A number of communities are nestled between two of SA’s most renowned Natural Heritage sites, The Kruger National Park (associated with the biggest private land area under conservation in the world) and the Blyde Canyon. These communities have realized that they have a large responsibility towards their environment, as well as a unique opportunity to jointly embrace ecosystem friendly sustainable development. This responsibility and unique opportunity led to the creation of the Kruger to Canyons (K2C) Biosphere Region (ratified by UNESCO in 2001).
As a recently discovered jewel of South Africa, development is occurring at an accelerated, and at times, out of control rate. Therefore the education and creation of awareness of sustainable principles and ethics within the region are of utmost importance.
Additionally, Looking after our natural environment is no longer a cause simply for the conservation minded. In fact, it may become the only way to ensure a good quality of life in the future, with access to sufficient water, secure food supplies, good health and ultimately even our own survival. It is every individual’s responsibility to make the lifestyle and consumer choices to reduce their personal contribution to the causes of climate change and global warming.
a responsible angle on tourism
Managing SA’s reputation in key economic sectors to create strategic advantages that drive investment, trade and tourism in a progressively competitive global market is a high priority for stakeholders.
The relatively successful Tourism Industry in the Kruger to Canyon’s area, which straddles two provinces and multiple municipal jurisdictions, is often fragmented. As one of the key tourism destinations in South Africa, it is the most important driver in our local Wildlife Economy. This area’s longterm sustainability can only be secured through responsible and inclusive growth.
The Hoedspruit Sustainable Living festival will help tourism owners, managers, operators and marketers to become aware of, and understand the Brand SA Concept and how this can benefit them and help grow their individual products together with regional marketing and growth.
living a healthier, more eco-conscious life
Once again the festival will be offering a host of different food demonstrations, showcasing great and creative ways to live a healthier and more eco conscious lifestyle. A Pick n Pay Chef will be showcasing recipes from two main theme’s this year – Seriously SASSI (South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) and “Local is Lekker” using local specialties and the reduction of Carbon Miles.
In addition, there will be demonstrations on Vegan food preparation, Wonderbag Cooking, Creative and Healthy Smoothies and more.
come and get creative
Creative crafts have been proven to be one of the best stress relievers and emotional balancing activities. The establishing and implementing of a creative outlet is fantastic for the brain – particularly for those that use their logical and reasoning side of the brain primarily, and it is a great way to spend time relaxing and enjoying oneself, whilst being productive and developing a visual output.
To get involved in crafts that make use of ‘waste’ material is even more rewarding, and of course can often come with a smaller price tag which has its own benefits in this day and age. The Creative Craft workshops at this festival will help stimulate those creative juices and show you how to get creative with ‘throw away’ items.
The Festival committee has announced that SABC 3 have come on board with Pick n Pay this year as media partners.
exhibitors
The festival has an exciting array of exhibitors lined up for this year’s event, from organic and vegan produce and cosmetics, to eco friendly pest repellents, creative crafts, stylish decor, conservation projects, solar gadgets, wind turbine, water treatment, rhino projects, school initiatives, great food and so much more.
If you would like to book a stand and join up for this year’s event, all relevant information, pricing and registration forms are available here.
Of course a festival is not a festival without all the fun stuff for young and old to do. Green Kids will be offering a Target Paintball set to raise funds for their great initiative and will allow for anyone to test their accuracy skills with paintballs and a target.
advertising your business
A 12-page Festival Newspaper will be produced, which will contain all the necessary information about the weekend. It will also include 2 or 3 interesting articles. Advertising space is available to participating businesses, as well as businesses that are not able to attend this event.
5 000 copies will be printed and handed out with welcome bags, as well as to additional attendees and handed out at the local Pick n Pay store.
In addition to the Festival Newspaper, the Sustainable Living Festival is also offering the opportunity to put flyers/brochures and business cards into the Welcome bags given to visitors entering the festival grounds (3 000 bags are handed out). This is charged at R 200.00.
If you are interested in taking advantage of any of these marketing options, email coordinator@sustainablelivingfestival.co.za.
Check out our calendar entry here, join the Facebook Page for updates, or click on the banner below for the official website.
source: press release
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