Oslo Wetland Center – Østensjøvannet
Region
Europe
Country
Norway
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Europe
About
Oslo Wetland Center – Østensjøvannet
Funding support: Norwegian Environment Agency and Oslo municipality.
Number of staff: 0.5 full time equivalent.
Number of visitors per year: Approximately 10,000.
Overall aims of the centre
Inform the society about the importance of wetlands and how their biological diversity is of vital importance to preserve.
Description of the centre
The centre house is part of an small farm. The farmhouse has been used for other purposes in many years. The area of the first floor is about 40 square meters. The second floor is just for storage now. From 2013 the house got authorised by our funders to educate kindergarten, school children, business partners and the public in general.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
The main effort of this centre is to raise local and regional awareness about the importance of both this lake and wetland areas in general.
Top three successes
1) That we are educating a lot of children and adults
2) That we are supported by biological organizations regarding mammals, birds, insects, plants and fungi
3) That we include cattle grazing the fields yearly. Maintaining the pastorale landscape and therefore keeping important fields of rare plants is vital for both us and how the locals understand the area
Top three challenges
1) Establish enough money to develop the centre further
2) Collect and present information that help decision-makers understand that we have to stop the bit-by-bit degradation of wetland areas
3) Establish long-term funding for the continuous effort to preserve the wetland area
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning.
Contact
Besøkssenter våtmark Oslo,
Pb. 6784
St. Olavs plass,
0130 Oslo