Kvassheim lighthouse

Region

Europe

Country

Norway

Flyway

East Atlantic flyway

Initiative

WLI Europe

About

Name of organisation

Besøkssenter våtmark Jæren (BVJ)

Funding support

Norwegian directorate of environment and self-generated income

Number of staff

1.5

Number of visitors per year

 

Overall aims of the centre

Through information and positive experiences we want to raise awareness among the general public about the importance of nature and biodiversity, and wetlands in particular.

Description of the centre

The Kvassheim lighthouse on Jæren offers compelling exhibitions and great hiking opportunities. Kvassheim lighthouse is one of three visitor centres for Wetland Jæren, and is an important area for birdlife.

The exhibition is dedicated to the important Ramsar wetland areas found at Jæren. The wetlands are home to many species of birds, plants and animals, and are of great importance for biodiversity, water purification and climate regulation.

The beaches of Jæren stretches from Tungenes in the north to Sirevåg in the south with a total length of 70 kilometres. You'll find a mixture of sand beaches, pebble beaches and a moraine coast.

Work Areas

Main CEPA work area

BVJ aims to raise local and regional awareness about the importance of nature and wetlands in general through education, family-oriented activities and social media.

Top three successes

  1. BVJ is authorised as one of 6 national wetland centres in Norway
  2. BVJ educates children from the age of two to university level about the importance of wetlands
  3. BVJ arranges activities for the general public with activities for people of all ages

Top three challenges

  1. It can be difficult to attract an audience with little interest in nature conservation.
  2. BVJ is understaffed
  3. BVJ aims to do more than we have capacity to

We are happy to share and cooperate with other organisations to reach out to a broader audience.

Expertise

Interpretation techniques

Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools

Visitor centres

Running a visitor centre

Participation

Engaging young people; Engaging the local community

Education and communication

Early years education; Working with primary schools;  Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials

General

PR and marketing; Running effective administration

Contact

Project officer: Sissel Norheim

www.bvj.no

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