WESSA is excited to launch a new environmental education programme for schools that is aimed at increasing knowledge about the key role forests play in enabling sustainable life on our planet, including the cultural, ecologic, economic and social functions and benefits. LEAF (Learning About Forests) is an innovative, international programme that encourages learners and … [Read more...]
Green movers and shakers recognised in Cape Town
South Africa sports a strong bunch of green heroes focused on crafting of a culture of activism, responsibility and social enterprise. This was celebrated last week at the Eco-Logic Awards gala event in Cape Town, where environmental innovators, movers and shakers were recognised for their efforts. “This year’s competition was a clear demonstration of how eco-logic … [Read more...]
Calling for exciting environmental project ideas!
“Cape Flats Nature Partners’ Fund” offers small grants for projects that spark community nature conservation action on the Cape Flats. The Fund was launched by the Table Mountain Fund (TMF) in partnership with the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in the last quarter of 2013. Since then four of the small grant projects on the Cape Flats have been shortlisted, … [Read more...]
SA’s flower show contribution inspired by biomimicry
It is inspirational to see how well we are able to meet the mandate for the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May. The theme is In Harmony with Nature. The Kirstenbosch launch to showcase this year's design was exciting and the designers are to be highly commended! David Davidson and Ray Hudson have taken inspiration from our wealth of biodiversity and created a design to … [Read more...]
Citizen scientists monitor change for early warnings
‘Science by the people, for the people,’ the role of citizen scientists is one of the chapters in a new book launched on International Biodiversity Day during a celebratory day at Kirstenbosch. This is also the space into which the Green Times fits – translating into ordinary language and spreading important life-sustaining science by the people, for the people. Our … [Read more...]
The god of small things
On a botanical trip to one of the most neglected parts of our country – Klein Pella, near Aggeneys in the Northern Cape – the title of this famous book by Arundhati Roy developed a whole new meaning in my heart. I was invited to share one day in the veld with scientists, students and academics on the 2013 Enviro Outreach project, sponsored by Toyota Southern … [Read more...]
iSpot brings science to the people
“It is hard to care about something if you can’t recognise or name it, so learning to name what you spot in nature is important.” So said Carmel Mbizo during the launch of iSpot at Kirstenbosch by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). This is an online biodiversity application where all citizens, from taxonomists to the domestic gardener can participate in … [Read more...]
Ensuring a future for SA’s frogs
Across the globe, amphibian numbers have been in fast decline since first reported in 1990. Habitat change due to human population growth has been identified as the leading factor, but in pristine habitats population reductions are as a result of a number of factors including ultraviolet light, climate change and infectious diseases. The South African National Biodiversity … [Read more...]
SA is world leader in plant species survey
In one of the continent's largest collaborative conservation projects to date, South Africa has become the first of the world's mega-diverse countries to fully assess the status of its entire flora - a staggering 20 456 species. The assessment was published in a book entitled the Red List of South African Plants, which was launched at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town on Earth Day by … [Read more...]
