Category: 2018

Choose to Recycle – Make a difference

The WILDLANDS team recently visited one of its’ Waste-preneurs, a super collector and active community member of Cato Manor, Durban. The aim of the visit was to assess the Waste-preneurs’ journey, how it has changed her life and what she thinks the waste management solutions are in communities such as hers, in South Africa.

Waste has become a major talking-point worldwide and through the WILDLANDS’ Recycling for Life initiative, communities of informal settlements such as Cato Crest, near Cato Manor have started seeing the benefits of choosing to recycle. This Waste-preneur model aids these communities and individuals to create much-needed income for themselves and their families, while cleaning these environments.

The Cato Crest community is situated near the Umkhumbane river. This river feeds into the Umbilo river which cleans out into the Durban Harbour. Due to the lack of service delivery in this area, the waste that this community generates accumulates and ends up in the river which then flows downstream, ending up in our oceans.

Glass and plastic currently dominate the river banks of Cato Crest. According to Hanno Langenhoven, WILDLANDS Recycling Operations Manager, KZN imports about 20 000 tons of glass and out of that only about 1 000 tons are sent back to source for recycling, which leaves 19 000 tons of glass behind in our environment, every month in KZN alone.

“The various materials found along the river bank and in the river include PET bottles, plastic, multi-layered flexible packaging as well as building rubble. These cause our river systems not to function properly, reducing the quality of life and negatively impacting the lives of the communities that live here,” says Langenhoven.

Sindisiwe Sebotsa, a concerned and active member of the Cato Manor community was particularly alarmed at the waste in her community in October 2017 when Durban was hit by a massive storm.

“I woke up got dressed, had my gum boots on and headed for the streets and the nearby river as there was so much waste washed down by the floods. There were so many plastic bottles that some of them were blocking the sewage pipes. That was the day I decided to start collecting the plastic bottles and other recyclable waste. There was so much waste and the bottles I collected were so much that I wondered what I was going to do with them,” Sindisiwe Sebotsa explained.

A friend in Sindisiwe’s community told her about WILDLANDS and since then she has not looked back in trying to keep the environment clean. Sindisiwe has collected over 4 000kgs of waste in a period of a year since she joined the initiative. She continues to encourage and inspire her neighbours to also get involved and make a difference where they can.

With her money earned from collecting waste, she has improved her earning power as she bought 2 Wendy Houses which she rents out in her backyard. She also obtained her drivers’ license.

WILDLANDS run a recycling depot adjacent to Cato Manor, which collects about 1 240 964kgs of waste annually.

You can also make a difference by choosing to be responsible and recycling your waste. WILDLANDS have recycling villages and depots in Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Cato Manor and Richards Bay. Visit www.wildtrust.co.za to find a recycling drop off point near you.

Stars of sports, business and entertainment gather for Gary Player’s charitable efforts in South Africa

Sports stars, businesspeople and professional golfers came together this past weekend at the King’s Ballroom in Sun City for the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola gala dinner and auction. It was another unforgettable evening as the “Union of Golf and Giving” raised more than R 2 550 000.00 for The Player Foundation’s beneficiaries, WILDLANDS and Wings & Wishes.

WILDLANDS is a leading environmental NPO that believes that working with and investing in disadvantaged communities is one of the most powerful ways to spur sustainable economic growth and development. With the support of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, WILDLANDS have enabled the livelihood support of thousands of underprivileged women in South Africa through their collection of waste and growing trees.

Wings & Wishes is dedicated to transporting critically and chronically ill children to the lifesaving specialist medical care that they need. Since inception Wings & Wishes have provided 14 665 transport opportunities for sick and underprivileged children. With the support of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, it is now possible for one sick child to be assisted every day.

The charitable auction is the main fundraiser of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, with the top bid of the evening fetching R250 000 which will see the auction winner off to Japan to enjoy the ultimate front-row Rugby World Cup Experience in 2019.

Other items included a VIP package to the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player, FC Bayern Munich – Ultimate Fan Experience, The British Open and 2019 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational, The Gary Player Wildlife collection by world renowned photographer, David Yarrow, and a bespoke sculpture by artist, Donald Greig.

“The generosity of our guests is remarkable. The commitment and kindness shown to the charitable efforts of this tournament and The Player Foundation’s goal of raising $100 million is simply fantastic,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.

The evening was made extra memorable with a performance by former Westlife member, Brian McFadden, who made a special stop at the Gary Player Invitational during his solo tour in South Africa.

The Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola is the final on the annual series of global Gary Player Invitational tournaments played in Abu Dhabi, London, New York and Shanghai all with the purpose of raising funds to bring hope, help and healing in those cities and countries.

Exciting journey ahead for Somkhanda

Somkhanda Game Reserve covers over 12 000 hectares of land and is a community reserve owned by the Emvokweni Community Trust (ECT) and co-managed with WILDLANDS, a programme of the WILDTRUST. Since its establishment in 2005, it has achieved major milestones and has in the process earned its status of being a ‘Big Five’ reserve. Currently, over 80 community members are employed on a full-time basis and this number is set to increase with the new developments in the pipeline.

In an exciting new development for the reserve, the WILDTRUST, in partnership with the ECT, will be establishing the Somkhanda Community Conservation Centre with a vision of providing a vibrant learning, capacity building and ecotourism space that will underwrite the viability of the reserve for its future generations, ensuring the empowerment and upliftment of the Gumbi people. The WILDTRUST’s vision of a ‘Sustainable future for all’ will be realised as we move together with the community to the next level of this journey.

“Somkhanda is an example of what can be achieved in rural land reform and transformation in South Africa. The project is led by a visionary leadership who want to make a contribution to conservation and at the same time create wealth for their community. We are extremely fortunate and honoured to be associated with this success story and excited to see it develop over the next 10 years,” comments WILDLANDS Executive Director, Dr Roelie Kloppers.

“We are all excited and hopeful that these new developments will take us forward and bring a better life for our community and produce future managers for Somkhanda tourism.  We have no doubt that the WILDLANDS mentorship and management, as we have had it over the past 15 years, will yield positive results for our community,” comments Nathi Gumbi, Emvokweni Community Trust member.

“Following the recent signing of a new 10-year agreement with the ECT, we’re positive that all the important conservation work that has already been achieved on the reserve will continue, cementing it firmly as a signature WILDTRUST biodiversity economy project. This development will promote growth which will see the Gumbi community gain more access to the reserve as well as open more ecotourism and education opportunities,” added WILDLANDS Wildlife Economy Deputy Director, Dave Moldenhauer.

Somkhanda will continue to offer practical and theoretical learning, across a wide range of conservation management and ecological research modules. It will host group tours for academic field trips and youth development as well as volunteer and internship opportunities through an academically stimulating programme that is insightful and dynamic.

This will be led by the WILDTRUST Learning and Development programme to further shape Somkhanda into a sustainable development space. “Through the various training modules we will provide, we will seek to address a shift in values, thinking and knowledge that is crucial in making the changes sustainable in the long term. We believe that this will provide Somkhanda the capacity it requires to lead them into a sustainable future,” said Manqoba Sabela, WILDTRUST Deputy Director – Training.

The WILDTRUST and Emvokweni Community Trust invite you to keep a close watch on this exciting journey – to find out how you can support conservation activities at the reserve, and access volunteer opportunities or available accommodation please email info@wildtrust.co.za or Bookings@wildtrust.co.za

A global celebration as SA announces 5% ocean protection expansion

The approval yesterday of 20 new and expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by South Africa’s Cabinet, bringing the total protection of the oceans around South Africa up to 5% (from 0.4%), is a massive win for marine conservation in African waters. This bold action for our oceans has been spearheaded by the late Minister Edna Molewa of the Department of Environmental Affairs, who published the intention to declare a network of 22 new/expanded MPAs covering at least 5% of the nation’s mainland.

“We congratulate President Ramaphosa and his government for taking this bold step to underwrite the health of our oceans. It is a tribute to the visionary leadership of the late Minister Edna Molewa and her team who have worked so hard to achieve this important outcome,” said Dr Jean Harris of WILDOCEANS. “This will ensure South Africa is on track to meet our international obligation to protect 10% by 2020, and the scientifically recommended 30% by 2030.  Critically, it will safeguard marine resources for the benefit of all South Africans.”

A broad-based coalition of organisations including WILDOCEANS, Ocean Unite, WWF-SA, Centre for Environmental Rights and the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) have been supporting the expansion of South Africa’s marine protected areas. In June this year, this coalition launched a campaign called “Only This Much”, which seeks to mobilise a regional movement for increased protection across all African national waters and Africa’s Southern Ocean territories. is determined that the momentum of protection expansion must not slow down and ultimately wish to see 10% MPAs by 2020 and 30% of the oceans around South Africa strongly protected by 2030.

“This development is a massive first step towards greater protection and South Africa have now established themselves as an ocean leader in Africa,” said Karen Sack, Managing Director at Ocean Unite.

Youth Ambassador for the ‘Only This Much’ campaign, Ruth Mthembu, said, “I would like thank the Department of Environmental Affairs and government for putting marine protection first, not only is this wonderful news for South Africans but for the generations to come – as this is the ocean they will inherit.”

MPAs are key tools in an integrated ocean management toolbox required to address the multi-faceted and complex challenges facing our oceans, and to build long-term social, ecological and economic resilience. They are important means of reducing ocean risk from human impacts and providing long-term insurance against short-term threats. They provide refuges for threatened species, allow damaged ecosystems to recover and help rebuild collapsed fish stocks. They offer direct economic and social benefits to people, as well as climate mitigation services.

WATCH the Only This Much Celebration clip: https://www.facebook.com/OnlyThisMuchSA/videos/248375919364276/

Join us ONLINE. www.onlythismuch.co.za

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Impactful partnership for the environment

The WILDTRUST, a leading South African environmental NPO, is partnering with multinational corporation, The Dow Chemical Company who are driving innovations that extract value from material, polymer, chemical and biological science to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems. Their support for the WILDTRUST will be rolled through a grant assistance programme known as the Dow IMPACT FUND, to deliver on a ‘circular economy’ programme that will enable a cleaner environment through recycling, job creation and social well-being.

Despite its magnificence and cultural diversity, South Africa is unfortunately plagued with two challenges which are unemployment and poor waste management. South Africa has a current unemployment rate of 26.7% which equates to 6 million unemployed South Africans, most of whom can be found in rural and peri-urban communities.

WILDTRUST CEO, Dr Andrew Venter says that to address these challenges, the partnership with Dow will support the expansion of the WILDTRUST’s Recycling Village model through which collection points are established in shopping centre parking lots, enabling the potential collection of over 1 200 000 kgs of recyclable waste from approximately 10 000 local homes.

Furthermore, the project will see the underwriting of a sustainable clean-up operation of the Durban Harbour. It will ensure the ongoing removal of the waste that accrues in the harbour, through the employment of a dedicated team of local community members as part of the WILDOCEANS’ Blue Crew (a team of local female entrepreneurs, who collect waste accumulating along our coastline).

This will enable the collection of over 100 000 kgs of recyclable waste from the Port, including 60 000 kgs of plastic material that would otherwise land up in the ocean.
“This important and impactful partnership creates a space to work together to achieve the outcomes that form part of our sustainability vision, and addresses South Africa’s waste and unemployment challenges”, concluded Venter.

The project will also support post-consumer end-use application innovation underwriting the establishment of an experimental extrusion line to test the ability to blend various combinations of multi-material, multi-layer and other unrecyclable plastic into a recyclate that can then be beneficiated into end-use applications like Green Desks, building materials and diesel. Based at the WILDLANDS’ Midmar Recycling depot, this will be run by the existing depot management team and create employment for additional depot-based community members.

Through the WILDTRUST School’s Recycling Programme, these initiatives will be further enhanced by educating the children about recycling, plastic, packaging and the circular economy with the aim of reaching 25 000 learners across 50 schools.

Javier Constante, Commercial Vice President, Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, EMEA concludes, “We at Dow have made a commitment to sustainability, as we see the need for action is clear and urgent. Collaboration is key to everything we do in Africa. There are people here who are already making in-roads into tackling waste management infrastructure and recycling, and promoting a circular economy. It is these agencies, NPOs and partners that we want to collaborate with.”

Dow and the WILDTRUST also joined forces to launch Project Butterfly, an Africa based initiative started by Dow, to clean-up part of the Durban Harbour. Coming together with their customers, stakeholders, partners, government agencies and NPOs, they collectively cleaned part of the Bayhead Mangrove Swamps. Afterwards a networking session was held to further cement their commitment to those making inroads towards a cleaner environment, and to making a difference to local communities.

Students gather critical data about the oceans

WILDOCEANS’ Ocean Stewards recently completed the inaugural Canyon Connections expedition in partnership with the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP).
The aim of the Canyon Connections project is to understand the ecology around canyon heads in the ocean. This year’s work was focused over three canyons in the Delagoa Region, Diepgat, Wright and Leven Canyon.Initiated to provide infrastructure and associated funding support for ecosystem research centred on coelacanths, ACEP is a flagship programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The initiative was triggered by the discovery of this rare species off Sodwana Bay, South Africa, but the scope has since extended way beyond coelacanths to doing extensive ocean research implemented through the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). ACEP’s key partners are the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA – Oceans and Coasts) and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON).ACEP has been in partnership with WILDOCEANS for the last 5 years and has also collaborated on the Spatial Solutions and Biodiversity Surrogacy projects which provided the first visual surveys of the mesophotic habitats in the ocean in the Natal Bioregion.The Spatial Solutions project focused on the continental shelf and shelf edge between Richards Bay and Port Edward where five (5) Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) were identified. Spatial solutions, such as marine protected areas (MPAs), provide important mechanisms to ensure sustainability of fisheries and to buffer global impacts. MPAs offer a cost-effective tool for mitigating risk from industrial practices such as oil and gas exploration and extraction and preventing habitat loss from seabed mining and bottom-trawling.The WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards programme is a strategic intervention, exposing students to offshore marine research, and an initiative creating a growing community of new generation ocean advocates.

The month-long Ocean Stewards Canyon Connections offshore research expedition onboard the 72 ft Research Vessel Angra Pequena, was to gather data that will be used to assist in the understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of the canyons and their shelf regions.

Collected eggs and larvae of fish, small organisms floating near the ocean surface as well as mapped measurements in the water column. Baited Remote Underwater Vehicle (BRUV) and Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) data were collected on the benthic (seafloor) communities and the first pelagic (open ocean) BRUVs were trialled.

The experience was an eye-opener for the diverse group of marine biology students who come from all walks of life. Despite having an academic interest in the marine field, for many of the students it was their first time out at sea.

Jamila Janna, a 2018 Ocean Steward and UKZN marine biology honours student, said that for her the experience went beyond reading a textbook or watching research videos. “It was special being out at sea with scientists and crew. BRUV work required a lot of physical power which I enjoyed especially when we had to retrieve the plankton net. We looked at corals in our coastline and the fish that live there, it was an important expedition because we don’t have that much data on what happens in the benthos of South Africa. Doing this research for a long period of time will allow us to see if there are any changes that are occurring at the benthos. This will also help inform decision making related to the protection of our oceans moving forward.”

The young scientists had the opportunity to experience marine science research first hand while working with experienced scientists from a variety of fields. They were exposed to a range of offshore sampling techniques and research equipment. Their efforts will assist in identifying offshore areas in need of protection in support of the proposed expanded Phakisa Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network in South Africa.

Dr Jean Harris, Executive Director of WILDOCEANS said – “We hope to build support amongst public and ocean stakeholders for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by creating awareness of their value for provision of ecosystem services, ocean risk mitigation, food security, ecotourism benefits and moderation of climate change.”

This year’s data collection focused on BRUV and ichthyoplankton work in areas where ROV had already been collected. In total, the Spatial Solutions project has identified 127 fish species and ROV surveys collected over 60 hours of seabed filming.

Dr Harris said that since its inception in 2015, the Ocean Stewards programme has grown to include sixty-nine third year, Honours and Masters students from 5 universities across the country.  The programme provides a research platform for their projects, including research equipment and operational costs.  “We’re grateful to all our partners who’ve given us support on the programme. I’d like to thank Grindrod Bank and several other partners including ACEP, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the South African Institute of African Biodiversity (SAIAB), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), University of Zululand (UNIZUL), the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the KZN Sharks board,” she added.

Dr Angus Paterson, Managing Director of SAIAB said the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity strongly believes in sustainable development of the Blue Economy. “Government cannot do this alone and thus joint initiatives with Industry and NGO’s are required. WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards programme is an excellent example of a partnership between Government and a leading NGO.”

17 new Ocean Stewards joined the programme in April 2017. In 2018 an additional 16 students have been recruited. This year has seen an increase in the intake of students at Honours level, resulting in 10 new Ocean Stewards; 6 from the University of Zululand (UNIZUL) and 4 from UKZN. The remaining 6 Ocean Stewards joining this year are all final year undergraduate marine biology students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Expanding our marine conservation impact into the Comoros

Late September 2018 will see the start of an exciting project funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) into the Comoros Archipelago. The Comoros coral reefs are an unrivalled marine paradise, with the highest concentration of coral marine species within a small area, in the world. Comoros offers one of the world’s largest coral atolls which parades hundreds of fish species, shells, and corals.

The research team aims to study the marine biodiversity and fish abundance in the deeper (benthic) ecosystems in the Comoros. Research will be led by chief scientist Melita Samoilys, Director of Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), a well-known Kenyan NGO, specialising in generating knowledge to find solutions that benefit marine ecosystems and people.

The deeper habitats that this project will focus on are unexplored and unknown and need protection. “We will be exploring the unknown areas to understand where the sensitive areas are and where the protection should be. We look forward to working with the University of Comoros and the Fisheries Directorate scientists and their students in the Comoros Archipelago, looking at their deeper habitats, deeper than 40 metres. This study will be important for sustaining inshore fisheries, as well as climate refuges,” said Dr Jean Harris, Executive Director of WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. CEPF through WILDOCEANS, will work to empower the Comoros Archipelago science fraternity to understand the nature and distribution of benthic ecosystems and the coral reefs, and how to protect them. “Biodiversity is an essential part of a planet that supports more than 7 billion people,” said Olivier Langrand, Executive Director of CEPF.  “The efforts of the WILDOCEANS project partnership to better understand and ultimately protect biodiverse ecosystems such as the coral reefs of the Comoros are of the utmost importance. The vital services such ecosystems provide, for example as a refuge for fish species, make this type of research an investment in a healthier future for oceans, for the people of Comoros, and for everyone. We also value the fact that this project is implemented by experts from the region in a spirit of cooperation.” To date, CEPF has contributed substantially to the protection of areas around the world.

Local scientists and students, primarily from the University of Comoros, will contribute to gaining insights into conducting fish community surveys around the island on board the WILDOCEANS’ oceanic research vessel, the RV Angra Pequena. The project seeks to achieve impact in four areas, namely, biodiversity knowledge improvement, enhancement of civil society capacity, improved human well-being and creation of enabling conditions for conservation. The research expedition will work to empower the Comoros science fraternity to achieve these four areas. When asked about the exciting opportunity that awaits these students at the University of Comoros, Nirina Rasoanandrasana, a lecturer at the university responded saying, “This is a great opportunity for us to meet scientists in the marine environment, and to engage in an exchange of research and communication. Comoros relies on subsistence fishing, which is contributing to the country’s developing economy. This project will adequately equip us to teach our communities about protecting our precious ecosystems and the parts of it that are unknown, as well as fishing sustainably in a way that will not harm the very ecosystems we aim to protect”. Nirina, who is also a biologist and oceanographer, will be part of the science fraternity joining this expedition.

To include the local community members, opportunities will be created to take some fisheries department researchers and representatives of fisher communities to sea, so they can witness the surveys of the ecosystems and benthic fish species through visual means first-hand. While the main aim is to significantly advance scientific knowledge about nature and the condition of these important habitats, it is also important that local community members are well acquainted with their surrounding environment, by being made aware of marine biodiversity and its value for sustaining human well-being and livelihoods. Beyond that, two local community development organisations, UMAMA and AIDE, will communicate biodiversity conservation and fisheries sustainability principles to school children and local community stakeholders. “An opportunity like this is not only exciting for our organisation, but also for the communities where we are involved. Our communities are willing to learn, and this collaboration will help us to educate and empower them even more”, said Faouz Fardani, Head of Communications at UMAMA.

Sustainability is central to all projects initiated by WILDOCEANS. Generating baseline data for data-poor ecosystems within these key biodiversity areas will result in information being used for future conservation projects and regional marine protected area (MPA) network expansion initiatives. When asked about teaming up with UMAMA and AIDE to facilitate local community meetings made up of local fishing and tourism organisations, Dr Harris said, “Sharing the expedition work we will be doing and learning about the social and economic context of these communities, will contribute to advancing our research in leaps and bounds.”

This project possesses unique and exciting qualities. Scientists and local community members in Comoros will be empowered and equipped to continue the work long after the expedition ends. Various students from the University of Comoros will be trained to use various pieces of equipment, including baited remote underwater videos (BRUV) – some of which will be left with the team in Comoros to use for further research and exploration.

The RV Angra Pequena set sail for the Comoros expedition on the 24th of September 2018.

Youth shine a light on Marine Protected Areas

The youth shone a light on the importance of Marine Protected Areas with an evening of original poetry, inspiration and a spotlight performance at the WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards’ Dinner on the Dock event held at Trawlers Wharf last week, launching a week of mentorship and career guidance.

With the launch of the annual four-day WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards’ Science Sessions held in UKZN’s Howard Campus, which brought marine science students together with a cohort of leading marine scientists on Monday the 17th of September, the Dinner on the Dock was a coming together and celebration of all the work done in the environmental and conservation sector in honour of the oceans.

Honouring the youth’s invitation, guest speaker at the dinner, Department of Environmental Affairs’ Director of Youth Development Nomxolisi Mashiyi said that she was excited to be in the midst of such brilliant, intelligent and committed focused future leaders of South Africa. She said it inspired her to see so many young women in the field of marine science.

“You need to continue with what you’re doing, you need to do more in terms of taking centre stage in managing the environment and being part of leadership in this country because you are the future leaders. So, the decisions that you make today will affect you if you don’t demand 5%. The stupid decisions that we make today are the decisions that you will live with,” she concluded.

The Ocean Stewards’ program was launched in recognition of the threats facing our oceans and provides young marine science students with a formative experiential journey that gives them unique insights into marine conservation and provides opportunities for hands-on research integration relevant to each student’s area of expertise.

The WILDOCEANS Oceans Stewards’ Science Sessions is a capacity building program that forms part of the student’s journey. The programme gives students access to career guidance and mentorship within the marine conservation space.

The youth have become increasingly aware of the threats that the oceans are currently facing and are advocating for increased protection. With a push for 5% marine protection by the end of 2018, some of the Ocean Stewards along with youth from WILDOCEANS as well as youth from other environmental organisations across the country have developed a Youth for MPA (Y4MPA) initiative.

Inspired by the OnlyThisMuch campaign, which is a coalition of organisations supporting the advancement of MPA’s in African waters, the Y4MPA strive to pull together youth from across the country to get passionate and active about ocean protection and governance in any capacity they can muster. Already the Y4MPA have established communication platform’s and have written a letter to the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa to advocate on the behalf of the stalled marine protected area expansion.

This year the Science Session program focussed on MPA’s and the blue economy. Over the course of four days, a cohort of key speakers made up of industry practitioners from various departments including NGO’s and government representatives gave presentations and held one on one engagement sessions with the students. George Branch (Emeritus Professor at the University of Cape Town) and his wife Margo Branch, also presented and gave a lovely story on the launch of the new edition of their book Living Shores.

ACEP (African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme) Canyon Connections researchers also gave a presentation of master’s projects available to the Ocean Stewards next year. Twelve master’s students were given the opportunity to present on the progress of their work and how their projects fit into the bigger picture of MPA’s and the blue economy.

On the final day, following the previous days fun and interactive science communications training by Jive Media, the students participated in the closed round of FameLab heats which is an international science communications platform hosted by the British Council to assess the students on their ability to present and communicate their research. The council hosted a closed heat for the Ocean Stewards who went down from 28 participants to ten and were then narrowed down to 3runners up. The two top students, Merissa Naidoo who took first place and Njabulo Mdluli who earned second place, will be funded to attend the national round of FameLab heats as well as receive the Master of Science Communications training from the British Council where the winners from those rounds will go to the international fame lab stage.

Third runner-up of the FameLab heats Ocean Steward and marine biology student Armstrong Gumbi said this years’ Science Sessions left him speechless, “From the time I first attended the science session I was mind blown because I didn’t know what was going around me and this year you left me speechless by bringing JiveMedia to us as a learning experience. Thank you ever so much to everyone working behind the scenes on our ocean steward family”.

Thank you to donors Grindrod Bank, the Blue Fund and ACEP for making the Science Sessions, Ocean Stewards Programme and the Dinner on the Dock event possible.

WILDLANDS celebrate Arbor Week with partners

WILDLANDS joined hands with its partners to celebrate National Arbor Week by planting indigenous trees at the Ferncliffe Nature Reserve in Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay and Cape Town this week. National Arbor Week serves to celebrate South Africa’s indigenous trees, raise awareness about their importance, admire their beauty and recognise their benefits. This year, the indigenous trees are the Yellowwood (Podocarpus spp) and the Sheperd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca). The Yellowwood being the common tree and the Sheperd’s tree, the rare species for 2018.

Kirsten Oliver, WILDLANDS’s Deputy Director of Restoration programmes comments, “South Africa is a water scarce country, where planting indigenous trees and removing invasive species is one way of mitigating against human-induced environmental and climate change.  These activities also reduce strain on our water resources and protect our natural heritage for future generations. WILDLANDS’ vision is to create a sustainable future for all South Africans and by observing Arbor Week, we lead by example in creating sustainable livelihoods for our people and the environment.”

Shekhar Mahabeer, Nedbanks’ Manager for Workstreams and Initiatives comments, “Nedbank, is committed to initiatives such as Arbor Week and other initiatives in partnership with WILDLANDS. Our aim is to enhance the environmental ecosystems within these national programmes. In doing so, we hope that all future generations are able to benefit from a sustainable environment.”

Other partners who got their hands dirty include South32, Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), the Stellenbosch Municipality, the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF) and Stellenbosch University.

“Together we make a difference and create value through our environmental programs,” comments Thandazile Mnyango, Community Development Specialist, South32.

Melinda Forbay, Corporate Affairs Managet from RBCT comments, “We were so privileged to partner with WILDLANDS in this fantastic initiative.”

Lydia Van Rooyen, WILDLANDS’ Greening Your Future Manager comments, “We are passionate about the protection of our water sources and natural landscapes, especially in the iconic Eerste river. We hope to continue our excellent relationship with the Stellenbosch Municipality, partners and the public to restore more of the ecological river systems by removing alien invasive plants and replacing them with indigenous riverine vegetation.

All the trees planted throughout this week have been grown and nurtured by the WILDLANDS’ Tree-preneurs; community members who grow indigenous trees at homestead level and barter them with WILDLANDS for livelihood support items like water tanks, health and hygiene hampers and education support.

All South Africans are encouraged to take time out of their busy schedules this week to care for their environment and plant an indigenous tree. Happy Arbor Week.

Tendele/Somkhele Coal Mining Case

In an application to be heard in the high court in Pietermaritzburg, evidence will be tabled before Judge Seegobin of how, since 2017, the mine has been violating the National Environmental Management Act by breaching environmental and other laws. The mining company operates illegally next to arguably the most sensitive area in South Africa, with the largest population of rhinos in the world.

Tendele’s human rights abuses and negative impacts on the lives and livelihoods of the greater Mpukunyoni area, where Somkhele is situated, will be tabled in various reports, including the South African Human Rights Commission’s recently released report on hearings with mining affected communities that include Somkhele. Meanwhile, Tendele plans to expand its operation and has identified 124 households to be moved from their rightful land. Many more families will lose their livelihoods and have their lives and health destroyed by living in close proximity to the mine.

“Furthermore, environmental degradation, and the failure to conserve biodiversity, prejudice the realisation of numerous other human rights, particularly the right to equality, but also the rights of access to sufficient food and water, health, housing, land and ultimately, the right to live with dignity.”  [Extract from SAHRC report, p.41]

The application is brought forward by The Global Environment Trust (GET) and members of Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organization (MCEJO) who believe #LawApplies2All. The applicants seek that the court interdicts and restrains Tendele Mining company from carrying on any mining operation in the area until it has complied with the law.

Kirsten Youens, attorney for the applicants sums it up by saying: “We are relying on our judicial system to ensure that justice is done. The law must be complied with by all, not a select few. This is an opportunity for a clear statement to be made that it is unacceptable for mining companies to comply with the law after they have already commenced mining and only when ordered to do so. The environment and thousands of people’s lives are at stake.”

For the latest on this case see the following links:

The Truth about Tendele – Mine throws Lie Line: https://wp.me/p768Un-HN

Summary of the Court case with links to court papers: https://wp.me/p768Un-HV

For background on Save our iMfolozi Wilderness Campaign: https://saveourwilderness.org