GSB 2024 saw cities and towns throughout the Southern hemisphere participating from 20 -23 September to capture diversity in their areas. People were requested to take photographs of every living thing (other than humans and pets) and to upload these to iNaturalist. For two weeks after this, they uploaded their observations and assisted with identifications. Sharing these observations helps create quality data for scientists to better understand and protect nature
The Overstrand participants in GSB 2024 did an outstanding job this year. Overall we came second in the entire Southern Hemisphere for number of Observations (14 567) – with Greater Melbourne in a very strong lead. Overstrand was the strongest on Observations and second for number of Species in Southern Africa. This is the fourth time we have participated in the GSB and we are thrilled to see the increase in activity. It is wonderful to see Bioblitzing gaining traction and inspiring more people to get involved.
We are very proud of Adele Scheepers from Bettys Bay, who is a BBC and Kogelberg BotSoc member and a keen environmentalist, for taking third place in the Overstrand for recording the most Species (495) and second place for number of Observations (1263).
Huge thanks go to BBC for the inclusion of GSB in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) event and the Kogelberg Gardening Circle for also including the GSB with their cemetery outing which focused on saving and recording fynbos. As the saying goes – ‘Together we are stronger!’.
Congratulations and thanks to the top position holders in the Overstrand – you all did an amazing job. And a special thanks to everyone who took part, including the Identifiers – you make all the difference! The Identifiers are the folk who assist with getting the Observations to research grade by correctly identifying. Across the whole project there were 4 308 Identifiers and 4 out of the top 5 in the Southern hemisphere are South Africans!
Sandy Immelman
GSB coordinator
The BBC congratulates Sandy, the Overstrand Bioblitz team and Adele on these amazing achievements in GSB 2024.