Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest lender, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan are reportedly about to finance a 1,443-kilometer crude oil pipeline through Uganda and Tanzania. If built, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) would be the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world. Extinction Rebellion SA condemns the pipeline project and will take … [Read more...]
Annual fest seeks to educate on wetlands and water birds
The main purpose of the Flufftail Festival, held in Joburg earlier this month, is to teach people of all ages about the importance of conserving water, wetlands and waterbirds. On 8 and 9 February 2019 BirdLife South Africa, in partnership with Rand Water (Water Wise), Toyota, the Rare Finch Conservation Group and Joburg City Parks and Zoo, hosted the annual Flufftail … [Read more...]
Environmental report understates potential catastrophe on the East Coast
In January 2018, environmental consultant ERM (Environmental Resources Management) submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application on behalf of Italian oil company Eni seeking environmental authorisation to drill up to six deep water wells offshore of the East Coast of South Africa (Block ER236) in water depths up to 3000m. On 17 September ERM notified interested … [Read more...]
It’s economically beneficial for SA to protect its natural capital
Healthy natural landscapes such as veld, wetlands, rivers, and estuaries across South Africa generate value to the economy amounting to at least R275 billion per year, a new study by economists at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has found. This is equivalent to at least 7% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), or three times the annual combined value generated by the … [Read more...]
Significant dates of the year for the earth
For many of us our environmental passion emanates from a deep reverence for Creation, based on our faith or spiritual conviction. Hence we are happy to support our fellow green tribe at the South African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute. See their plans for 2017 and good work linked to the upcoming special environmental days. If you attend any environmental event and … [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...]
Eco education for teachers a major gap in SA
More than 80% of current teachers were educated in the past segregated system, when environmental education did not feature in teacher education, or in the curriculum, shows a national research study. Teacher education for environment and sustainable development has been neglected in teacher education innovations in the past 15 years. Three large scale national studies on … [Read more...]
Critical water resources gobbled up by alien invasives
As South Africa continues to battle the drought which is further impacting on already scarce water supplies, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is implementing measures to conserve wetlands – a primary source of fresh water – and to prevent the loss of water resources to alien invasive plants. Since long before the era of the Egyptian Pharaohs, wetlands have supported the … [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...]
City cancels Princess Vlei shopping centre project
The City of Cape Town has listened to the community and decided that the proposal for a shopping centre on the Princess Vlei land is inappropriate and will cancel the project. As an inclusive city, we urge residents to work with us to develop an alternative vision for this land. The City of Cape Town has decided to cancel the proposed sale of a portion of the land at … [Read more...]
Yes to the Princess, No to the Mall
Imagine a people’s park where we can come together to picnic, enjoy nature, be creative and listen to great music? Help us make this happen at Princess Vlei. Come and enjoy: Spectacular live bands including the internationally acclaimed John Wizards and Isongo Livingstone High Jazz Band and our favourite DJ, Rozzano Great food on sale, or bring your own Pony rides … [Read more...]
Raising the Red Flag for Princess Vlei
A red flag has literally been raised at Princess Vlei on the Cape Flats of Cape Town by the supporters of a People’s Plan for the Vlei. The intention behind the campaign launched in November 2013 - with the active involvement of civic, environmental and faith organisations, including SAFCEI - is to alert Cape Town’s citizens to the natural and social spaces in our city that … [Read more...]
Wetlands: Connecting people and planet
What comes to mind when you think of wetlands, swamps, fens, bogs, or marshes? Not long ago most people perceived them to be muddy problem areas that bred mosquitoes. Not understanding their crucial role in nature, wetlands were drained to make way for farmland or development. As our knowledge increases of how wetlands work, they are being recognised as wet wonderlands. … [Read more...]
