The Big Biodiversity Challenge
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce a new competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is launched today, on International Day for Biological Diversity, which falls on 22 May annually. The competition aligns with the annual theme for 2024, “Be Part of the Plan”. This theme highlights a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the “The Biodiversity Plan”.
According to Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, “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. 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.”
The competition calls on students to submit projects that offer solutions to any of the many threats facing biodiversity. These solutions can take the form of a scientific project, creative arts project, or social project. 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, which all contribute to the decline of biodiversity.
“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 and submissions can be made individually or in pairs. Participants will have the chance to 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.”
All students in grade 6 – 9 are encouraged to participate and it is recommended that teachers motivate their students to enter in this competition and become part of the movement to protect biodiversity. For more information email Munzhedzi.Muhanelwa@sanparks.org
T & C's : https://www.capenature.co.za/u...
Related News
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.
CapeNature hit by widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage
CapeNature is assessing widespread damage across its Protected Areas following several days of severe weather that have affected multiple reserves and surrounding communities through electricity outages, flooding and disrupted road access across the Western Cape. Successive cold fronts brought heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and localised flooding across the Province, resulting in infrastructure damage, blocked routes and disruption to operations.
Western Cape fire season shows record early intensity and significant increase in fire activity
The 2025–2026 summer fire season began with exceptional intensity for CapeNature – official statistics showed a sharp rise in fire ignitions, high temperatures, and a large expanse of burnt areas across the Western Cape. Historically, the fire season is considered to run from 1 October to 31 March. However, activity began as early as September 2025, well before the traditional high-risk period from November onwards.
Wildfires intensify as climate shifts, CapeNature warns in emergency podcast series
CapeNature has released a special series of its acclaimed Green Noise podcast, offering an urgent and deeply human perspective on South Africa’s recent wildfire season. The series has a particular focus on the devastating fires in the Cederberg Wilderness and changing weather patterns. The fire in the Cederberg Wilderness, which ignited on 22 December 2025 along Uitkyk Pass