Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 15: Life on Land

What we're doing (University activity)

Operational

On 4 July 2023, the University of Leicester Sustainability Team hosted a ‘Natural Entrepreneurs’ event, chaired by Professor Turi King, where young people captivated the audience with their innovative and considered ideas, inspired by biomimicry. These observations of natural concepts were then thoughtfully applied to projects which looked at the production of food in a world where space is at a premium, sustainable ventilation and insulation of buildings, housing adapted to survive flooding and rising sea levels, and more efficient travel.

The Future Students Office are embarking on a new initiative for the 2023/24 academic year and beyond. Every group of visiting prospective students will take part in a planting activity with the grounds and gardens team to plant a wild, native plant on the patch outside of the Bennet Building which offers a chance to engage with students about the importance of biodiversity on our campus.

Teaching

Global Change Biology and Conservation in Biological Sciences (BS2059) covers the major threats to global biodiversity including habitat loss, invasive species, over-exploitation and climate change. Students use fieldwork to demonstrate how conservation management can ameliorate the threats to important UK habits.

Research

Experts who are revolutionising agricultural practices have joined forces with Leicester scientists to develop a monitoring tool that tracks the environmental outcome of land management. The scientists are now in the process of finalising a prototype that can evaluate arable farms in Hertfordshire.

Courses that feature modules relating to this goal