Face of the LIB: Karsten Stehr

What motivates you to teach young people about nature?

Nature is something unique. It has a different meaning for every single person. We are also part of nature. For me, it is important to teach people at a young age how it works. I want to talk to them about how they should interact with it in order to protect and preserve it so that our future remains worth living. I also hope that through my work, knowledge about nature will lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the world around us.

What led you to biology?

I was lucky enough to grow up in a home with a diverse garden. As a result, I was always outside a lot from a young age. Because my parents and grandparents grew fruit and vegetables, I learnt a lot about native animals and plants. When a pond was added, there was so much more to discover in the garden. I think that's what led me to biology.

What are the highlights of your day-to-day work?

My highlights are definitely the courses to promote species knowledge with young people and children. The excursions we go on with them are particularly great. It's always amazing how much I can still learn from the young people myself. Many of the participants have already developed an enthusiasm for certain groups of organisms that is infectious.

What does nature mean to you personally? Is there a favourite place in nature?

For me, nature is everywhere and is a phenomenon from which I draw a lot. Whether right on my doorstep or somewhere in the mountains - there is biodiversity everywhere that inspires me. As an amateur wildlife and macro photographer, everything that moves fascinates me. The odd plant is also included from time to time. My favourite places in nature are definitely the mountains or alpine vegetation. There are few to no people around. And when I've climbed a peak and see how vast the world is from up there, a feeling of relaxation spreads through me.

Crabs, fish, butterflies: Who has your own personal affection and why?

Sharks. Even though I now have a differentiated opinion of zoos, my first experience with a particular animal species that had a lasting impact on me was a grey reef shark at Loro Parque in Tenerife. This experience as a child later led me to carry out behavioural experiments with sharks and rays during my bachelor's thesis.

How do you explain the concept of biodiversity to children?

Biodiversity describes the variety of life on earth. This includes all living organisms, from tiny microbes to large animals and plants - as well as their genetic diversity. Thanks to genetic diversity, organisms can adapt to different environmental conditions.

Biodiversity also describes the different ecosystems in which these organisms live, such as rainforests, oceans or deserts. A high level of biodiversity is important as it offers many benefits for us and for nature. For example, different plants and animals can provide us with food, medicine and other resources. They also ensure a balanced cycle of nutrients.

What do you want people to associate with the LIB in ten years' time?

In ten years' time, people should not only perceive the LIB as a museum and research institute, but also as a place of learning and exchange.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in the field of nature conservation?

I see the greatest challenge in the field of nature conservation in the promotion of young experts who specialise in certain groups of organisms. In order to be able to take measures for nature conservation, we need much more comprehensive knowledge about biodiversity and its interactions with nature. However, there is usually a lack of species experts. We would know a lot more about biodiversity and how to protect it if there were more people working in this field.

What would you have become if biology hadn't worked out?

I would probably be in the German Armed Forces or the Federal Police now.

What advice would you give young biologists at the start of their career?

Keep reminding yourself why you have chosen the profession you have. That way you always have a mission. Network and find people who have the same goal in mind.

Which area of the LIB is particularly close to your heart?

That's obvious, of course: education and mediation. Above all, the area of promoting the next generation of species experts is a matter close to my heart.

Karsten Stehr has been coordinating the youth programmes in the FörTax project at Museum Koenig Bonn since 2020. He also gained experience in promoting young talent as project manager in the educational programmes Taxonomy Workshop and Natur beflügelt, which are also offered to young people at Museum Koenig. As a parental leave replacement in the Museum Koenig Bonn's education department, he takes on many other organisational tasks. The biologist has already gained practical experience during and after his Bachelor's and Master's degree in accompanying visitors at SeaLife Königswinter and Museum Koenig. Even as an adolescent, he dedicated himself to youth work in his home community and was enthusiastic about working with young people.