Agrobiodiversity Summer School 2024

Agrobiodiversity includes the diversity of crops and livestock species and varieties, the diversity of production and food supply systems, different agricultural practices and intensities and the biodiversity that indirectly supports agriculture through provisioning ecosystem services. Agrobiodiversity is therefore essential for locally adapted and resilient land use systems across the globe and ultimately contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this International Summer School, you will learn about various perspectives on agrobiodiversity and its contribution to the sustainability and resilience of food systems. In small groups of international students and experts, you will have the chance to deeply investigate opportunities and challenges of the existing local production systems and food supply chains and how they are connected to agrobiodiversity. Together with local stakeholders, you will develop strategies and solutions for addressing their challenges through different aspects of agrobiodiversity. In this program, you will also have the chance to improve your intercultural competencies to work in an international and interdisciplinary context.

You can apply via the application form on our website.

Course leader

This is a cooperation project between the IUNR, the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the University of Ljubljana, leading the course together, and is supported by Stiftung Mercator Schweiz.

Target group

The Summer School is mainly directed to students enrolled in a Master program related to agricultural science, environment, food technologies and processing, rural development, sustainability assessment or associated topics. Bachelor students are also invited to apply, but will be given second priority. The number of participants is limited to 30. All applications will be evaluated after the application deadline, February 16th 2024. By the end of February 2024 you will be informed whether you can take part in the Summer School.

Course aim

After this summer school, you can:
- identify the different aspects of agrobiodiversity
- understand the influence of the respective ecological, economic, social and political frameworks and drivers on agrobiodiversity
- deal specifically with the potential of agrobiodiversity for the development of site-adapted and resilient agricultural systems
- develop creative, innovative and scientifically sound solutions for the conservation and promotion of agrobiodiversity using scientific data collection and analysis methods
- obtain a global perspective on agricultural systems through international exchange in order to critically reflect existing opinions
- work in an intercultural and interdisciplinary team

Credits info

4 EC
The Agrobiodiversity Summer School consists of a preparatory phase and a 10-days study week. In the preparatory phase (April - August 2024) you will conduct a mini case study related to the local agrobiodiversity of your home country or place of study (1 ECTS). During the study week in Slovenia (18th -28th of August 2024), you will present the results of your mini case study, visit various case studies in different regions and work on a group project with other participants (3 ECTS). After successful completion of the course, you will be awarded 4 ECTS.

Fee info

CHF 250: Participation Fee: Accommodation, food and excursions will be arranged for you. However, all participants will have to make a contribution of CHF 250. Travel: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and payments to get to the venue. We encourage you to travel by train and bus. If you are unable to make this contribution but would like to participate, please contact us at gof.iunr@zhaw.ch.