JYU among the first universities in the world to receive Nature Positive Universities verification

The verification was awarded after a thorough assessment and is valid for one year from 30 July 2026. It demonstrates that the University of Jyväskylä has systematically enhanced biodiversity across its campuses, as part of its research and education, as well as in the University’s activities in general.

The assessment highlighted in particular the University’s systematic efforts in nature restoration and habitat development. In recent years, the JYU Botanical Garden has established, for example, new meadows, deadwood habitats, and new types of vegetation areas on all JYU campuses. In addition, green area management practices have been revised in collaboration with the proprietor, University Properties of Finland.

These measures have increased biodiversity on the campuses and strengthened the long-term development of the University’s valuable plant collections and green infrastructure. Through volunteer activities, public events, guided tours and exhibitions, the Botanical Garden also engages members of the university community and local residents in nature conservation efforts. All these efforts arise from the University’s goals for the development of the green areas of the Botanical Garden and campuses. In 2022, a coordinator position for the Botanical Garden was established within the Open Science Centre.

“Integrating the Botanical Garden’s activities into the University’s environment programme is now producing tangible results. This systematic work will continue to improve the state of the University’s cultural and natural campus environment as a part of the city’s green area networks,” says Coordinator and Garden Expert Hanna Keljo.

The review also recognised JYU’s role as a developer of learning materials, biodiversity assessment methods and nature footprint calculation.

Nature Positive Universities network supports nature-positive development in higher education institutions

The University of Jyväskylä joined the Nature Positive Universities Alliance network in 2022 as one of its founding members. The network is a global cooperation initiative for higher education institutions. It was launched by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the University of Oxford to support nature restoration and nature-positive development in the higher education sector. Nature positivity refers to a situation where biodiversity loss has been halted, and the state of nature starts to recover and improve.

As part of its commitment, the University of Jyväskylä investigates the effects of its activities on biodiversity, sets objectives for decreasing negative impacts on nature and improving the state of nature, and reports on its progress on a yearly basis.

The Nature Positive Universities verification confirms JYU’s pioneering position in promoting biodiversity as well as in measuring and reporting climatic emissions and impacts on nature.