Almost a week later, and the Kiani Satu cargo ship remains stranded off the coast of Buffels Bay, Knysna. Officials are working hard and fighting the elements to float the vessel away from the protected coastline. Saturday morning 3 tonnes of oil had spilled into the ocean. By Monday 15 tonnes had entered the marine protected coastline of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which … [Read more...]
Help save KZN wildlife
In the Midlands of Kwazulu-Natal, a small team makes a big difference to the area's unique wildlife, and with no funding from the government or municipality, they need all the help that they can get. FreeMe KZN Wildlife Rehabilitation is situated outside Howick in the Midlands area of KwaZulu-Natal. It was the dream of a lady named Adele Malan, who had worked for FreeMe … [Read more...]
“No” to forestry in fynbos areas
It may no longer make economic or environmental sense to pursue forestry endeavours using conifers in the Western Cape. If local plantations are to be maintained, invasive pine trees will continue to spread, the Cape’s water supply will continue to dwindle and the unique natural diversity of the fynbos region will be changed forever. This is the opinion of two of South … [Read more...]
Take back the City’s waterways
A group of intrepid social activists and outdoor adventurers will take to the Peninsula’s rivers, vleis and canals to highlight the plight of Cape Town’s inland waterways. The third Annual Peninsula Paddle, set to take place on Sunday, 3 June 2012, will see paddlers use kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle (SUP) boards to traverse the waterways from False Bay in the South to … [Read more...]
Honouring the Princess
Correcting the imbalances of the past is the core message arising from the Princess Vlei Controversy. "I tell you I will lie down in front of any bulldozer!" said a resident who has lived within the environs of Princess Vlei for more than 60 years. This desperation was one of many equally urgent responses made at a meeting of the Princess Vlei Forum early in May in response … [Read more...]
New hope for Ukraine’s brown bears
Four Paws International Animal Welfare Organization has successfully rescued a 5 year old brown bear named Rosa, after two days of careful negotiations with her owner, to release her from captive employment as a roadside entertainer in the Ukraine. Rosa was transported by FOUR PAWS last month to the bear Rehabilitation Centre at the National Nature Park Synevyr, officially … [Read more...]
Mining threatens Mapungubwe heritage site
On 8 April 1933 a remarkable discovery was made in the Transvaal. A grave of unknown origin, filled with gold-work, was found on a natural rock stronghold in a wild region. This site was Mapungubwe Hill, which serves as the capital of the ancient Mapangubwe Kingdom, situated on the borders between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. This area of a former flourishing Iron … [Read more...]
Kayamandi residents take ownership of their river
South Africa is the first country in the world to adopt water as a human right. A large group of Kayamandi residents gathered at the Kayamandi Economic and Tourism Centre on Human Rights' Day to celebrate Water Week. They were entertained by the Department of Water Affairs' own personal choir and inspirational speakers who urged them to take ownership of the Eerste River. The … [Read more...]
Caging the Wild Coast
When rumours started flying that dune mining might be allowed at the Wild coast, tempers flared and serious discussions started happening around the water cooler. Fires were cooked all the way up to the minister of environmental affairs, and rightfully so. With so many protected areas on the brink of being exploited for the economic good of the country, environmentalists are … [Read more...]
