Empowering Young Minds: the Biodiversity Literacy Award “Heupferdchen” for children as a tool for Education and Conservation

In an effort to protect and restore biodiversity, re-engaging and reconnecting with nature, especially by fostering biodiversity literacy among younger generations, stands as one of the most pressing challenges in nature disconnected societies. To address this challenge in depth, various educational initiatives must be implemented, all together offering a broad range of opportunities for interaction with nature.

One such initiative in Germany is a biodiversity award for children called “Heupferdchen” (pronounced ˈhɔɪ̯ˌp͡feːɐ̯tçən), the German short name for the great green bush-cricket, Tettigonia viridissima — a common, large, and easily recognizable species in most of Germany and Central Europe. The name “Heupferdchen” resembles “Seepferdchen” (English: seahorse), a widely recognized beginner swimming certificate in Germany. The Heupferdchen program targets children roughly between 5 and 10 years old, and celebrates identification skills, early biodiversity knowledge, respectful interaction with nature, and research-oriented activities such as nature sketching.

After an exploration phase of at least one to two hours, in which participants are guided and encouraged to find, identify, and document species in a natural habitat, an oral examination follows; the Heupferdchen certificate is then awarded. The award includes a certificate, a badge, and additional suggestions for engaging with biodiversity in one’s free time or as a hobby.

The program is a free-to-use certificate, highly adaptable to various taxa, habitats, seasons, and target groups, while also offering guidelines for implementation and criteria to ensure educational quality. These criteria are crucial for achieving the certificate’s educational goals: to instill pride in biodiversity-related skills and knowledge, and to provide opportunities to shape attitudes, interests, and behaviours committed to biodiversity.

Furthermore, the initiative has fostered the creation of an open network of biodiversity educators from diverse backgrounds, including nursery school teachers, freelancers, retirees, and biologists. Through the network, award events are organized and support is offered for both formal and informal educational settings.