Image related to website content

The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition

2 Jun 2025

The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.

The Big Biodiversity Challenge was launched during May, which is especially fitting, as the month is widely recognised as Biodiversity Month – a time dedicated to raising awareness and action for the protection of our natural world. With the International Day for Biological Diversity falling on 22 May, the timing of the competition aligns perfectly with global efforts to spotlight the annual theme for 2025, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”. This year’s theme emphasises the urgent need to align human progress with the protection and restoration of the natural world. It highlights a call to action for all stakeholders to make choices that benefit both people and the environment, building a future where both can thrive together.

Image related to website content

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, climate change and habitat loss – challenges that directly impact the health of our ecosystems. The theme encourages entrants to explore practical, nature-based solutions that support both environmental protection and human well-being.

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. Winners will be announced at the 43rd annual EEASA Conference, which will take place between 16 and 19 September this year.

As the implementing agent of the WCEEF, we are excited to join forces with the incredible and diverse members of this forum in bringing this competition to the learners of the Western Cape. What makes it even more special this year is the unique opportunity for these young champions to showcase their work on an international stage, and that kind of exposure is not only inspiring, but life changing.

Khuthala Swanepoel, Chairperson for WCEEF & Manager for Sustainable Awareness & Education (Western Cape Government).

All students in grade 6 – 9 are encouraged to participate and it is recommended that teachers motivate their students to enter this competition and become part of the movement to protect biodiversity. For more information email Munzhedzi.Muhanelwa@sanparks.org or ndreyer@capenature.co.za

Share:

Related News

Biodiversity Press Release Image
30 May 2025
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future

Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.

Baboon icon
29 May 2025
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan. 

Helihack Image 1
27 May 2025
Record-breaking pine clearing operation strengthens water security at Boosmansbos

A successful HeliHack operation has cleared 15 194 invasive pine trees from the rugged slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area – a CapeNature-managed World Heritage Site and crucial catchment area feeding the Duivenhoks Dam.

From 3–5 May 2025, the latest mission to tackle the invasive alien vegetation marked the most successful pine removal in the initiative’s history.

Biodiversity Day
22 May 2025
Living in harmony with nature to ensure sustainable development

The International Day for Biodiversity, under this year’s theme of “Harmony with nature and sustainable development” is at the heart of a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach” to implement the 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Global Framework and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, according to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated annually on 22 May, and this year marks 32 years since its inception, when the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) went into effect.

Minister Bredell square
16 May 2025 by Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
The Western Cape’s natural wonders continue to be a key economic contributor to the tourism sector

Through the peak summer season in December 2024 and January 2025, there was a tremendous influx of visitors to CapeNature-managed provincial reserves, with over 146 550 overnight and day visitors passing through many reserve gates. Minister Bredell unpacks why more visitors are seeking nature-based attractions when it comes to deciding on a holiday destination.