Biodiversity means the variety of life on Earth, including all the plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and other living things on the planet. Without plants and animals there are so many things that we would not have – in fact, life on Earth would not be possible at all actually!

First, plants and animals provide us with food. The more types of food, the better. Imagine life if all we had to eat was broccoli or cauliflower ☹. No biodiversity, no food and we would all go hungry. Plants and animals also perform very important services in our ecosystems. For example, bees and other insects pollinate flowers and large networks of plants and animals work together to clean water. Life as we know it would certainly not be possible without these services. Biodiversity also provides us with medicines such as Penicillin and raw materials such as wood to build houses, make furniture, produce paper and so much more.

It is therefore super important that we protect our biodiversity at all costs. Everyone can help. conservation entities, such as CapeNature, enforce the law, conduct research on species, and educate people on environmental issues. The public (that’s you!) can also help by living a greener lifestyle. Saving energy and water can go a long way, as can managing your waste by reducing, re-using, and recycling.

Protecting biodiversity is everyone’s responsibility. What change will you make today to help protect our amazing plants and animals? Tell us by emailing your answer to learning@capenature.co.za  and earn 50 points.