There is pressure on all polystyrene producers to ensure their polymers remain in a resource loop and are recycled into new functional products. This is why Danone, manufacturers of yoghurt tubs, have joined the non-profit product recovery organisation Polystyrene Association of SA. According to the Adri Spangenberg, the Polystyrene Association’s Chief Executive Officer, … [Read more...]
Only 12 years to avert 2 degrees of global warming
Only half a degree warmer would result in double the severity of the consequences to this planet. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was released on 8th October. It focuses on the differences between a 1.5- and 2-degree global warming future climate scenario. The main points of the report, based on 6000 scientific papers and approved by all … [Read more...]
Gauteng campaign teaches kids the importance of forests
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...]
WESSA celebrates environmental achievements with annual awards
WESSA has paid tribute to a wide range of outstanding environmental achievements with the presentation of the organisation’s 2017 Annual Awards. The Awards were presented at the organisation’s 91st AGM, hosted by WESSA’s KwaZulu-Natal Regional Membership at the Protea Hotel Durban Edward on Saturday. The WESSA Awards, which have been presented since 1974, enable WESSA to … [Read more...]
School project brings eco education and animal awareness
Developing learners' appreciation for nature and understanding of ecology is essential for their adaptation to a changing world and ability to be caretakers going forward. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with Africa Foundation and andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, launched a new environmental education project in the Mduku … [Read more...]
WESSA hosts international environmental education event in SA
This week WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) played host to the 2016 international FEE Eco-Schools conference – also known as the National Operators’ Meeting (NOM) – in Johannesburg. The three day event saw 85 delegates from over 50 countries around the world come together for an exchange of knowledge and best practices around environmental education … [Read more...]
WESSA graduates say “YES” to greener futures
Over 100 enthusiastic young participants on the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Youth Environmental Services (YES) Programme are equipped to pursue careers in the green economy after having received their graduation certificates at a ceremony held in Caledon today. This group is the latest intake of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds that have completed the year-long … [Read more...]
People’s Climate March calls everyone to join in solidarity
What will it take to finally achieve total inter-generational and inter-racial solidarity for the sake of our future on this planet? The people’s climate march On September 21 last year was the greatest mobilisation on climate change in history, with over 700 000 global citizens marching in the streets with banners in over 250 countries. In New York alone, 400 000 people … [Read more...]
Berg River swim cut short by high water pollution and low flow
High water pollution levels and exceptionally low flows have forced extreme swimmers Andrew Chin and Henko Roukema to abandon their quest to swim the length of the Berg River. They had set off on Monday 19 October on an initiative to heighten awareness around the state of our rivers by swimming the Berg from source to sea. Yet the polluted water caused such illness in the … [Read more...]
Environmental heroes recognised at sustainability-themed event
There are remarkable individuals and groups in this country who treasure our environment through innovative service. The 2015 National WESSA Awards have been presented to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of five individuals and groups. Dr John Hanks, Ntokozo Mbuli, Franz Fuls, the Paul Roux Residents’ Forum and the ROSE Foundation all received awards at a … [Read more...]
Learners rewarded for addressing SA water challenges
Danville Park Girls' High School in Durban North, KZN, was awarded first place at the National Water Explorer Awards event that was held on Thursday 3 September at the Durban Botanical Gardens. The Water Explorer programme is a two-year collaboration between the UK NGO Global Action Plan (GAP) and the international banking firm HSBC that aims to engage learners in eleven … [Read more...]
Concerns abound over amended Fuleni coal mine application
Is it a good idea to develop an anthracite coal mine right on the boundary of the world-renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park? WESSA is deeply concerned about the renewed attempt by Ibutho Coal to do so. The proposed Fuleni mine has the potential to severely and irreversibly impact this flagship nature reserve as well as the communities of the Fuleni-Umhlana area. WESSA … [Read more...]
WESSA project wins UN award for water commitment
A joint water project initiated by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) under the Chief Directorate Transformation and by WESSA Eco-Schools has won a United Nations-Water “Water for Life” Best Practices Award. The DWS/WESSA Eco-Schools Water Project was awarded in the category “Best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and education practices” and shares … [Read more...]
