The Legacy of Long Boi: Analyzing Environmental Awareness, Biodiversity, and Education through a Memorial

Title: The Legacy of Long Boi: Analyzing Environmental Awareness, Biodiversity, and Education through a Memorial


Author: Sofonie Dala
MSc Environmental Sustainability Education and Communication
University of York, UK



Introduction

As I transition from my homeland of Angola to the University of York in the UK, my studies in Environmental Sustainability Education and Communication offer a unique opportunity to reflect on both personal and global environmental narratives. One such narrative is the story of Long Boi, a much-loved and celebrated duck that became an iconic figure at the university. This paper will explore Long Boi's legacy, the biodiversity lessons his story provides, and how events like his memorial can enhance environmental education and align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on biodiversity, climate change, and education.


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Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Sofonie Dala, and I’m speaking to you today from the University of York in the UK, where I’m pursuing my Master’s in Environmental Sustainability, Education, and Communication. I want to share a remarkable story about a beloved figure here at the university—a "duck known as Long Boi.

Long Boi wasn’t just any duck. He stood out with his impressive height of 70 centimeters—tall enough to earn the nickname 'His Löngthiness.' He arrived at the university between 2018 and 2019, and quickly became a symbol of biodiversity and student life here at York.

Sadly, Long Boi disappeared in early 2023, leaving behind only memories and questions. Some speculate he left on his own as a wild animal, while others worry he might have been taken or attacked. Despite the mystery, the impact he left behind was undeniable."

In September 2024, we gathered to unveil a statue in his honor, a tribute to the joy and awareness he brought to the university. The ceremony, led by BBC Radio 1’s Greg James, included musical performances and heartfelt testimonies. It was a reminder of how even the smallest creatures can inspire deep connections to nature.

The story of Long Boi isn’t just about a duck—it’s a symbol of biodiversity and the need to protect our ecosystems. At the University of York, his legacy has sparked conversations about environmental protection and the role of education in creating a sustainable future.

As a student from Angola, far from home, I find stories like Long Boi’s incredibly important. They remind us of the global challenges we face, especially in preserving biodiversity. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on climate action, life below water, and life on land, emphasize the need for urgent action to protect species like Long Boi. Through education, we can inspire others to take part in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

Long Boi’s presence became a comforting one, especially during the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a celebrity in his own right, beloved not just by students but by people around the world who followed his story online. His unique appearance highlighted the diversity and wonder of nature.

Stories like Long Boi’s also show us the importance of involving students in global conversations. Events like the United Nations’ Summit of the Future and the COP climate conferences are crucial for giving young people the chance to engage directly with climate solutions. By including these opportunities in academic programs, we can help shape the next generation of environmental leaders.

Long Boi may be gone, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of students and faculty. And through education, we can ensure that his story continues to inspire a global movement toward sustainability and environmental action.

In memory of Long Boi. Let his legacy inspire environmental awareness and action worldwide.


Understanding Long Boi’s Legacy


Long Boi, known as the tallest duck on campus, captured the hearts of students and staff alike. His remarkable height, standing at 70 cm, made him a symbol of uniqueness and biodiversity. He was believed to be an Indian Runner/Mallard cross, and his presence between 2018 and early 2023 coincided with major global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His disappearance in March or April 2023 left a void in the university community, but his story remains a pivotal moment in understanding the role of animals in promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

University of York. (n.d.). Long Boi: The tallest duck of our time. Retrieved from https://www.york.ac.uk/about/history/long-boi/


The unveiling of Long Boi’s statue on 26 September 2024, led by BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James, was a momentous occasion for the University of York. The ceremony, supported by the university's technical society and attended by hundreds, highlighted the importance of commemorating biodiversity. Musical performances, testimonies from staff and students, and even a minute of quacking all served to bring the community together, underscoring the intersection of environmental education and culture. According to the University of York, the funds raised for Long Boi's statue were part of a larger effort to engage students in climate action, and any excess donations would support a York Futures Scholarship for students to study abroad (University of York, 2023).




Critical Analysis of Long Boi’s Disappearance and Its Connection to Biodiversity


Long Boi’s sudden disappearance led to several speculations. Some believe he left the university grounds as a wild animal, while others suggest he could have been killed during the Roses Tournament or attacked by a fox. There are even more elaborate theories claiming Long Boi was stolen or sold due to his popularity and symbolic significance. These speculations reflect the increasing importance of wildlife protection and biodiversity, particularly in academic settings. The mystery surrounding Long Boi emphasizes the need for stronger policies around wildlife conservation on university campuses and beyond.


From a biodiversity perspective, Long Boi’s presence at the University of York is significant because he represents the intersection of human activity and wildlife. Universities can serve as microcosms of environmental ecosystems where the interaction between students and nature can foster a deeper understanding of biodiversity. His disappearance raises important questions about the vulnerability of wildlife and the potential human impact on biodiversity.

Linking Long Boi’s Story to the UN Sustainable Development Goals


Long Boi's legacy can be directly tied to several UN SDGs, particularly:

  • SDG 13: Climate Action
    Long Boi’s presence and memorial serve as a platform to discuss the broader impacts of climate change on biodiversity. Climate change continues to threaten ecosystems worldwide, and through stories like Long Boi’s, students can better understand the urgency of climate action and the importance of protecting wildlife.



  • SDG 14: Life Below Water
    Though Long Boi was not an aquatic animal in the traditional sense, his home on the Derwent College lake places him within the broader context of aquatic biodiversity. Protecting ecosystems, both on land and in water, is crucial to maintaining biodiversity.



  • SDG 15: Life on Land
    Long Boi’s life and his eventual disappearance highlight the importance of terrestrial ecosystems and the threats posed by both natural predators and human activity. The university’s memorial to Long Boi can serve as a symbol of the need to preserve biodiversity in our everyday environments.



  • SDG 4: Quality Education
    The events surrounding Long Boi’s statue unveiling and the subsequent educational initiatives underscore the role of environmental education in promoting sustainability. By incorporating global environmental challenges like climate change into educational curriculums, universities can prepare students to become advocates for biodiversity and conservation.


Evaluating the Future of Environmental Education and Global Participation

One critical question for environmental education programs is how to involve students more directly in global initiatives like the Summit of the Future or Conference of the Parties (COP), as well as other climate-related conferences. These events offer valuable opportunities for students to engage in real-world environmental discussions and solutions. By including such opportunities within the practical curriculum, universities could enhance students’ understanding of global environmental issues and empower them to take action. Participation in these events would not only provide experiential learning but also foster connections with international organizations dedicated to biodiversity and climate change.

Long Boi’s memorial is a local event, but the values it embodies—community engagement, biodiversity protection, and environmental education—have global relevance. Incorporating global summits, conferences, and competitions into academic programs would enrich the student experience and allow for the practical application of classroom knowledge.



Conclusion: A Reflection on Transition and Education

As I transition from Angola to the UK to pursue my MSc in Environmental Sustainability Education and Communication, the story of Long Boi resonates with me as a powerful reminder of the importance of biodiversity and environmental education. Long Boi’s legacy at the University of York symbolizes how a single animal can raise awareness about larger environmental issues. Through critical thinking and active engagement with global environmental challenges, we can continue to build an educational framework that promotes sustainability and biodiversity for future generations. The story of Long Boi, although unique to York, serves as an example of how environmental education can be enhanced to include global participation and advocacy for biodiversity and climate action.







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