Both marine and terrestrial, science and conservation, fauna and flora, the whole spectrum of nature’s beauty was displayed at the annual Biodiversity Careers Expo held on the 6th August 2015 at Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, Betties bay. Here, Iimbovane’s display of microscopes and insects certainly attracted the attention of many.
The expo, which is organised by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), is an annual event where learners in Grade 10 and Grade 11 are exposed to different careers in biodiversity science.
The day kicked off with a walk in garden where the learners could admire the diverse beauty on that crisp late winter’s morning. Once everybody had warmed up, the learners were introduced to all the exhibitors. Among them were HIK Abalone, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, Iziko Museums and Cape Nature.
The Iimbovane exhibit was definitely the highlight of the day for many learners. At the exhibit, the learners were first taught about the importance of invertebrates, then courses offered in entomology, biodiversity and invasion science as well as the entry requirements and examples of places where one can work once qualified. Learners were also treated to microscopes where they could inspect different types of invertebrates. Many learners were amazed by the integral role that insects play and were amazed by the diversity seen under the microscopes.
Schools invited were from the Overberg District and approximately 175 learners visited the Iimbovane exhibition.
