111 years of nature conservation association: honorable start of the biodiversity film award

111 years of nature conservation association: honorable start of the biodiversity film award

As part of the Innsbruck Nature Film Festival 2024 , the Nature Conservation Association Austria on October 12, 2024 awarded a remarkable price: the first biodiversity film award . This year the 111. Anniversary of the Nature Conservation Association, which is vehemently committed to the protection and promotion of biodiversity.

Stefanie Pontasch, Vice President of the Nature Conservation Association, emphasizes the essential role of environmental education. These educational measures should not only raise awareness of nature, but also create an emotional bond with the environment. "Environmental education and nature agency are crucial to sensitize people," she explains.

focus on environmental education and nature experience

The nature conservation association has developed a wide range of activities, including workshops, excursions and practical hands -on activities such as mowing meadows or maintaining bogs. These offers are aimed at all age groups. An important motto is: "You only protect what you know and love". Comprehensive environmental education is particularly necessary in the area of school education in order to offer appropriate programs from early childhood experiences to vocational training.

"It takes adequate offers from early childhood to vocational training," continues Pontasch. This also includes the development of materials and advanced training for teachers in order to enable environmental -related experiences at an early stage. To expand access to nature, cultural activities such as films and music should also contribute to promoting sustainability and biodiversity.

When the biodiversity film award , the film "Hunt for the oldest dna" was awarded by director Niobe Thompson. The film deals in an impressive way how a researcher gains knowledge about the species composition of past times through the recombination of DNA pieces. Friedrich Schwarz, jury member, emphasized the captivating narrative style and the connection to the current climate and biodiversity crisis.

"The film convinces with its extraordinary plot and its unconventional design," said Schwarz. The skillful combination of natural documentation and trick animation offers viewers a deep insight into the scientific knowledge and the challenges that result from the work of the unconventional gene hunter Eske Willerslev.

The price is not only recognition for the film itself, but also an impetus to anchor the discussion about biodiversity and environmental protection in society. The combination of artistic representations with important environmental concerns shows the influence that films can have on people's consciousness. This commitment goes hand in hand with the educational initiatives of the nature conservation association, which aim to address a wider audience and to create more awareness of the importance of biodiversity.

Further information on the activities of the nature conservation association and on the award-winning films can be found on www.meinbezirk.at can be read.