Start A Project

Step 1: Define the Need and Identify a Solution

Find out what needs to be improved in terms of urban nature in your neighbourhood and how you can help. Get started by asking yourself:

• What are the local issues with regards to urban nature or the threats to biodiversity near you
• What is missing in your neighbourhood in terms of urban nature?
• What is currently being done in your neighbourhood to address these issues?
• How will this project help? Consult Biopolis Project Requirements for inspiration.
• How is your project complementary to existing urban biodiversity projects in the area?
• Consult the projects on Biopolis for inspiration and information of what is being done to promote urban biodiversity near you.

Step 2: Get Together or Join a Movement

You’re going to need a team to help you execute your project. Reach out to people you know to see if they would be willing to collaborate with you. You can reach out to:

• Neighbours, family members, friends, colleagues
• Your students or classmates at school
• Local organizations

Step 3: Connect with People Who Can Help

There are a lot of individuals and organizations working on urban biodiversity issues. Reach out to an expert and use their knowledge and expertise to help you with your project.

• Local organizations
• Local experts
• Researchers
• Professors
• Contact Biopolis Bioneers who are involved in similar projects

Step 4: Put Your Project Together

This is the step where you get to be the most creative as you’ll need to plan out and describe your project in as much detail as possible.

• Find and secure a location for your project
• Create a visual representation of your project (draw a plan)
• Write up a document describing the project
• Create a plan of action and a timeline
• Develop a detailed budget

Step 5: Find Funds to Support Your Project

Often times, projects need funding in order to be brought to life. The funds are out there! You just need to knock on the right door. This extra help can come from:

• Government funds
• Research funds
• Community funds
• Private funds
• Crowdfunding
• Sponsors (materials, volunteers)
• Discretionary funds from local elected officials

Step 6: Make it happen!

You are now ready to start your project and to take action towards making your neighbourhood more “biodiversified”. Make sure to:

• Involve your community
• Find volunteers
• Document your actions (take lots of photos)
• Launch your project, inaugurate it, have a party and invite all collaborators
• Thank your collaborators, sponsors and partners
• Make your project shine locally, regionally (and why not internationally) through social media, blog and/or a website
• Submit your project on the Biopolis platform

Step 7: Evaluate and Monitor Your Project

It is important to track your project’s progress to find out if it has had an impact on your community and on local biodiversity. Make sure your project or its outcomes live on by:

• Ensuring maintenance of all installations
• Writing a report summarizing your work and highlighting your results
• Evaluating success and impact of your project
• Conducting a survey among your collaborators, users and members of your community
• Once established, conducting plant and wildlife surveys, or organizing a bioblitz with your collaborators and local experts

Have questions or need more tips to start a project that would promote and highlight urban biodiversity in your neighbourhood? Contact us!