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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECTS ALONG THE MALGAS RIVER
With the educational Respect the River events, we are working towards environmentally educating and inspiring individuals, especially those that live along our rivers, to care for these beautiful ecosystems. We need youth to realise the true value of these rivers in order for them to become custodians of our riverine ecosystem corridors into the future. We believe this can be achieved by sharing valuable information about the local fauna and flora.
Events are focussed on sharing knowledge about varies topics related to understanding ecosystems better:
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Indigenous tree identification
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Exotic tree identification with methods of clearing invasive exotic species
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Mini SAS tests to help identify quality of water in the river
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Many more topics to be discussed
It is vital for citizens to really observe and interact with the ecosystems that surround us with conservation in mind, and ask some poignant questions. For example:
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Are the ecosystems healthy or are they sick?
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How do our rivers look that flow out into the ocean or local drinking water dams?
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Is plastics or sewage polluting the river?
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Does it smell clean or not?
Once we have asked these questions, we need to act upon them and either restore health to, or preserve the health of these ecosystems. Both are vitally important for the preservation of and access to clean water. Healthy ecosystems host healthy humans.
AN IDEA OF THE DAY AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL EVENT
In short, what a day is like for the children when we collaborate with SANBI and Landmark Foundation:
The kids that attend are split into 3 groups and rotate between the different topics facilitated by a variety of environmentalists clued up on each topic. Everyone is given a package including a SANBI day bag and reusable bottle, a book and pen to make notes throughout the day, some fruit, juice and a sandwich.
Each group has to write a small test after a morning of monitoring the ecosystem around us & learning new tree names etc. It is always amazing to see what everyone remembers and what the kids love the most about the day. Everyone receives a certificate of participation, that can be added to their CV's one day, and most of all - everyone has a fun day out learning in nature.
The aim with schools is to continuously have events, with learners in grade 6 and 7 from the same schools , throughout the year covering various environmental topics related to the riverine ecosystems and the positive impact we can have on it.
Businesses that we have collaborated with for environmental education :
SANBI's Biological and Invasion Directorate, Landmark foundation, George municipality, Garden Roots, Lady of the Herbs, Into the Wilderness, nature conservation students from Nelson Mandela University & the Department of Water and Sanitation.
