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JOHANNESBURG – Friday, May 22, marked the International Day for Biodiversity. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality observed the day by inviting 180 Grade 10 and Grade 11 natural science students and community members to celebrate at the OR Tambo Precinct in Wattville.
Students were tested on their knowledge and understanding of biological diversity issues. Biodiversity is the term given to the variety of life on earth and the natural patterns it forms. The current decline in biodiversity is largely the result of human activity and represents a serious threat to human development.
This year’s celebration, under the theme “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development”, is set to highlight the impact of biodiversity on human life such as the process of photosynthesis, how vegetation can help prevent soil erosion and how to reduce the risk of global climate change as well as the clean and secure supplies of water.