Learners captivated by a lesson on biodiversity.
Image: Supplied
IN CELEBRATION of the annual International Biodiversity Day, two of South Africa’s renowned Arid Parks - Augrabies Falls National Park and the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park - opened their gates to neighbouring schools for a day of learning, discovery, and inspiration under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”.
The global event, which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of protecting the planet’s biological wealth, was brought to life through engaging activities with learners from Oranje-Suid Primary School in Kakamas and Elizabeth Wimmer Primary School in Lekkersing.
Biodiversity encompasses not only the wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms on Earth but also the genetic differences within each species and the complex ecosystems they form. These natural systems are the foundation of human civilisation, providing vital resources such as food, medicine, and clean water. For instance, fish deliver 20% of the animal protein consumed by about 3 billion people worldwide, while over 80% of the global diet is plant-based. In rural communities, up to 80% of the population depends on traditional plant-based remedies for primary healthcare.
At Augrabies Falls National Park, excitement and curiosity filled the air as learners from Oranje-Suid Primary were introduced to some of the Northern Cape’s most threatened species. The park’s environmental education team highlighted three animals facing severe threats—the Pangolin, Riverine Rabbit, and African Wild Dog—as well as three endangered plant species: the Camelthorn Tree, Ebony Tree, and Conophytum succulents.
Learners were encouraged to become young custodians of the environment by starting an Eco Club at their school. The initiative aims to empower students to continue advocating for nature conservation and sustainable living within their communities.
Meanwhile, in the rugged and remote |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, learners from Elizabeth Wimmer Primary School delved into the unique biodiversity of their region, with a special focus on tortoise conservation. These ancient reptiles, symbols of resilience, face multiple threats, including habitat destruction from overgrazing, climate change, veld fires, natural predators like crows, road fatalities, and illegal wildlife trade.
Park officials emphasised the urgency of protecting tortoise populations and inspired the students to become ambassadors for biodiversity in their own right.
In both parks, the learners left with more than just facts and figures—they left inspired. The celebrations sparked deep conversations about conservation and the role each person plays in protecting the natural world. Teachers and park staff reported that the students were not only engaged but genuinely moved by what they learnt.
Both Oranje-Suid and Elizabeth Wimmer Primary Schools have since committed to incorporating biodiversity education into their classrooms and pledged to live in harmony with nature.
As South Africa continues to face the dual challenges of environmental degradation and climate change, initiatives like these highlight the critical role of education in conservation. By bringing biodiversity awareness directly to the youth, particularly those living near national parks, South African National Parks (SANParks) is cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.
These International Biodiversity Day celebrations are more than symbolic gestures; they are part of a larger, ongoing effort to ensure that the country’s rich natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.
For more information about SANParks' environmental education programmes, visit www.sanparks.org.
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