The European Network of Science Centers and Museums (Ecsite), the European Association of zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) are teaming up for a campaign aimed at raising people’s awareness of their local biodiversity.

The first major programme to be unveiled since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the three organisations in 2014, ‘Let it Grow’ is a joint Europe-wide public engagement campaign designed to raise awareness of local biodiversity and to encourage direct public involvement in its protection.

Launched in March and running until the end of 2017, the campaign will explore with the public what biodiversity is and why having a full range of native species can help keep ecosystems healthy. The initiative will also help people set up “wild spaces” on balconies, terraces, gardens and in community spaces to give native species the chance to recover and thrive, while also encouraging events for people to learn about which native species live around them.

“Members of Ecsite, EAZA and BGCI are defining the most relevant way to get involved at local level,” said Anna Omedes, director of the Natural Sciences Museum in Barcelona, speaking in the upcoming edition of Attractions Management.

“My own museum is setting aside an area at our botanical garden for local biodiversity to thrive, and will be running visitor activities in collaboration with half-a-dozen local partners, from local authorities to cultural institutes and conservation organisations.

“I encourage the wider attractions community to take a look at the campaign website and get in touch with organisations already involved in the campaign to form wider local coalitions.”

As part of Let it Grow, a number of activities will take place during World Biodiversity Day, which falls on 22 May 2016 and 2017. All members of Ecsite, EAZA and BGCI can take part in the campaign, which has more than 150 members such as Chester Zoo, MUSE Museo delle Scienze and Puy du Fou already signed up.

To join the campaign, click here.

For the full list of campaign participants, click here.