CapeNature to host free online series for World Environment Day

In celebration of World Environment Day, CapeNature is set to host an online series for those who want to learn more about nature.

CapeNature is a public institution who took on biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape. It strives to promote and ensure nature conservation, render services and provide facilities for research and training as well as generate income. CapeNature is also committed to improving access to protected areas for local communities in order to promote greater conservation consciousness within the Western Cape.

Learning to love nature with CapeNature

Now during the month of June, CapeNature will present ‘Learning to #LoveNature’, a series of free, online presentations that will focus on a variety of biodiversity-related topics. There will be topics suited for kids and adults. Some of the exciting topics include The Wonderful World of Insects – Nature’s Superglue, Magical Forests and The Fabulous Forms of Fish.

The series kicks off on 11 June 2020 and those interested can RSVP for the event via email.

About World Environment Day

World Environment Day was celebrated in South Africa and the world on 5 June 2020.

“World Environment Day is a day of celebration,” wrote Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme. “It is a day upon which, for over forty years, people the world over have advocated and acted for a healthy environment. From beach clean-ups to mass tree-planting to marches, individuals, communities and governments have come out to stand shoulder-to-shoulder for our planet.”

But, of course, this year World Environment Day had to be celebrated virtually.

“While these online celebrations are a tribute to human commitment and ingenuity, the fact that we have to do it this way means something is terribly wrong with human stewardship of the Earth. This virus is not bad luck, or a one-off event that nobody could see coming. It is an entirely predictable result of humanity’s destruction of nature – which will cause far greater suffering if left unchecked.”

Inger also mentions some scientific facts which “shows humanity’s impact on nature”.

• Humanity has altered 75% of the Earth’s ice-free surface.  
• Since 1990, 420 million hectares of forest, equal to three times the size of South Africa, has been lost.
• Nearly one million species face extinction, while the illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest illegal trade crime in the world.

“This is why we say it’s time for nature. If anyone needs further convincing, perhaps it is useful to highlight some numbers that show what nature already gives us, and how much more it could give if we treat it with the respect it deserves.”

• Around half of global GDP depends on nature.
• Our oceans and forests sustain billions of people and provide green jobs – 86 million green jobs from forests alone.
• Four billion people rely primarily on natural medicines.
• Natural climate solutions – such as afforestation and using greenery to cool our cities and buildings – can provide around one-third of the emissions reductions needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.