Biodiversity challenge
Join us for a Biodiversity adventure: a fun and interactive way to explore the rich wildlife around our campuses. From 30th of April until the 2nd of July 2026 students and staff are invited to observe, identify, and share local species while connecting with nature and each other.
The Biodiversity Challenge is a challenge that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. With 53 other Higher Education Institutes around the Netherlands (#biodiversitychallenge2026), our aim is to showcase the interesting and varied wildlife we have in our surroundings. This way, we can raise awareness about the environment we wish to protect.
How can you join?
Participating in species counting is very easy:
- Create an account on Waarneming.nl, where you can enter species directly, or you can do so via your phone (see 2).
- Download the app ObsIdentify on your phone.
- Link your Observation.co.uk account to ObsIdentify in the app.
- Take a picture of the species you observe in ObsIdentify and follow the instructions to find out which species it is.
- Upload the species (if sufficiently certain). Your sighting will automatically be added to the Biodiversity Challenge BioBlitz when you are within the area of one of the participating institutions.
Locations
The location of the campus terrains of UM that take part in the challenge, can be found here: Maastricht University - Waarneming.nl
Make sure to first make an account on waarneming.nl!
Venlo area for waarneming.nl
Area inner city Maastricht
Area Randwyck Maastricht
Let’s explore together!
You’re invited to explore biodiversity with us through a range of activities designed to help you get involved, whether you're just starting or already an experienced nature observer.
Sign up here for these activities!
Photo competition during the whole challenge. You can upload your best picture here!
Why is biodiversity so important?
Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems that provide us with clean air, water, food, and a stable climate. But today, it’s under serious threat from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Realizing the variety of organisms around us, letting us wander and appreciate it more, helps us understand why protecting it is an important task – not just for nature, but for our well-being and survival. Participating in the BioBlitz, we would like to raise awareness and invite you as well to join us!
