International Day for Biological Diversity (22nd May)
It’s really easy for the lucky people living on the East Coast of Southern Africa to celebrate Biological Diversity – especially those lucky enough to be living along the KwaZulu Natal coastline. South Africa is the third most bio-diverse country in the world and boasts a spectacular variety of marine animals. KwaZulu Natal enjoys this rich bio-diversity as it is positioned at the junction between the tropics and temperate zones. Species from the cold Cape waters as well as from the warm waters of Mozambique are able to thrive in the merged KZN waters.
Not only are we a sought after spot for local species but we provide a stopover for migrating species like the humpback whale and hawksbill turtle to name a few.
Bio-diversity is important for our survival as the greater the variety of species the more likelihood we will have of some species being able to withstand climate change and other natural and manmade environmental changes.
What can you do?
- Be aware of your daily environmental footprint
- Think before consuming seafood – enquire about the SA Sustainable Seafood Initiative
- Be very proud of South Africa’s status as third most bio-diverse country and understand the responsibilities that come with this privilege.
- Lastly, don’t litter: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
