City recognises nature enthusiasts this International Biodiversity Day
22 May 2021
The City of Cape Town recently secured first place in two categories of the 2021 City Nature Challenge. In light of International Biodiversity Day today, 22 May 2021 the City would like to recognise the passionate nature enthusiasts who made it possible for the municipality to make the most observations and identify the most species in this annual global challenge. These residents have assisted in showcasing the unique and vast biodiversity of Cape Town.
The following residents have been awarded for their contribution to the 2021 City Nature Challenge:
The resident who had the highest number of observations with an impressive 1158 observations made during the challenge is Hendré Barnard.
The resident who observed the most species during the challenge with an outstanding 530 species observed is Helen Pickering.
The resident who made the most identifications, with an incredible 4416 identifications made within four days, is Alan Horstmann.
The resident who contributed the most towards Marine observations is Carel van der Colff.
Cape Town rose to the challenge considering the onset of Autumn and that there were 419 cities competing of which many are in the throes of spring. Local participants were able to make over 71000 observations and recorded an impressive 4779 species.
‘A big highlight is that the number of participants in this year’s challenge increased by nearly 25% from the 2019 despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This is very encouraging as the pools of residents who are exploring the city’s biodiversity is growing. The challenge is assisting us to create more awareness of the magnificent biodiversity we are spoilt with here in Cape Town and more importantly why the future of our city depends on it.
‘This International Biodiversity Day I want to again encourage residents to get out this weekend and to see the vast range of fauna and flora our natural environments have to offer. I believe the more we experience and witness biodiversity ourselves, the more appreciation we will have for it and be interested in how we can be a part of the solution to protect it,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
For a list of all of the City’s reserves and details about their location, facilities and attractions, please visit https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
