UNEP has released a synthesis report as a call to action for anyone and everyone to join the #GenerationRestoration movement to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. It details the economic, environmental and social rewards that restoration can bring. Far from being a ‘nice to have’, ecosystem restoration is needed on a large scale in order to … [Read more...]
Perfect storm brews after more issues at Koeberg
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says a combination of factors currently impacting the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (Koeberg), on top of Eskom’s inability to keep the power on, could result in the perfect storm for the country. SAFCEI’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis says, “It is disturbing that one of Koeberg’s two units has … [Read more...]
Campaign opposes Liesbeek River Valley development
On Youth Day, 16 June, we not only remember South Africa’s painful past, but also imagine what heritage we want to leave to future generations. Right now, we are witnessing the threatened destruction of a site of deep remembrance of our past, the ‘sacred’ land on which the Khoi-Khoin resisted colonisation for well over a century. The City of Cape Town gave the green light … [Read more...]
Mqeku Picnic Site: an ideal spot for family outings
Head for the great outdoors, enjoy the early-winter crisp weather and discover somewhere new: visit the Mqeku Picnic Site - a magical unexplored playground only 20 minutes from Hillcrest in the heart of the Valley of 1000 Hills. With Youth Day and Father’s Day both coming up in the next fortnight – families may be looking for interesting things to do together. Mqeku … [Read more...]
Rooibos industry pledges continued commitment to sustainability
While the Rooibos industry has always had environmental preservation at heart, an increased global demand for the tea has compelled the industry to more proactively review its impact across its value chain. Nicie Vorster, a director of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says the industry is renewing its focus on sustainability. “Ecosystems all over the world are being … [Read more...]
Restoring natural landscapes through waste clean-ups
Since the start of the pandemic, South Africa has seen a significant increase in the volumes of medical waste and discarded personal protective equipment (PPE). While most parts of the country receive an adequate waste management service to discard medical waste and used PPE, some towns and communities are afflicted with piles of this waste stream from illegal dumping. “It … [Read more...]
Monaco royalty raises awareness about rhino poaching
Imagine if we had to wake up on a planet that no longer had any rhinos. Will we tell our children that we did nothing as these magnificent creatures were hunted into extinction? What a tragic day that will be! This is exactly the scenario Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco wants to avoid. HSH Princess Charlene’s recent trip to Africa began as an opportunity to … [Read more...]
Why Kenya is conducting its first ever wildlife census
With borders closed during the pandemic, Kenya’s billion-dollar tourism industry has lost over 80% of its revenue. In a report from Amboseli National Park, CNN’s Larry Madowo joins the Kenya Wildlife Service as they conduct the country’s first ever National Wildlife Census. Najib Balala, Kenya's Tourism Minister, tells Madowo that the industry is not expected to recover … [Read more...]
Urgent action needed to prevent fatal nature loss
Hundreds of millions of people across the globe are showing their rising concern about nature. New global research, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and commissioned by WWF, shows that public interest in, and concern for nature has risen markedly (16%) in the past five years and continues to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures came ahead of … [Read more...]
Protecting biodiversity with better waste management
For the past 50 years, human activities have dramatically reduced biodiversity across the globe. We have, through our actions, extinguished our habitats and reduced populations of plants and wild animals by up to 60% so that today, our natural resources and the species on our planet are under threat – from us. In fact, the negative impact we have made is astounding. Just … [Read more...]
Growing pride in African indigenous crops
Nandi Mkwanazi’s agricultural journey started in her grandmother’s garden where she learnt how to grow spinach, tomatoes and chives and rear a coop of Nguni chickens. In 2018 she re-established a 10x12 meter garden in her grandmother’s back yard to feed her family. Seeing the success of her work she quickly expanded and founded Nanloy Organic Farm on two hectares, farming … [Read more...]
Recycling project demonstrates the value of effective collaboration
In a combination of passion for the environment, a drive for economic opportunities, and the need for people to make a living, a number of civil society organisations, government structures, businesses and informal waste pickers are working together to do clean-ups, recycle and repurpose waste material that benefits all, in what promises to be a workable prototype for the City … [Read more...]
Peninsula toads get the inside track
The long wait is over and two toad tunnels are finally being installed along Peninsula Road in Zeekoevlei to allow the endangered Western Leopard Toad (Sclerophrys pantherina) to pass under and avoid being hit by cars. Currently the area is a dangerous one for these toads who cross the road on their way to the wetlands during the breeding season. The project will also allow … [Read more...]
