Biodiversity represents one of the fundamental pillars of life on Earth, as it ensures the stability of ecosystems, the availability of food resources, drinking water and numerous other natural goods. Nevertheless, in recent decades, it has been more severely threatened by human activities than ever before. The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and awareness of secondary school students in the Ljubljana region regarding biodiversity, as well as their attitudes toward nature. A questionnaire was designed to assess both the theoretical understanding of fundamental natural concepts and processes, and the participants’ attitudes toward nature and their comprehension of the significance of biodiversity for the future. The sample consisted of 597 students from all four grade levels of Ljubljana’s grammar schools and other secondary schools. The findings indicate that students generally possess a solid theoretical understanding of biodiversity and related concepts. Their responses confirm that, at a theoretical level, they comprehend the fundamental principles governing nature and the importance of maintaining balance among various species within ecosystems. The majority of students also expressed a positive attitude toward the preservation of nature and living organisms. Their views reflect an awareness that conserving biodiversity is essential for the future of humankind. However, the results also suggest that there often exists a discrepancy between students’ theoretical knowledge and their actual, experiential engagement with nature. While students are familiar with definitions and concepts, their direct interaction with nature frequently remains limited. This underscores the need to integrate more fieldwork, practical examples, and experiential learning activities into the educational process, thereby enabling young people to develop a deeper understanding of natural processes.
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