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Joel Tsvakwi, Sunday Life Correspondent
THE Natural History Museum in Bulawayo recently commemorated this year’s edition of the International Day of Museum through interactive education and entertainment.
The day was celebrated under the theme, “Fun for all ages, come and learn about trees and fungi,” and it affords the public an opportunity to learn about the work that the Museum is involved in and the role the institution plays in society.
In an interview, the Natural History Museum marketing officer, Phineas Chauke said trees were important to mankind and they rely on fungi for their existence.
He reiterated that the event was meant to impart knowledge while removing some negative perceptions about fungi.
“There were lots of entertaining activities including tree walks, quiz, art work, and many more entertaining and interactive activities.
“The thrust that was in line with our theme was to educate people — both young and old on the various aspects of lives of trees and fungi as well as their importance to mankind,” said Chauke.
He added: “The symbiotic relationships between these two kingdoms of life were explored as part of the exercises and museum experts showed our guests how to collect and identify specimens and how to get involved in science.”
Meanwhile, the Museum’s mycologist Cathy Sharp said there were so many uses of fungi.
A mycologist is a scientist who studies fungi among other things; for their genetic, biochemical properties use to humans as medicine, food as well as their dangers.
“Fungi keep the planet in balance, plants are the producers, animals are the consumers and fungi are the recyclers. Without fungi (and termites and some other insects) the dead organic matter would build up uncontrollably so there is a need for decomposing agents and fungi have to decompose at least 40 million tonnes of dung on the planet every day,” she said.
She added, “There is penicillin produced from fungus and all of our food directly or indirectly depends on fungi; fermentation of fungi with bacteria produce yoghurt tea coffee, and many others through this symbiotic relationship.
“In the soil fungi helps loosen it so that crops can grow giving food to animals that give us meat, milk, clothing as well as timber from trees, the list is just endless,” she said, adding that people should visit the museum to learn more.
Online Reporter