Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Collaboration: Butterfly Pavilion and Colorado State University (CSU) established a partnership focused on entomology and the well-being of ecosystems and humanity.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The partnership involves three of CSU’s colleges, aiming to enhance research, conservation, and management of invertebrate species.
- Educational Opportunities: This collaboration will provide valuable internships, research projects, and conservation education for students and aspiring professionals.
- Public Engagement: A significant goal is to increase public awareness and support for invertebrates through education and outreach initiatives.
- Conservation Impact: Addressing the global biodiversity crisis, the partnership aims to advance the understanding and conservation of invertebrates significantly.
A Landmark Alliance for Invertebrates and Ecosystems
Butterfly Pavilion, an invertebrate zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and Colorado State University (CSU), have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to bolster efforts in entomology research and the conservation of invertebrates, which are critical to ecosystem health and human well-being.
Expanding Research and Conservation Efforts
The collaboration will leverage Butterfly Pavilion’s expertise with CSU’s academic resources across the Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and the Warner College of Natural Resources. This synergy is designed to amplify research, conservation, and management initiatives for invertebrate species while engaging the public to foster support and awareness for these foundational creatures.
Educating the Next Generation
Patrick Tennyson, CEO of Butterfly Pavilion, emphasizes the unprecedented nature of this partnership in driving forward research and conservation efforts. CSU President Amy Parsons highlights the collaboration’s role in preparing future workforces, enhancing conservation, and elevating research capabilities, crucial for addressing the critical impacts invertebrates have on agriculture, food webs, and environmental health.
Invertebrates, representing 97% of all animal species, play indispensable roles in ecosystems globally. They are pivotal in pollination, soil health, water quality, and crop protection, contributing over $40 billion to Colorado’s agricultural production and half a trillion dollars globally. Yet, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that less than one percent of invertebrate species have been thoroughly evaluated.
Addressing the Biodiversity Crisis
Richard P. Reading, Ph.D., Butterfly Pavilion’s vice president of research and conservation, expresses concern over the global biodiversity crisis, underscoring the lack of understanding and conservation efforts for invertebrates. The partnership with CSU aims to change this by recognizing invertebrates as crucial social, economic, and environmental resources.
Enhancing Educational and Research Opportunities
This partnership is set to enrich educational experiences for CSU students through internships, joint research, and conservation projects. It will also inspire K-12 students towards higher education and raise public awareness about the significance of invertebrates. Faculty and students at CSU, like Assistant Professor Marek Borowiec, are eager to leverage Butterfly Pavilion’s resources to enhance research visibility and provide practical experiences for students.
Image provided by Getty Images
