Some of the best ideas come from children, which is why the Big Biodiversity Challenge is betting on the bold ideas of Grade 6 to 9 learners to answer one of the world’s most pressing eco-social questions.
South Africa (22 May 2025) — The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back for 2025; calling on Grade 6 to 9 learners to get creative about answering an important question: ‘How do we live in harmony with nature while still meeting the needs of people and communities?’
Aptly, this year’s theme is Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development. Learners are invited to explore how everyday, real-world environmental issues (food, water, waste, energy and urban living) can be tackled in a way that benefits both people and the planet.
Organised by the Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEFF) with help from CapeNature, SANBI, SANParks, Nature Connect, Working on Fire, the Two Oceans Aquarium and governmental departments, the challenge aims to nurture young problem solvers and get them thinking from a solutions-based perspective.
How it Works
- Learners can choose to go at the task lone wolf or as part of a pack.
- Participants are then encouraged to submit projects in any of the following formats: essays, presentations, eco apps or tech concepts (mock-ups, feature lists or demo videos), social action projects (a recycling drive, school garden or clean-up campaign that should be documented in photos, reports or a video) and creative works (poetry, visual art or music with an explanation as to how the art links back to the theme).
- The competition’s submissions are open until 31 July
- Entries can be made here.
Past Inspiration
Last year, learners impressed judges with innovative and heartfelt entries. Grade 6 learners Benjamin Banda and Polite Masango from Orangekloof Primary used a powerful combination of visual art, poetry, and live performance to raise awareness about water pollution and the human behaviours driving it.
Other learners like Benjamin Draper from Pinelands North Primary earned second place for his ecosystem restoration concept for the Elsies River canal that focused on rewilding the urban water way. Yameen Jeebhay of Westerford High developed an idea for a Conservationist Badge App to reward users for taking part in environmental activities!
Sources: Supplied
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