Research and resource library

Do you know the difference between a hill and a mountain? Landforms that are 600m high or higher are classified as mountains. Mountains are home to 15% of the world’s population and cover 22% of the surface of the earth.

There are some 2 600 species of fish in our seas including 270 families of fishes represented in South Africa, equivalent to 83% of all marine fish families known. Strikingly, up to 13% are endemic, ranking amongst the highest anywhere else in the world.

Forests play a vital role in biodiversity. They provide food and shelter for the many species found in them. In forests, some animals live in the forest canopy while others live on the ground and under shrubs and all share an interconnected food chain.

Do we know what Cycads are?  These ancient plants go as far back as the dinosaurs. Cycads are slow-growing plants but can live hundreds of years and resemble a palm or fern but are not related.

Marine biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life that we find in the oceans and seas. Marine biodiversity must be preserved because it creates jobs through tourism, provides raw materials for medicine and acts as a food source for both human beings and other animals. 

Scientists are more than 95% certain that nearly all of global warming is caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and other human emissions. If we don't change our our attitudes towards climate change, we risk facing food shortages and the extinction of many wildlife species. 

What is the difference between the weather and the climate? What happens when the climate changes? In this booklet, you’ll find cool and fun activities such as word searches and puzzles to help you understand the difference between weather and climate.

South African turtles, terrapins and tortoises. South Africa has five of the seven kinds of sea turtles occurring in its coastal and off-shore waters.

World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on the 21st of November to highlight the importance of fish stocks in our oceans. Fishing provides food and jobs for people and in return boosts a country's economy. 

October is national Marine Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating our marine life. Did you know that our oceans produce more oxygen than the Amazon rainforest? They control our climate and give us food. Discover how we can protect our marine ecosystems for the health of the planet – and ourselves.

In our water-activity booklet, learners will discover fun and interesting water-based games they can play to enhance their general knowledge of water and its importance.

In this fun, water holiday programme, learners will learn about the many uses of water and take part in a range of water-related activities such as the water cycle, clouds and puddles as well as Wacky water arts and crafts.