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...]
Navigating the risks of polypharmacy
While the world witnesses a constant evolution in style, governance, and personal aesthetics, a contrasting trend emerges in the realm of healthcare. A significant number of patients find themselves in a cycle where their medical prescriptions remain unchanged over time, with the only variation being an increase in the quantity of medications they must manage. Polypharmacy, … [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...]
Food Secure Challenge ignites innovation in Stellenbosch
In the face of mounting challenges to food security, both in South Africa and across the African continent, Stellenbosch Network has taken a bold step to spark change at the grassroots level. With a resounding response to the #IdeasForChange Food Secure Challenge, the community is proving that even small initiatives can make a significant impact. The Urgency of Food Security … [Read more...]
The ABCs of CBD Products
The TNHA were the organisation which successfully motivated the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to lower CBD from schedule 4 under to Schedule 0 complementary medicine within certain exemption criteria in 2019. This lead to CBD containing products becoming a popular non-prescription choice for health-conscious consumers. Demystifying CBD Extracts … [Read more...]
Here’s why South Africa is winning at recycling
When it comes to collection and recycling PET plastic (think plastic beverage bottles), South Africa is on par with many countries in Europe – thanks in part to the hard-working people in the collection and recycling sector around the country. Now, a newly released docu-series titled Sorted, directed by veteran actor-director Louw Venter, showcases these inspiring champions … [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...]
More packaging return programmes needed
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) enlisted South Africa as one of the 16 countries that participated in this year’s global ‘Trend Tracker Survey.’ The biennial consumer research study, driven by Two Sides, seeks to understand consumer perceptions towards print and paper products, looking specifically at environmental awareness, reading habits, and … [Read more...]
Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza
With essential supplies running out in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. “For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in … [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...]
South Africans are concerned about climate change
Epson’s latest Climate Barometer survey – the third edition since the survey began in 2021 – has revealed new insights around South Africans’ attitudes and behaviours towards climate change, an imminent climate crisis, and taking action to make a difference for the betterment of the environment. After poverty (68.4%) and the rising prices of goods and services (64.2%), the … [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...]
