BIOSPHERE CHALLENGE 2018 A PLACE FULL OF LIFE

We live in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve WHO CHOSE US? A Biosphere Reserve is designated by UNESCO, United Nation’s Education, Science and Cultural Organisation. WHAT IS A BIOSPHERE RESERVE? A Biosphere Reserve is a region where people thrive in harmony with nature, creating better conditions for future generations to live on our Planet Earth.

We live in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve We, who live in the Biosphere Reserve, should act collectively to adapt our ways of living to make a stronger contribution to a sustainable future. There are more than 600 Biosphere Reserves in the world. It is easy to live sustainably… or?

Living sustainably EVERYONE who lives on our planet use resources, like food, water, wood, fuel, and metals. These are all things we need to survive and to have a good life. Today, these resources are unevenly distributed. WE ALL must consider that our CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN need food, clean water and good soil to survive.

For example, special places around us where we feel good! Sustainable Living When you have water, food, pristine nature, and a roof over your head, there are other things that also are important in life. nature sports For example, special places around us where we feel good! animals friends tranquility

The BIOSPHERE CHALLENGE 2018 Welcome to: The BIOSPHERE CHALLENGE 2018 With your own images, your class will show others the cool, beautiful and wonderful places in your Biosphere Reserve. Places that are peaceful or full of life. Places where you like to be!

Think about this for a minute and discuss your thoughts in class. LET US START WITH A QUESTION: If we take photographs of wonderful places around our school or our homes, how can that help us live more sustainably? Think about this for a minute and discuss your thoughts in class.

DID YOU COME TO ANY CONSLUSIONS?

A photograph can spur curiosity!

Perhaps a friend or someone from a different school would like to visit the place you selected

If more people LIKE amazing places in nature, it will be easier to keep them special and to protect and take care of them…

PROTECTION OF PLACES IS GOOD BECAUSE… THEY ARE HOMES TO RARE SPECIES OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

PROTECTION FROM WHAT? FOR EXAMPLE… …from someone who says the …from littering place is not needed anymore

…THIS CAN BE A PLACE WHERE YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE GET ENERGY – HAVE SOME PEACE AND QUIET TIME – OR A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN RUN AROUND AND PLAY AS MUCH AS YOU WANT!

HERE IS YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Take a photo or draw a picture of a special place in the biosphere reserve that is important to you. The location should be outdoors and it should be FULL OF LIFE. In writing, describe why you picked this location and what kind of life you associate with it. Tell a story about this special place to your class mates.

IT IS CALLED DEMOCRACY The class decides which picture you would like to show other schools in the biosphere reserve, and to other biosphere reserves around the world. It is important that everyone takes part in making the decision. When you vote, all votes have the same value.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! SCHOOL CLASSES IN OTHER BIOSPHERE RESERVES ARE DOING THE SAME THING! Together we collect many pictures of special places in our biosphere reserves. When the Challenge is completed, you may look at all pictures. Perhaps you will find a new favourite spot! Take a look at www.vanerkulle.org/Biosfarutmaningen-2018 after the summer.

THE CHALLENGE If you want, you can be part of a competition! A jury, composed by people active in Biosphere Reserve Lake Vänern Archipelago, will select an HONORARY WINNER! CHALLENGE

RULES – THE JURY VOTES The jury will consider: how you selected the place democratically, your thoughts about LIFE in the special place, how you feel and what you think about the place, and the story you are telling about the place. CHALLENGE

P.S: REMEMBER THAT EVERYONE CAN ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE, EVEN THOUGH YOU DECIDE NOT TO ENTER THE COMPETITION Together we will collect many pictures from biosphere reserves! Pictures that may inspire to new favourite places on Earth. ALL participating classes will receive a certificate