Under lockdown level 3, many sectors have been allowed to trade or operate to some degree. However, the tourism and leisure sectors have remained closed for months, impacting on thousands of jobs and the finances and well-being of millions of South Africans. Reopening local tourism may contribute to securing employment for many, which would act as a lifeboat for vulnerable … [Read more...]
Rhino Conservation Awards to recognise unsung heroes
Nominations are now open for the Rhino Conservation Awards 2020, which aim to recognise those protecting Africa's wildlife. Never before has the importance of raising awareness for conservation and the individuals and organizations who fight tirelessly for it, been more paramount. These prestigious awards aim to highlight the people and organisations who are working … [Read more...]
Residents encouraged to comment on nature reserve by-law
Cape Town residents have until Monday 16 March to comment on a draft Nature Reserves Bylaw devised and published by council. The proposed document intends to protect and preserve nature reserves in the municipal boundaries and ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors to these areas. Cape Town is an integral part of the Cape Floristic Region, with much of its unique … [Read more...]
Relocation success for crucial Mozambique wildlife
In a large translocation operation recently concluded, 388 animals were moved from Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park to Maputo Special Reserve and Zinave National Park. Zinave received 47 reedbuck and 48 sable – the first sable to return to the park in decades. In Maputo Special Reserve 247 waterbuck and 46 oribi were added to the reserve’s wildlife family. There had not … [Read more...]
Western Cape to increase the Protected Area network
Innovative work is taking place across the Western Cape to increase the Protected Area network, and in turn help reach global Protected Area targets. And more importantly, they’re being driven through pioneering conservation models, funded by the Table Mountain Fund (an associated Trust of WWF-South Africa). According to Kevin McCann of conservation non-profit organisation, … [Read more...]
Offsetting SA carbon emissions with indigenous spekboom
Portulacaria afra is a South African succulent that is widespread across the country, growing in most gardens and urban areas. What makes it such a popular house plant is due to it’s superb tolerance to drought and wind. Portulacaria afra is often referred to as Spekboom (in Afrikaans) or Porkbush (in English) and is part of the Portulacaceae family. It occurs naturally in … [Read more...]
Right to food includes the right to nutrition
In South Africa, all citizens have the right to food. Yet the current approach is to focus on food security, forgetting that security doesn’t necessarily mean nutrition. The right to food wholeheartedly includes the right to nutrition. A recent dialogue event, hosted by the Centre for Complex Systems Transitions (CST) in Stellenbosch, raised some interesting views, current … [Read more...]
Recognising impressive contributors at the National Wetland Awards
Do you know someone in the wetland community who demonstrates some of the following characteristics and you think their good efforts should be recognized? Innovative and creative ideas. Encourages new stakeholders into wetland conservation efforts. Voluntary work or work “beyond the call of duty”. Long service and legacy to wetland management or a significant and … [Read more...]
Milk bottles into walkways to protect crucial KZN mangrove beaches
The walkways at the Beachwood Mangroves in Durban were upgraded for World Oceans Day last month by means of recycled plastic, including thousands of milk bottles and plastic bags. This is the day when people all over the world celebrate 'Healthy Oceans - Healthy Planet' and promote the prevention of marine litter. The initiative was a collaboration between Plastics|SA (the … [Read more...]
Ladies in conservation recognised this Women’s Month
What a month for our women in conservation. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) consistently receives recognition for its outstanding conservation of species and ecosystems in southern Africa, through the research it conducts and the projects it implements to address threats to our most vulnerable species. This would not be possible without their women in conservation. This … [Read more...]
Bringing eco education to the leaders of tomorrow
The vision of the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD) is to ensure that sustainable and equitable development is combined with sound environmental practice for a healthy local environment, which sustains people and nature, provides protection for our unique resources and brings about an enhanced quality of life for all. The vision of the … [Read more...]
Tiny Eco-Rangers start early in the Helderberg
Even preschool children are already environmentalists in training in the Helderberg - we salute them during this Youth Week. The Helderberg Eco-Rangers is a childrens group where youngsters meet on regular basis to enjoy environmental activities and outings. Pond plants can become a nuisance and as a result, the Eco-Ranger children are always keen to spend some time … [Read more...]
Conservation scores a goal through soccer
Conservation is scoring through a soccer-based education programme for grade five learners whose neighbours are the big five nature and game reserves in the Eastern Cape. Girls and boys from 13 schools in and around Grahamstown are being taught to “stalk like a leopard, change direction quickly like a rhino or run like a cheetah,” says conservationist and educationist Lesley … [Read more...]
