Special-Exhibition
Museum Koenig presents to the public for the first time the fascinating results of an extensive German-African research project. Sponsored by BMBF.
22.11.2007 to 11.01.2009 (extended)
1st floor
The travelling exhibition "Africa's Wealth - Exploration, Use and Conservation of Biodiversity" presents the diversity of biological resources in Africa and its manifold values for mankind, while raising the question of how to preserve this unique treasure for future generations.
The number of species within Africa is amazingly large - and still vastly unknown. For example, more than 500 species of Erica grow on Table Mountain in South Africa, whereas Germany houses only three native species.
African and German researchers representing diverse study disciplines joined forces in order to achieve a better understanding of the complex relations between people and biodiversity. More than 350 researchers from Africa and Germany participate in the BIOTA AFRICA project. Funds for the project, and for the present exhibition, are provided by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), as part of Germany's commitment to fulfil its national obligation to the UN Convention on Biodiversity.
African and German researchers representing diverse study disciplines joined forces in order to achieve a better understanding of the complex relations between people and biodiversity. More than 350 researchers from Africa and Germany participate in the BIOTA AFRICA project. Funds for the project, and for the present exhibition, are provided by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), as part of Germany's commitment to fulfil its national obligation to the UN Convention on Biodiversity.
The exhibition "Africa's Wealth" presents the project's major research objectives and results. It displays the beauty of African biodiversity and demonstrates local and global benefits that are derived from it. The exhibition clearly illustrates that biodiversity is indispensable to our livelihood and presents means to maintain it. In the autumn of 2008, the exhibition will open in South Africa, where it will commence its tour through the continent.
Understanding Biodiversity
Plants, Animals, fungi, micro-organisms, as well as ecosystems, genes, and last but not least, mankind, are all parts of biodiversity. The visitor is engulfed by the wealth of African rainforests and gets an insight into the work of the researchers.
Utilising diversity
To fulfil our daily needs, we use products that are derived from natural resources. The beauty of African products is impressive, whether these are natural or skillfully designed. The dependency of mankind on ecosystem services is also illustrated; for example, services provided by pollinators or by soil-dwelling organisms.
Endangered diversity
Mankind has a profound impact on its environment. Human Activities increasingly lead to loss of biodiversity. The visitor learns about the indigenous vegetation in different African regions - and recognizes how changes caused by over-exploitation turn these into inhospitable deserts.
Maintaining Biodiversity
While Information, capacity building, and the designation of protected areas are crucial for the maintenance of biodiversity, the most important course of action is the advancement of sustainable development strategies. An amazing, long-known agricultural system has been optimized by the BIOTA project: soils that have previously been infertile can produce high yields or grow forests again with the help of termites.
Guided Exhibition tours for groups
Booking by
e-mail*, or Tue-Thu between 2 pm - 4 pm at +49 (0) 228-9122-227
(*Booking by e-mail will only be valid after confirmation.)
Offers for schools
Free guided tours for school classes
Booking by e-mail*, or Tue-Thu between 2 pm - 3,30 pm at +49 (0) 228-9122-218
