Children in Grades 6 to 9 are invited to submit their solutions to the many threats facing biodiversity for the Big Biodiversity Challenge launched by CapeNature.
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The Big Biodiversity Challenge was launched on 22 May by CapeNature in partnership with the Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
The competition aligns with the theme of ‘Be Part of the Plan’ for International Day for Biological Diversity, which falls on 22 May.
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‘The competition aims to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders. We hope to learn from the enthusiasm and optimism of our youth,’ says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.
‘The competition will act as a platform for learning and also ignite a sense of responsibility towards their environment, both in their communities and the broader context.’
Solutions submitted by students can be in the form of a scientific project, a creative arts project or a social project, as the goal is to encourage critical thinking and creativity in addressing issues such as the unsustainable use of natural resources, habitat destruction, uncontrolled fires, and climate change.
‘We believe that by engaging children at a young age, we can foster a love and appreciation for nature and inspire them to take action to protect it,’ says Suanne Rampou from the Western Cape Education Department.
‘This competition is an opportunity for students to use their skills and creativity to come up with innovative solutions that can make a real impact in preserving biodiversity.’
The competition is open to all schools in the Western Cape. Submissions can be made individually or in pairs, and participants can win exciting prizes.
‘As the implementing agent of the WCEEF, we are excited to join forces with a variety of this forum’s members including CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks and the Two Oceans Aquarium, to launch this competition,’ says Khuthala Swanepoel, Chairperson for WCEEF & Manager for Sustainable Awareness & Education (Western Cape Government).
‘Together we can make a much bigger impact in protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.’
For more information on the competition, visit this link or email [email protected].
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