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.
Why is biodiversity 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!
What is the Biodiversity Challenge?
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. From 20th of April until 2nd of July, we invite all students and staff members to explore the wildlife around Maastricht University Campuses.
With other Higher Education Institutes around the Netherlands (#hogeronderwijsbloeit), 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?
Anyone can join the challenge, no previous knowledge is required. You simply download the app Obsidentify, go explore and take photos of wild plants and animals that you see on the university grounds. The app can identify many species based on a photo. Observations can be uploaded by the app to waarneming.nl (part of observation.org where nature observations documented). All information on how you can join can be found there as well. The site is available in both Dutch and English.
Watch the video instructions
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.
In addition to our general species recording and identification sessions, you can join us for the following events:
Wednesday, 13th of May, from 12:00-13:00 hours, lunch walk inner city and Tapijn.
Thursday, 21st of May, from 12:00-13:00 hours, lunch walk Randwyck
Workshop Bee Hotspot at Randwyck, in the week of 28th of May, more info will follow soon!
Sign up here for these activities!
Photo competition during the whole challenge. You can upload your best picture here!