of the expertise of researchers, educators, science communicators and artists, to raise awareness about biodiversity loss and mobilize our audiences towards the appreciation and protection of nature and all of its diversity.
The Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities (CETAF) has recently issued a statement that confirms that all of its 63 leading Natural Science and Natural History Museums, Botanical Gardens and research centres, present in 22 European countries, will join the Global Coalition “United for #Biodiversity”. After the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Biotopia Munich and the Koenig Museum in Bonn, we are very happy to become the fourth natural history and science museum to commit to the initiative.
BECOMING STRONGER TOGETHER
Our only chance to overcome the global crisis of biodiversity loss relies on cooperation and unity. As a member of the research infrastructures PRISC, PORBIOTA, LIFEWATCH, and DiSSCo, as well as of Ecsite, ICOM and SUMs, we call upon all other natural history and science museums, aquariums, zoological and botanical gardens in Portugal and all around the globe to join forces in this important initiative.
Find out other institutions that have already become part of the Global Coalition for #Biodiversity here and join the movement!
+ Info about the Global coalition “United for #Biodiversity”.
+ Info about the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto