The Urban Caracal Project in Cape Town is dedicated to protecting biodiversity and urban wildlife through research and conservation initiatives. The project emphasizes responsible pet ownership, particularly in protected areas where dogs can pose a risk to local wildlife. The recent loss of Hope, a studied caracal and symbol of adaptability, highlights the importance of this mission and the need for cooperative efforts to preserve the delicate balance between urbanization and nature.
Learn about Vergelegen Wine Estate, a trailblazing example of ecofriendly winemaking and biodiversity conservation in Somerset West, South Africa. With 1,900 hectares designated as a nature reserve and solar power facilities installed, Vergelegen serves as a model for sustainable practices in the wine tourism industry. Visitors can explore the estate’s environmental legacy on guided tours, spotting native cattle, bontebok, eland, and a rare subspecies of zebra, amidst indigenous fynbos and breathtaking landscapes. Vergelegen’s unwavering commitment to sustainability has earned it numerous awards and recognition as a leader in environmental restoration and management.
In the Cape Peninsula, a diverse group of organizations has formed the Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT) to address the future of the area’s Chacma baboon population. The JTT consists of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town. The team has been working on a Baboon Strategic Management Plan (BSMP) draft, which they aim to finalize by the end of September. This project has sparked considerable public interest, with over 800 comments submitted by concerned citizens.
Calling all botany enthusiasts! The FynbosLIFE Fair is returning to Zandvlei Lookout in Muizenberg this Sunday. This daylong event is perfect for anyone looking to cure ecoanxiety and explore the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR). ## Event Details
Cape Town’s art scene is constantly evolving, and the latest creative collaboration between lensbased artist Lien Botha and painter Jaco van Schalkwyk is a testament to this. The two artists, with close ties to the Barnard Gallery, have teamed up to curate an exhibition that explores conservation, nature, and storytelling through visual imagery.
Six wine farms in South Africa’s Western Cape have been recognized as WWF Conservation Champions for their exceptional commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable production practices. These farms Boland Cellar, De Grendel, Glenwood Vineyards, Hartenberg Family Vineyards, Lomond Wine Estate, and PaardenKloof Estate have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to regenerative farming practices, such as biodiversity conservation and land protection for endangered species.
South African Grade 11 learners have been invited to embark on an unforgettable expedition to the frozen continent of Antarctica, as part of the Matrics in Antarctica (MIA) challenge. This annual venture is an incredible opportunity for five matriculated learners to explore a different corner of our planet. They will be accompanied by explorer Riaan Manser and will depart from Cape Town International Airport on board an Ultima Allusion cargo plane, before touching down on the colossal expanse of Antarctica after a sixandahalfhour flight.
African penguins are on the brink of extinction, and if current trends continue, more than 500 breeding pairs could disappear annually over the next decade. This decline has already caused the number of breeding pairs to plummet to under 11,000 since records began in 1979. By 2035, this could spell disaster for the species, wiping them out from their natural habitat.
The Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area – Heart of the Great African Sea Forest is a captivating short film that takes viewers on a mesmerizing underwater journey beneath the waves of Table Mountain National Park’s extensive 127km coastline. The documentary showcases the beauty of the underwater world and highlights the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) for preserving ecosystems.
The turtle tribe comprising Bob, Pan, Turbo, and Litchi has been making great progress in recent times. These four fascinating turtles have traveled an astounding 23,900 kilometers collectively in a relatively short period. Talitha Noble, the Conservation Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, has provided recent updates on their magnificent voyages.
A collaboration between the City of Cape Town and Nature Connect has led to a groundbreaking development in amphibian conservation: the Western Leopard Toad Underpass Project. ### Protecting the Endangered Western Leopard Toad
Chapman’s Peak Drive: A Scenic Masterpiece Chapman’s Peak Drive, located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, is a winding route beloved for its unparalleled scenic beauty. Visitors and locals are drawn to its breathtaking vistas of sky, land, and sea, which captivate all those who venture down its path.
The Indonesian island of Bali has long been a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. However, recent incidents of misconduct and disrespect by visitors have prompted authorities to take drastic measures. To preserve the sanctity of the island and curb improper behavior, Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, has announced an indefinite ban on all tourist activities on the island’s mountains.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hosting a consultative workshop to advance the implementation of the 30×30 Protected Areas initiative. The workshop, which aims to address Target 3 of the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework, will take place in Boksburg, Gauteng, from June 68, 2023.
During the recent budget vote presentations in the North West Province, three major departments outlined their proposals for the upcoming financial year. ### Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism
The International Day of Biological Diversity is an essential event that marks the urgent need for biodiversity conservation. This year’s theme, “From Agreement to Action: Building Back Biodiversity,” emphasizes the importance of concrete action in the protection and restoration of biodiversity.
