Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

4-minute read
27 May 2024 | 16:21 CAT

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Image/ Wikipedia

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the greening champion in the City of Joburg, recently celebrated the International Day of Biodiversity.

The United Nations (UN) has proclaimed May 22 as International Day for Biodiversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

This year’s theme, ‘Be Part of the Plan’,’ focuses on everyone’s commitment to preserving, stopping, and reversing biodiversity loss. 

“It is largely about education and informing the public about the various species around the world and reasons for their declining populations globally including their ecological significance,“ a spokesperson for the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley, explains to Radio Islam International. 

Moodley pointed out that there is a huge habitat loss relative to climate change, poaching, pollution, and littering in our cuties, which is a huge concern and threat to biodiversity. 

According to Moodley, the call to action has seen many volunteers and an amazing community unite at Rose Park, encouraging citizens to act alike. 

“They’re not only active, they observe the various runs in the park while maintaining the cleaning and planting,“ says Moodley. 

Meanwhile, The department said the Cabinet recently approved the White Paper on the Conservation and the Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity as the guiding framework, which sets out the goals and objectives aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 

“South Africa is rich in biodiversity, which is crucial for our ecosystems to function effectively, providing us with clean air, water and medicinal resources amongst the many benefits we derive. The White Paper is a milestone achievement for South Africa, as it is aspirational and advocates for a society where all people have a high quality of life, a voice and a nurturing earth supporting them,“ said Creecy.

According to the department, the White Paper also promotes the equitable biodiversity benefits for South Africa’s current and future generations. 

Strategic objectives have been set, including improving biodiversity management to strengthen the economy, rural development, job creation, and social well-being.

Listen to the full interview on The Early Morning Sunday Show with Muallimah Annisa Essack here.