Biodiversity Revisited is seeking innovative ideas, questions, farmings and discussions about the past, present and future of biodiversity. Hence, it invites early career researchers in biodiversity for the essay competition. Moreover, the essays submitted will be part of the discussion leading up to, during, and after the international Biodiversity Revisited Symposium taking place in September 2019. Further, the essay will contribute to the formation of a new and integrated research agenda that will shape the research and impact of biodiversity over the next five years and beyond.

The Biodiversity Essay Competition Theme

Human action has been degrading the diversity of life that sustains humanity, leading to a deterioration in the land, air, and water quality, as well as loss of natural ecosystems and widespread declines in populations of wild species. These changes are well documented and of existential significance to human societies, yet significant knowledge about the problem has not catalyzed effective broad-based action.

The participants must critically examine the problem statement with respect to one of the following themes. As well as the participants may examine it through a holistic lens that cuts across numerous themes.

• Concepts
• Narratives
• Science
• Governance
• Systems
• Futures
• Holistic – cutting across numerous themes

Winners of the Biodiversity Essay Competition

There will be up to seven awards of CHF 1,000. Winners will also receive an opportunity to attend the international Biodiversity Revisited Symposium in September 2019. Winners may also have the opportunity to promote their work through short ‘thought pieces’ for the Biodiversity Revisited and Luc Hoffmann Institute websites, social media contributions, and/or a podcast interview.  Moreover, the Biodiversity Revisited project secretariat will approach authors of submissions on a case by case basis to determine derivative promotional opportunities.

Submit for Biodiversity Essay Competition

Contributions from outside the biodiversity/conservation space are especially welcome to apply for the essay competition. Moreover, the submissions must be in English. However, both native English speakers and non-native English speakers may apply for the essay competition.

The paper must be a maximum of 1,500 words, with no more than 15 references (please use the Harvard style). The paper must include a 250-word summary, as well as three to five provocative questions related to the essay content that can be used to stimulate dialogue at the Biodiversity Revisited Symposium. The references, provocative questions and summary are not included in the word limit.

Further, “early career” means individuals who are within 5 years of finishing their Masters or PhD, or are still studying.

Moreover, the participants may submit for the essay competition through the online portal. While submitting, the candidates will require to provide supporting documentation including CV or other published works.

Deadline

The deadline to submit your essay for the Biodiversity Competition is during mid-July 2019.