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Unique biodiversity: Costa Rica's true wealth

Lecture and book launch in the run-up to the international UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which will be organised by Costa Rica and France in June 2025.

Monday, 19 May 2025
Start: 6:30 pm
Location: Heliconia Room in the Botanical Garden

Talk by: Dr. Ina Knobloch

Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’ in German, and the small Central American country, which is barely larger than Switzerland, is rich above all in nature and biodiversity. With a land area that covers around 0.02% of the earth's surface, the country is home to 6% of all species on the planet, complemented by the aquatic diversity along the almost 1500 kilometres of coastline on the Pacific and Atlantic sides. The country is aware of its responsibility and protects this treasure of biodiversity on land and at sea like no other country.

Dr Ina Knobloch explains the importance of biodiversity for the climate and the survival of humankind, the uniqueness of plants as food and medicine, and the significance of animals such as the quetzal, jaguar, toucan and sloth for ecosystems and culture in an entertaining, easy-to-understand but scientifically sound way. It also honours heroes who have made Costa Rica a natural paradise and a global pioneer in nature conservation and sustainability.

A visually stunning adventure in which the author reports on the biodiversity in the treetops of the tropical forests, mangrove swamps and cloud forests, as well as missions for sea turtles and brilliant expeditions in the jungle. Her lecture is a unique journey of discovery through Costa Rica's natural wonders and a journey through time from the 1980s to the present day, with missions in the jungle, on fire mountains, on rivers and in national parks. The biologist, author and award-winning filmmaker explored the rainforest canopy, planted trees and protected forests and sea turtles. Photos and film clips from then to now provide a unique insight into the country's consistent ecological development over the past decades.

The lecture will be held in German.

From 7.30 pm the evening draws to a close in the Tropenhaus.

more information
University of Osnabrück · Department of Biology/Chemistry
Group of Biology Didactics
Felix Przesdzink, M.Sc. | E-Mail: felix.przesdzink@uni-osnabrueck.de