Nature

The Nature topic encompasses two closely related elements: biodiversity and nature connection. 

• Biodiversity provides the ecological foundation: the variety of living organisms, ecosystems, and genetic diversity that make up healthy natural systems on and around our campus. 
• Nature Connection is about rediscovering our inherent relationship with the natural world: the emotional, cognitive, and physical engagement that promotes wellbeing, environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging.

In addition to these two topics, Climate Adaptation, is also a related topic here. As temperatures rise, the way we manage our campus landscape directly affects how well it can cope with heat, drought, and heavy rainfall. Green infrastructure, shade, water, and soil health all play a role in both biodiversity and climate resilience, which is why the two are closely linked here.

Our current focus in the topic of Nature & Biodiversity is on understanding what we have, what we're missing, and how we can become a frontrunner in both topics. We're conducting baseline assessments on campus. We're examining how our campus design is actually performing, and where we need to intervene. We're also measuring how connected our community feels to nature through validated surveys.

This work intersects directly with our educational mission. Students across programmes are contributing research on green urban environments and the connections between human wellbeing and natural environments. 

Our commitment is to transparently report both successes and setbacks as we navigate the challenges we face.