Purpose This study aims to assess the perceptions, attitudes and levels of engagement in biodiversity conservation among students, faculty and staff at ISEC Lisboa, a higher education institution (HEI) in Portugal. This research addresses the pressing challenge of biodiversity loss and explores how members of an academic community understand and act upon issues related to biodiversity on their campus. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through an online structured survey distributed among students, teachers and staff (n = 205), assessing their awareness, understanding, attitudes and conservation behaviors related to biodiversity. Qualitative insights were gained by analyzing institutional documents and sustainability reports to evaluate ISEC Lisboa’s policy framework and strategic commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. Statistical tests (Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and correlation analysis) were used to analyze the data. Findings Although a majority of respondents recognized the importance of biodiversity, their engagement in conservation actions – such as caring for fauna/flora or volunteering – was low. Teachers exhibited stronger environmental awareness and concern than students and staff. No significant differences were found by age or gender. While institutional policies like the Strategic Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change exist, they have not fully translated into community-wide behavioral change. This study suggests that experiential learning and institutional reinforcement are critical to transforming awareness into action. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias. Future longitudinal research is needed to track behavioral changes over time. In addition, qualitative interviews could provide deeper insight into the motivations and barriers influencing conservation behaviors. Practical implications Findings emphasize the need for HEIs to go beyond awareness campaigns and adopt hands-on, action-oriented biodiversity education strategies. Recommendations include integrating biodiversity topics across interdisciplinary curricula; promoting student-led conservation projects and citizen science; and establishing visible green spaces and biodiversity-themed events on campus. Social implications By empowering students, faculty and staff to engage in biodiversity conservation, HEIs can cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship that extends beyond campus boundaries. Partnerships with local communities, environmental NGOs and city authorities can enhance the societal impact of biodiversity efforts and promote sustainable urban living. Originality/value This study is among the few to focus specifically on biodiversity engagement within the context of Portuguese HEIs. It offers new evidence on the knowledge–behavior gap in conservation and highlights the role of institutional frameworks, emotional connection and experiential strategies in enhancing community participation in biodiversity initiatives.
Oliveira et al. (Thu,) studied this question.