The annual Biodiversity Careers Expo was organised and hosted by the local Biodiversity Education and Empowerment (BEE) team from HPNBG on 11 August, in collaboration with the WC Education Department (WCED). Exhibitors included Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Iziko Museum (Cape Town), CapeNature, Iimbovane Outreach Programme (Stellenbosch University), HIK Abalone, and SANBI Scientists (Compton Herbarium and Horticulturists).

Participating were all grade 10s from all Overberg schools, including Qhayiya, Hermanus, Umyezo Wama Apile Combined, Gansbaai, Swellendam, Swartberg, Groenberg, Villiersdorp, Albert Myburgh, Bredasdorp and De Villiers Graaf high schools.

Learners were exposed to careers in horticulture, astronomy, entomology, marine biology, aquaculture, marine ranging, taxonomy and archaeology.

Groups of learners spent 15 minutes at each exhibit before moving on to the next. After visiting all the exhibits, learners were taken by the HPNBG garden team to explore the garden. The highlight was the visit to the newly opened Disa Kloof waterfall.

Of much interest were the Science Projects exhibitions from Overberg, Bredasdorp and Hermanus high schools, who are regulars in showcasing their research projects. These inquisitive scientists-in-the-making amazed us with their projects which included inquiries into a variety of scientific fields.

Using evaluation forms, learners indicated their favourite stand; among the popular stands, Iziko Museum and Imbovane rated top.

The biodiversity careers expo is always a great success, inspiring all participants, from the organisers and exhibitors to the learners. In the future we hope to introduce new features and hope that Botsoc members will consider contributing their resources and expertise to spark additional interest in careers in the environmental sector.

We would also appreciate the assistance of Botsoc members in the form of educational freebies and interesting books or magazines.