Cape Town - Wednesday, the International Day for Biological Diversity, is being celebrated around the world, including at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town, where entry is free for the day.
The theme, “Water and Biodiversity”, was chosen to coincide with the UN’s designation of this year as International Year of Water Co-operation.
At Kirstenbosch the occasion is being treated as part of the botanical garden’s centenary celebrations, and the full programme for visitors includes a showcasing of the science underpinning our understanding of biological diversity being presented by the Kirstenbosch-based SA National Biodiversity Institute. Also on the programme is the formalising of the long-awaited government agreement on environmental responsibility for mining and exploration.
Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu will put their signatures to “Mining and Biodiversity Guideline: Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Mining Sector”.
According to Molewa’s department, the document is a product of the collaboration between the SA Mining and Biodiversity Forum and the two departments. It seeks a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, and is a key outcome of outcome 10 of the presidential delivery agreement.
Molewa will also launch the “Life: State of Biodiversity Report” that her department says is “symbolic of the culmination of 100 years of science in assessing our biological resources and highlighting the status of our water resources in the country”.
At Kirstenbosch on Wednesday visitors will be able to enjoy interactive displays, guided walks, films and talks illustrating a century of scientific work.
“Offering the visitor an insider view into this fascinating world and showing how this science impacts on all our lives, this is an event that can change perspective,” states the publicity blurb.
“Ranging from the herbarium and vegetation mapping, through climate change and threatened species, to modern citizen science and the molecular laboratory, this is a day that will unpack the scientific mysteries of biodiversity and give a greater understanding of the world we live in.” - Cape Argus
l For the full programme of activities see http://www.sanbi.org/events/100-years-biodiversity-science-showcase-kirstenbosch-nbg