A first of its kind nature-based tourism experience has been launched in the Northern Cape. The Via Ferrata (iron trail) is an iron cable installed along the cliffs of the magnificent Oorlogskloof Gorge, which will allow tourists to traverse safely along sheer rock faces as part of a unique nature tourism experience. The Via Derrata is on Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm on the … [Read more...]
Addressing energy poverty in South Africa
As South Africa gears up to attend the 28th UN Climate Change Conference – also known as COP28, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30 November to 12 December 2023 – the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says that it is important to have an approach to climate change that centres on the most vulnerable, especially because … [Read more...]
SA game changers honoured at the Eco-Logic Awards
There is an infectious feeling of optimism and comradery in the air when a group of like-minded individuals get together to celebrate the incredible work being done by local individuals, organisations, and communities to build a greener and more eco-logical world. And that’s exactly what the 2023 Eco-Logic Awards, which took place on 9 November at the Two Oceans Aquarium, is … [Read more...]
Water crisis threatens food security and sustainability
Water, the world's most precious yet undervalued resource, lies at the heart of a mounting global crisis that threatens not only food security, but also human and planetary health, warns a new report by WWF. Released on World Food Day, The High Cost of Cheap Water uncovers a stark reality: the annual economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems is estimated to be US$58 … [Read more...]
Rewiring food systems to soften climate impacts
To make more progress in the fight against hunger, the world needs to make at-risk communities less vulnerable to climate shocks and other emergencies, according to the UN World Food Programme. “If we want to break out of the never-ending cycle of crisis and response, we need to address the root causes of hunger by multi-year, long-term projects that shield communities from … [Read more...]
Finalists announced for Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge
The Top 10 finalists for the first 2023 Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge have been selected, from a wide range of cross-cutting green economy entries. “The projects encompass renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, water and sanitation solutions. 90% of the entries are from black-owned businesses, and 46% are female-owned” said Nathi Nkonyane, … [Read more...]
Hunger relief partnership drives impact
In the realm of addressing hunger and food waste, partnerships play a pivotal role in effecting change and driving impact. They can evolve over time, transforming from initial collaborations into impactful, solutions-driven initiatives grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision. The journey of SA Harvest and the OneFarm Share programme is a testament to the power of such … [Read more...]
Civil society urges phase-out of dangerous pesticides
373 civil society and Indigenous Peoples organizations from 74 countries urged leaders at a historic global conference to act with urgency to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). This particular group of pesticides cause the most severe harm to human health and the environment and are considered too dangerous for use. The petition letter to governments and other … [Read more...]
Great success for Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa
The second Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa held last week surpassed all expectations and left an indelible mark on the organic and natural products industry. This much-needed event received resounding acclaim from exhibitors and visitors alike, firmly establishing itself as the Continent's foremost platform for organic and natural products. Held at the Sandton … [Read more...]
Protecting the PHA ecosystem from sand mining
The Water Tribunal says the Philippi Horticultural Area wetland ecosystem is irreplaceable and rejects Consol Glass/Keysource Minerals Water Use Licence to mine silica sand…for a second time. This is another important milestone in the on-going struggle to protect the PHA foodland, the Cape Flats Aquifer in its soil both crucial for the city’s climate resilience. On 14 … [Read more...]
Choose organic to protect soil, water and wildlife
With the arrival of spring, September presents an ideal opportunity to embark on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle, both for ourselves and the planet. Embracing organic food and products in our routine shopping can be a transformative practice that offers improved wellness for you and your family, while supporting the sustainability of our local environment. By … [Read more...]
New global fund ‘welcome boost’ to safeguarding biodiversity
A new global environmental fund marks a major step towards securing the wellbeing of biodiversity in developing countries and will help to ensure sustainable utilization of their natural resources, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Friday. The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, launched at the Global Environmental Facility Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, … [Read more...]
Preventing droughts, floods and soil erosion in Somalia
Somalia is threatened by its worst drought in 40 years. In 2022 alone, there were 42,000 excess deaths and since 2021, at least 3.5 million livestock have been killed and an estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced. Climate change means the situation is unlikely to improve, with extreme weather events becoming more likely. Against this backdrop, recurring … [Read more...]
