WILDOCEANS is one of several organisations including Oceans Not Oil, South Durban Community Environmental Association and Green Connection, who have submitted comment opposing the proposed offshore exploration drilling and associated activities by oil company TOTAL. There are procedural, climatic, socio-economic and ecological concerns that WILDOCEANS have raised linked to … [Read more...]
Reopening local tourism to secure employment for many
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...]
IUCN lists 15 new sites as world’s best protected areas
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has admitted 15 new natural sites to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas – the first global standard recognising best practice in protected areas. Sites in Egypt, France, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Peru and the United Arab Emirates received the certification today at the ongoing UN Biodiversity … [Read more...]
Hermanus’ precious Fernkloof Nature Reserve under threat
The Overstrand Municipality has drafted an Integrated Management Plan for the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. This without prior consultation with either the Fernkloof Advisory Board or Vogelgat Reserve. Fernkloof is a biodiversity hotspot and the 'Crown Jewel' of Overberg Conservation. Once again it is under threat by the Overstrand Municipality which is entrusted to protect and … [Read more...]
Save Langebaan Lagoon from a potential aquaculture disaster
Most people associate Langebaan on the West coast of South Africa with the dramatic scenic beauty of the unspoilt tidal lagoon, its long stretches of pristine beaches and sheltered bays, providing protected waters and a temperate climate for a wide variety of leisure activities throughout the year. However, this RAMSAR site of international importance and tourist hot spot is … [Read more...]
Development threatens nearly half of all natural World Heritage Sites
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. These are just three of the 238 natural and mixed (cultural and natural) sites designated as World Heritage by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. And all three are threatened by human development. They’re not alone. … [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...]
