Biodiversity Expo at Kirstenbosch

The Biodiversity Expo is an exciting, edutaining and engaging conservation community initiative offering more than 30 exhibits on conservation projects, sustainable development and careers in the industry. Designed to increase awareness about the current conservation action taking place and bring the general public up to speed with what is happening within these organisations.

Competitions to win special prizes and live animals are just some of the things you can expect to enjoy. Interactive and informative, you can discuss, debate and enjoy the exhibits on offer as you wander through the exhibition hall.

Communicating Biodiversity Value through Art

A strong theme at the Biodiversity Expo 2010 is Communicating Biodiversity Value through Art where art is used to communicate the value of biodiversity in the form of art displays, performances and music. The first project under this theme is a venture between SANBI, Ibhabhatane & Frank Joubert Art Centre, which has young South Africans displaying their artworks based on their artistic interpretation of the scientific explanation of Biodiversity

A musical event features classical guitarist Avril Kinsey with Christian Marais, Vernon Barnard and Brittany Dilkes. They will entertain with a musical recital that demonstrates that Music's in our Nature. Kinsey, the artistic director for the Cape Town Academy of Music, presents her selection of “African-inspired” nature compositions, which include the sounds of bird calls, water, insects and other natural effects all created acoustically on classical guitar. Additionally, some lyrical and original biodiversity songs will feature in a performance that is both unusual and captivating. Sunday, 28 March from 12am to 1pm.

How to appreciate and conserve the mountain

For acting junkies enjoy Jungle Theatre's performance of Hoerikwaggo: a fun, interactive, educational play focusing on the importance of Table Mountain as an example of biodiversity and cultural diversity. Concentrating on this natural environment we understand how to appreciate and conserve our mountain with particular focus on indigenous flora, the diversity of animal life and guidelines on how to appreciate and conserve the mountain. Drawing from Khoi San, Cape Malay and Dutch history and mythology, the play illustrates to learners how disparate backgrounds and cultures have formed South Africa's rich history. Sunday, 28 March 1pm to 2pm.

A special talk by Dr Guy Midgley, who was part of the team that was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore in 2007, provides his perspective on the challenges that lie ahead following the conclusion of the Climate Change discussions in Copenhagen. This will interest all who followed this event closely. Sunday, 28 March 2pm to 3pm.

Earth Hour

And, of course, with Earth Hour (8pm) on Saturday, 27 March, the expo will offer strong support on ways in which we observe this important event and contribute to conserving energy across the planet.

Here's the opportunity to become immersed in conservation and gain valuable information from this one-stop exhibition. You'll engage and interact with conservationists and scientists, obtaining first-hand information on biodiversity and how to become involved.

Entry to the expo is free and, for learners, free entry to the garden on Thursday, 25 March and Friday, 26 March (learners must be in uniform or have a valid student card).

Visitors to the expo on Saturday, 27 March and Sunday, 28 March 2010 will only be allowed free entry into the garden provided they have won a garden entry ticket at the expo. Garden entry giveaways at the expo will take place at 9am (100 tickets) and 11am (100 tickets) on both Saturday, 27 March and Sunday, 28 March, 2010.

Expo times

Thursday, 25 March: 9am to 4pm
Friday, 26 March: 9am to 4pm
Saturday, 27 March: 9am to 3pm
Sunday, 28 March: 9am to 3pm.

For more information email Augustine Morkel on