The University of Almería has announced an ambitious programme for the Natural History Pavilion (PHN) for the first semester, which includes more than 20 activities designed to engage the public with science and natural heritage. The unveiling took place during an event led by María del Mar Ruiz, the Vice-Rector for Culture and Society, and Juan Gisbert, the Pavilion's director.
This initiative aims to transform the university campus into a lively meeting point for science, natural heritage, and the community. Since February, the management of the PHN has been under the Vice-Rectorate for Culture and Society, which is committed to safeguarding the Pavilion's collections while planning educational outreach and training programmes in collaboration with CECOUAL, the Centre for Cultural and Educational Outreach.
A new website has been launched, providing accessible information about the Pavilion's heritage, biodiversity, and geodiversity. The site is designed to be user-friendly and fully integrated into the University of Almería's portal. According to María del Mar Ruiz, the website serves the general public, families, students, and the educational community, offering easy access to scientific information and details about activities and training programmes available for schools.
The website also includes information about the student volunteer programme associated with the Pavilion, which collaborates with the Spanish Confederation of Third Age Classrooms (CEATE). Volunteers play a crucial role in guiding visitors, including vulnerable groups, and have received specific training in guiding techniques and scientific content.
The educational programme has already commenced with guided tours focused on the geodiversity and biodiversity of Almería, coinciding with the opening of a temporary exhibition titled 'Alborán: The Blue Beat of the Mediterranean' on 3 October. The Pavilion will host a series of conferences throughout October, addressing marine environmental issues, including the impact of plastics on marine food chains and the geological formation of the Alborán Sea.
In November, activities will focus on Almería's marine biodiversity, while December will feature discussions on cetacean evolution and the contributions of Jimena Quirós, Spain's first female oceanographer. The programme will culminate in January with a talk on dolphins in Aguadulce.
Through this carefully curated selection of initiatives, the University of Almería reaffirms its role as a key player in scientific dissemination in the province, inviting both the university community and the general public to participate in the diverse range of activities planned for the coming months.
