Sep 17, 2018 | Archives
An exciting partnership between the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and the Radisson Hotel Group has resulted in the Radisson RED hotel in Cape Town being awarded with Green Key status. The Green Key award is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the tourism industry.
The Radisson RED brand has been described as one that represents “a new hotel philosophy that connects with an ageless millennial mindset through art, music and fashion.” WESSA, with its continual focus on youth development, is proud to be associated with this vibrant and dynamic hospitality brand. The Radisson RED in Cape Town is one of only five of its kind in the world, with the other four hotels located in Brussels, Campinas, Glasgow and Minneapolis.
Commenting on the Green Key award, Vince Shacks, General Manager of Ecotourism at WESSA said “Green Key is not only one of the most reputable and established sustainable tourism awards on the globe, but is also an excellent platform to align the work of responsible hospitality brands and NGO’s”. The Radisson Hotel Group recently highlighted in their 2017 Responsible Business Report that with 220 awarded hotels around the globe, Green Key is the main eco-label partner of the company.
On receiving the award, Dale Simpson, Curator of the Radisson RED in Cape Town said “We are very proud to have achieved the Green key accreditation here at Radisson RED within our first year of operation. It has been a wonderful learning journey driven by the team, and it was humble to see the passion, drive and continuous commitment from the team here to achieve something we really believe in and work with every day.”
Green Key currently has 2900 awarded properties in 57 countries around the world. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the same organization that oversees the popular Blue Flag beach eco-label.
It is WESSA’s vision to grow the Green Key label throughout South Africa, and together with other reputable eco-labels, ensure that South Africa becomes one of the most recognised sustainable tourism destinations in the world.
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For more information contact:
Vince Shacks
General Manager: Ecotourism Unit
Tel +27(0)82 337 1273
Email: vincent.shacks@wessa.co.za
www.wessa.org.za
Image 1: Vincent Shacks (WESSA) hands over the Green Key award to Dale Simpson (Radisson RED Curator)
Image 2: Radisson RED staff celebrate their Green Award with the hotels “Green” mascot.
Sep 17, 2018 | Archives
15 September 2018
WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) paid tribute to a wide range of outstanding environmental achievements with the presentation of the organisation’s Annual Awards. These Awards were presented at the organisation’s 92nd AGM, which was hosted by WESSA’s Eastern Cape membership branch at Cape Recife near Port Elizabeth on Saturday 15 September 2018.
The WESSA Awards, which have been presented since 1974, enable WESSA to recognise and honour those who have made a significant contribution to the environmental conservation or environmental education sector in South Africa over the past year in an exceptional and sustained manner.
The WESSA Individual Award was presented to Duncan Paul, the WESSA Group Award recipient was the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservancy Area and the WESSA Award for Corporates was awarded to eThekwini Municipality and Nampak Plc.
WESSA also played tribute to Mavuso Msimang, who was awarded the prestigious WESSA Gold Award for his extraordinary contribution to the transformation of the environmental and conservation sector over the past 30 years.
Grade 10 learner, Dikgang Atlegang of Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg was awarded the WESSA Youth Award.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the programme at the celebratory event was aptly structured around the theme of Local Initiatives for the Environment. Dr Andrew Muir, Chief Executive Officer of the Wilderness Foundation delivered the key note address. He spoke about the biodiversity characteristics of the Algoa Bay area, and in particular noted that the Eastern Cape is the top region in the world for its biodiversity. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality holds the accolade of being the only city in Africa with 5 biomes.
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AWARDS AND FULL CITATIONS:
Gold Award
Mavuso Msimang
In recognition of his long-term vision and commitment to improve the natural and social environments for South Africa and it’s peoples. For more than 30 years, he has consistently displayed commitment to issues of South African environmental conservation and transformation.
WESSA Award for Individuals
Presented to Duncan Paul
In recognition of his many years of hard work and significant financial support and provision of resources for the combatting of rhino poaching in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. This was through the set-up of a K9 unit in the reserve where tracker dogs have proved to be an essential tool to fight wildlife crime by tracking down poachers, detecting wildlife products and recovering illegal weapons and ammunition. WESSA acknowledges his sustained track-record of promoting and securing environmental well-being. We salute his enthusiasm and significant contributions to conservation and ‘Caring for the Earth’.
WESSA Award for Groups
Friends of Blaauwberg Conservancy Area
Under the leadership of Roy Fuller-Gee, this award acknowledges the FoBCA for their enthusiasm, stewardship, network, influence and resilience which created numerous conservation projects in the reserve. We recognise their role in the establishment of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, which includes the establishment of the coastal dune trail, the establishment of a CREW team for the area, the ongoing clearing of invasive species from the reserve and their vigilance in the protection of the heritage value of the property and land.
WESSA Award for Corporates
(Two 2018 recipients)
eThekwini Municipality
In recognition of their commitment to ecosystems restoration and rehabilitation. WESSA acknowledges the highly acclaimed Working for Ecosystems Programme of eThekwini, which has restored ecological integrity and resilience of ecosystems through the control of alien plants. The success of this programme has ensured the protection and preservation of our natural biodiversity, whilst supporting the sustainable development of SMME’s, job creation and community development.
Nampak
In recognition of their commitment to environmental education particularly relating to waste management and the implementation of recycling projects in South African schools. They have displayed a sustained commitment and responsibility to manage and mitigate impact by their significant investment into the development of sustainable products.
WESSA Award for Youth
Atlegang Dikgang
In recognition of his actions as a key initiator responsible for the Paper4Bread Campaign in the Rustenburg region of North West Province. His project has had a profound impact on the school and local community. WESSA acknowledges him as an enthusiastic and thoughtful young leader who has, through his actions had a national impact on waste management. He is an inspiration to all youth of South Africa and we are proud to associate ourselves with him. He is a young environmental leader, and genuine in his commitment to ‘Caring for the Earth’.
Image 1: Atlegang Dikgang – Youth Award winner
Image 2: Mavuso Msimang – Gold Award winner
Image 3: Roy Fuller-Gee – Friends of Blaauwberg Conservancy – Group winner
Image 4: Duncan Paul – Individual Award winner
Image 5: Bheka Nxele of eThekwini Municipality – Corporate Award winner
Image 6: WESSA CEO Dr Thommie Burger, WESSA Chairman Professor Michael Kidd and award winners
Sep 14, 2018 | Archives
The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve was awarded the first WESSA Green Coast award in South Africa. The launch that took place on Friday the 14th of September saw the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (BCA) receive their WESSA Green Coast award. The Friends of BCA and the City of Cape Town is the implementing partner and have ensured that the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve have met all the WESSA Green Coast criteria.
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve was proclaimed a local and provincial nature reserve in 2007. The reserve has a spectacular view down fynbos slopes, across the city, to seven kilometres of rocky and sandy coastline and the ocean and beyond. The reserve presents itself as one of the few viewpoints in the world from where you can see two proclaimed world heritage sites, namely Table Mountain and Robben Island. The reserve effectively conserves critically endangered fauna and flora species, one of which is the African Black Oyster catcher.
According to Rob Slater, WESSA National Coastal Coordinator: “The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve has shown ongoing commitment to conserving and monitoring its sensitive coastal areas and maintained a high standard set out by the WESSA Green Coast criteria.”
The WESSA Green Coast award aims to actively promote sensitive beaches along the South African coastline. The Green Coast Award was created to challenge local government to manage their sensitive coastal sites more effectively and to promote citizen science. Green Coast sites aim to protect one of three main coastal themes namely; sensitive habitats, species and cultural heritage. Green Coast sites appeal to a specific sector of the tourism market who are looking for experiences in adventure, outdoor living and nature tourism along our coastline. The Green Coast award assists these sites by putting them on the tourism map and promoting them all under one tourism standard.
By achieving Green Coast status, Blaauwberg has provided a system for sustainable management of its sensitive coastal space as well as to engaged local citizens to become involved in management of this unique site.
In his keynote address, Councillor Brett Herron, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development said,
“It is an amazing honour for the City of Cape Town’s Blaauwberg Nature Reserve to receive the first Green Coast Status Award in the country.
We want to thank WESSA for recognising the hard work, effort and passion of people in our Environmental Management Department and the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area organisation, who is partnering with us in this area.
As the most biodiverse city in the world, we have a responsibility to conserve and protect this unique biodiversity. But we cannot do it alone. Valuable partnerships with local communities and organisations enable us to sustainably manage our precious fauna and flora while also providing opportunities for environmental education, sustainable tourism and the empowerment of local communities.”
WESSA continues to work towards effectively conserving and monitoring the South African coastline through incentivising sustainable tourism practises and conservation efforts.
For more information contact:
Rob Slater, National Coastal Coordinator – Robert.slater@wessa.org.za
Image 1: Councillor Brett Herron giving the key note address
Image 2: official WESSA Green Coast flag hand over
Image 3: WESSA Green Coast flag.
Jun 6, 2018 | Archives
The EEESAY project, led by Teach A Man To Fish in collaboration with WESSA and the Business World Development Trust (BWDT) made possible with generous funding from the European Union, won Gold in the Green Economy Category at the Eco-Logic Awards, held on the 5th of June.
This innovative project, which takes place in two districts each in KZN and the Eastern Cape, supports high schools to set up a sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses that are run by the learners. The experience learners gain through their business endeavours will either support their academic progress both in school and into the future, and/or enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills needed to set up their own business. The trophy is doing the rounds to the different schools – last week it was with some of the learners from Sobantu High School near Peddie.
The Green Economy Award is presented to a business organisation that provides a product , service or programme that supports the growth of the Green Economy in South Africa.
The Eco-Logic Awards identify individuals, organisations and communities that positively contribute towards a sustainable world – and we encourage consumers to support them by purchasing their products and services.
Contact:
Sue Spies
Programme Manager: Schools Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Email:Sue.spies@wessa.co.za
Apr 17, 2018 | Archives
WESSA, together with many countries around the world, is celebrating the actions taken towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the FEE Global Action Days: a week-long showcasing of the revolutionary work carried out by members of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
WESSA is the implementing NGO in South Africa for five FEE programmes: Eco-Schools, Learning About Forests (LEAF), Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE), Blue Flag, and Green Key. In 2017 there were 853 registered Eco-Schools with over 640 000 learners and 4 265 teachers participating. The projects are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their focus on SDG 4: Quality Education.
Through the Global Action Days celebrated from 16 – 22 April 2018, we are highlighting the activities of participating schools around the country, to showcase and share the positive actions they have coordinated, promoted and participated in throughout the year with a variety of projects that fall under several of the 17 SDGs. These actions taken by South African participants will receive the recognition they are so worthy of on an international stage. The event is open to students, parents, communities and NGOs, both inside and outside the FEE network, and participation by all is encouraged.
The 17 SDGs (adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at a historic UN Summit) came into force on 1 January 2016. With these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change. The SDGs, also known as Global Goals, build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to go further to end all forms of poverty, ensuring that no one is left behind. These Goals are unique in that they call for action by all countries with all income-levels to promote prosperity while protecting the planet, recognizing that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and addresses a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals. Countries have the primary responsibility for follow-up and review of the progress made in implementing the Goals, which will require quality, accessible and timely data collection. Regional follow-up and review will be based on national-level analyses and contribute to follow-up and review at the global level.
If you would like to participate in the Global Action Days simply register online, plan your action and document it by taking pictures, making a video, or writing an article. Join FEE’s Facebook Global Action Days group, share your action, and inspire the rest of the world! Registration is mandatory and you can do so here: www.ecoschools.global/global-action-days/register/
For more information please see www.fee.global/global-action-days or contact Serena Vanotti on serena@fee.global.
#GlobalActionDays
#GlobalGoals
CONTACT
Serena Vanotti
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Programme Assistant
Email: serena@fee.global
Delana Eksteen
WESSA Programme Manager: Eco-Schools
Tel: 066 302 4584
Email: delana@wessa.co.za
Mar 31, 2018 | Archives
Schools in the Limpopo province who participate in the international Eco-Schools Programme recently gathered at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane to celebrate their 2017 achievements. The awards presented at the ceremony were in acknowledgment of the participating schools meeting all the criteria for the Eco-Schools programme.
The assessment criteria for the Eco-Schools programme includes evaluation on schools’ efforts to improve environmental awareness and sustainability practices in the school and the community, developing environmental action projects and learning programmes which have improved their schools’ sustainability practices.
A total of 95 awards were presented to schools during this prestigious annual ceremony. From those that received recognition on the day included 17 schools that received their “Green Flag” for having successfully participated for three years in the programme, 12 schools that received their “Decade Awards” indicating that they have been participating successfully in the programme for more than 10 years while 28 of the schools received their “Platinum Awards” indicating that they have been participating in the programme for six to nine years.
Ten of the Limpopo schools that received awards are supported through funding from De Beers, while six schools that received awards are supported by the Capricorn District Municipality and a further ten schools are funded by Fetakgomo-Greater Tubatse Municipality.
Says Judy van Schalkwyk, WESSA Project Manager for Eco-Schools in the Limpopo Province: “It is an honour to work with schools at local level in the Eco-Schools programme. The awards ceremony is a great platform for schools to showcase their success stories, and share their ideas, challenges and solutions with peers. These schools are truly ambassadors for a healthy environment!”
Eco-Schools is a school-based environmental management, certification and sustainable development education programme of the international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme is implemented in 67 countries around the world and by WESSA in South Africa since 2003. Eco-Schools aims to improve environmental management and environmental learning at schools by assisting them to grow and develop their environmental capacity. The programme supports the National Curriculum (CAPS) and benefits the school in terms of whole-school development and improvement.
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CONTACT
Judy van Schalkwyk
WESSA Project Manager: Eco-Schools
Tel 072 455 2252
Email Judy@wessa.co.za
Images and captions
Image 1: Kgomoshiakwena Primary, Matlou Memorial Primary and Sekanekamoyi Primary schools received their Silver Decade Awards for successfully participating for 12 or more years in the Eco-Schools programme.
Image 2: Pula-Madibogo Primary, Jack Morare Primary, Morutsi Primary, Rammupudu Primary and Mashamaite Senior Secondary Schools received their Platinum Level 3 Awards for successfully participating for eight or more years in the Programme.
Image 3: Waterberg Academy and Marken Primary Schools received Bronze Decade Awards for successfully participating for 11 or more years in the Eco-Schools programme.
Image 4: Baropodi Inclusive Primary, Kgokolo Primary, Rabasotho Primary, Sepedi Primary, Thutlane Lower Primary and Ezrom Primary Schools received their International Flag Awards for successfully completing five or more years in the Eco-Schools programme.
Image 5: Christ the King Combined, Makgwadiba Primary, Ithuteng Lower Primary, Mama Primary, Mokgabudi Primary, Tswelopele Primary, Mahlagaume Primary, Thabane Primary, Lekakaretsa Primary, Sihlekisi Primary, Powerline Primary, Mabonwana Primary and Jameyana Primary Schools received their Silver Awards for having successfully participated for two or more years in the Eco-Schools programme.
Image 6: Bokwidi Primary, Galakwinstroom Primary, Given Mangolo Primary, Leubaneng Primary, Mushi Primary, Reabilwe Primary, Serema High and Supi Primary Schools received their Platinum Level 4 Awards for having successfully participated for 9 or more years in the Eco-Schools programme.
Image 7: Toronto Primary, Mamoyahabo Primary, Mantshabe Primary, Modikwa Primary, Nonyana Primary, Rasekgale Primary, Sepanya Primary, Makgari Primary, Rasebilu Primary, Ridgeway Independent, Sunrise Superkids Primary, Hans Masibe Primary, Kgoka Primary, Chayiwe Primary, Thulamahashe Primary, Senyianye Primary and Maribe Primary Schools received their Green Flag Awards for successfully participating for 3 or more years in the Programme.
Image 8: Educators received various educational resources such as the EnviroKids Magazines.
