eNews
#03 2026
Biodiversity Day Competition in Kimberley Inspires Young Environmental Stewards
By Corrina Abraham, Arid Lands Node
As part of its environmental awareness and science education programme for school learners, the SAEON Arid Lands Node, in collaboration with the EFTEON KIMTRI Landscape, hosted and facilitated the annual Biodiversity Day Competition. This year’s theme, “Acting Locally, Impacting Globally: Saving the Local Biodiversity,” encouraged learners to explore the importance of biodiversity within their own communities, and recognize how local conservation efforts contribute to global environmental sustainability.
The primary aim of the competition was to foster appreciation and a deeper understanding of both local and global biodiversity among learners in Grade 8 to 11. Through hands-on investigation, creative expression, and scientific inquiry, the competition sought to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards to acknowledge and promote the critical importance of conservation and sustainable practices in protecting the natural world. The annual Biodiversity Day Competition is an engaging and educational challenge designed for learners to celebrate and explore the vast diversity of life on Earth, particularly within their immediate environment.
Held in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the competition invited learners to step beyond the classroom and engage directly with nature. Participants investigated environmental challenges and threats to biodiversity within their communities, neighborhoods, and homes, while identifying practical ways to address these issues and threats. Learners were encouraged to tell their stories through drawings, paintings, posters, photographs, short videos, dioramas, and written narratives. The objective was to demonstrate their understanding of local biodiversity and showcase how individual actions can help improve environmental conditions.
Thabane High School in Galeshewe submitted ten entries in the form of drawings, posters, photographs, and written stories. An evaluation team visited the school to engage with the learners, listen to the stories behind their projects, and assess their work. The top three participants received prizes in recognition of their creativity, originality, innovation, and their ability to communicate meaningful messages about environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation.
SAEON Arid Lands Node and the EFTEON KIMTRI Landscape facilitated a Biodiversity Day programme at Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School. from left to right Corrina Abraham,Tshililo Ramasweila and Helga Knoetze presenting to the learners.
Continuing the spirit of Biodiversity Day, Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School invited the SAEON team to host an educational programme for its Grade 9 learners to encourage interest in science and environmental conservation.
Corrina Abraham delivered a presentation on the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services, highlighting practical ways learners can protect local biodiversity at home and at school, thereby contributing to positive environmental change within their communities.
Tshililo Ramasweila presented on the Camel Thorn Tree (Vachellia erioloba), a protected, and keystone species in South Africa that nevertheless continues to be widely used by local communities for firewood. The presentation explored the ecological importance of this iconic tree and the challenges associated with balancing conservation and community needs.
To reinforce these lessons, Helga Knoetze facilitated an interactive group activity in which learners identified the threats facing the Camel Thorn Tree and proposed practical conservation measures. Each group presented its findings, leading to lively discussions about protecting indigenous trees and conserving biodiversity.
Group of learners presenting to their class on their ideas to protect Camel Thorn Trees.
Thabane High School grade 9 learners were given the opportunity to present their artwork. Image “a” is one of the learners presenting on plant cells and their ability to use the sun to make food and grow.
The programme provided an excellent opportunity to engage with enthusiastic young learners who demonstrated a sound understanding of biodiversity conservation and impressed the team with their creativity, critical thinking, and innovative ideas. Their participation highlighted the value of environmental education in empowering young people to become active custodians of South Africa’s rich natural heritage and biodiversity.
All the learners from Thabane High School who submitted artwork received small gifts for their effort (right). Middle and right picture are the top two entires who received goodie bags as their prize for their innovative artwork.
