Description
In recent decades, a radical reduction in the number of native species and habitat diversity occurred in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has an aim in common with other countries - to halt the decline of biodiversity (Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations). Only through education and awareness of biodiversity, also at local level, can the global goal of halting the loss of biodiversity be achieved and the the risk of a possible collapse of the existing ecosystems be reduced. More specifically, the project aims to build a training centre for the study of the dynamics of biodiversity in unique premises – the field station Mohelský mlýn, and to ensure the establishment of the National Genetic Bank of animals. The project is focused on the general public, especially students and children, and researchers. The donor partner, the Natural History Museum, which is a part of University of Oslo, will contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the project relating to the establishment of the National Genetic Bank of animals. The collaboration will continue after the end of the project, especially in the form of exchange of experience within the operation of genetic banks.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the BIOM project was to build an educational center for the study of biodiversity dynamics in the field station Mohelský mlýn. The target group of the project were students of all levels of education and lay / professional public. The project team prepared an attractive program with focus on a given group which was providing information on biodiversity change (especially in connection with anthropogenic influences). The team prepared 10 project days for secondary schools and primary schools, consisting of lectures and field / laboratory exercises. The project days were very successful because of great interest and educators from the supported schools participated actively in the selection of the focus of the individual days. In winter 2015, 6 lectures were held in schools. For the public were realized 4 detailed project days (nature steppes at different seasons), was created a nature trail around the Mohelski mill, a field game and a map of regional producers. It was prepared 7 events for university students; Expert workshops and fieldwork with laboratory work, including data processing and interpretation of results. Another part of the BIOM project was creation of the National Genetic Bank of Animals. The two partners of the project, the Natural History Museum in Oslo and the Department of Zoology of the Faculty of Science of the Charles University, contributed significantly to this development with which had the project very useful cooperation throughout the project. For the bank's needs, one of the buildings was rebuilt at the Mohel Mill. Also with the creation of the bank is tied a rich educational activity focused mainly on the professional public. In 5 specialized seminars (as well as in other project events), awareness was given on the importance of genetic research and biobanking for practical conservation of nature. It was publicized the individual events as well as the entire project in accordance with the publicity plan: There were used the previously prepared lists of relevant contacts, on the ongoing events and on the regularly updated web site were information about upcoming activities.
Summary of bilateral results
The partner of the project was the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo (NHMO) which is one of the best organized genetic banks in the World. The Norwegian partner brought valuable experience that has helped to successfully and efficiently set up the National Genetic Bank of Animals. There were several consultations and exchange of experience during the project mainly concering the technical aspects of the genetic bank (the way of storage and marking of samples, the database, etc.), but also the general principles of functioning of the genetic bank, legislative issues, preparation of necessary documents.The project team has cooperated mainly with Prof. Arild Johsen and Dr. Lars Erik Johannessen who is the scientific and technical curator of the NHMO Genetic Bank.