Saturday morning saw the group travel to Betty’s Bay and the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens’ education centre. Discussions delved into biomes, bioregions and vegetation units, with a special focus on food webs, trophic cascades and the dramatic effects of species changes on ecosystems. A video on wolves’ impact on Yellowstone National Park in the United States inspired rich discussions on ecological balance and led to a discussion of the interactions that occur in a South African savanna.

The workshop also tackled crucial topics such as climate change, using EFTEON flux data to illustrate carbon exchanges and the broader impact on landscapes. The concept of biocultural diversity was explored, highlighting the loss of traditional knowledge about culturally significant plants and landscape management. Participants engaged in discussions about the importance of fire in maintaining the health and biodiversity of fynbos, grasslands and savannas.

Participants spent the afternoon exploring the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, immersing themselves in fynbos, forests, wetlands and rivers. This practical experience deepened their understanding of the biomes they discussed earlier. A visit to the penguin colony at Stoney Point provided insights into Marine Protected Areas and their importance for ocean and penguin conservation.

On Sunday, the focus shifted to integrating maths and data analysis into biomes education. Educators practised key mathematical concepts and used climate data from NRF-SAEON’s research sites to analyse rainfall patterns across different biomes. This hands-on session emphasised the importance of data and computer literacy in understanding environmental changes.