City of Darwin fosters young environmental champions

City of Darwin Council is supporting the next generation of environmental champions by sponsoring BioEd, a free program helping primary school students connect with Darwin’s unique natural environment.

The curriculum-aligned program, delivered by Landcare NT, gives students the opportunity to learn through practical, hands-on activities led by local scientists and environmental professionals.

Lord Mayor, Peter Styles said supporting environmental education was an important investment in Darwin’s future and delivers on the Council’s 2030 Greening Darwin Strategy actions.

“Darwin is part of an incredible natural environment and BioEd gives our young people the opportunity to learn about and experience it firsthand,” said Lord Mayor Styles.

“City of Darwin is proud to sponsor this program and help give students the knowledge and skills to understand, appreciate and care for the environment, including taking part in real-world conservation activities.

“By inspiring young people to become curious about our natural environment, we are helping build a generation of environmental champions who can play an important role in keeping Darwin cool, clean and green,” he said. 

BioEd sessions are available for Years 3 – 6 students and cover four key areas:

• Native flora – discovering the plants unique to the Top End;
• Native fauna – learning about local wildlife and their habitats;
• Water systems – exploring the importance of water and how natural systems work;
• Ecosystems – understanding the connections between plants, animals and their environment.

The program also builds students’ scientific inquiry, observation and investigation skills while helping them develop a deeper understanding of Top End habitats, biodiversity and wildlife.

“For us at Landcare NT, environmental education is about more than learning facts. Looking after our environment starts with people,” said Landcare NT Education Coordinator, Jessie Longmuir. 

“It’s about bringing people together, building practical skills and knowledge and creating a connection with the places around them. 

“BioEd gives students the opportunity to do exactly that, while discovering the incredible biodiversity of the Top End and developing the confidence to take an active role in caring for the places they live.”