For the first time the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions have been nominated to participate in the global City Nature Challenge, and the Stellenbosch Municipality is calling on residents to participate.
It takes place in two parts. From 29 April to 2 May participants can take pictures of plants, animals, marine life, fungi, interesting organisms and so on within the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek areas. Then, from 29 April to 8 May, uploading and identification of these photos will take place. This is a fun and interactive way of exploring our rich natural heritage, getting some fresh air and learning about the environment around us.
This year 10 South African cities/regions are taking part in the City Nature Challenge. Six of these cities/regions are in the Western Cape: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Overstrand, Southern Overberg, West Coast and the Garden Route.
The City Nature Challenge is a friendly “competition” among cities across the globe to see which city can find and document the most wildlife over a four-day period. The City of Cape Town participated in the 2019 event and won the category for most species observed, out of 159 cities that participated worldwide. Let’s give our neighbours a go this year!
All you need do is register on the iNaturalist app. Then grab your cellphone or camera and begin taking photos of our rich fauna and flora.
These include birds, insects, plants and all forms of life (apart from humans and pets), and then upload them to onto the database. This influx of information gives scientists, educators, urban planners and policy makers valuable insight into the biodiversity of locations around the world.
For more information, or to chat to one of the officials spearheading this initiative, please contact Tammy Leibrandt on 021 808 8180 or tammy.leibrandt@stellenbosch.gov.za or Wendy Mhlauli on 021 808 8167 wendy.mhlauli@stellenbosch.gov.za.
