SOME EVENTS ON WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2008

SOME OF THE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN THE NAME OF WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2008 IN THE WESTERN CAPE

This year our aim is to get the wetlands message to as wide an audience as possible for world wetlands day. We are targeting 3 main groups: decision makers (in business and gov), the general public and learners. With the help of many stakeholders, particularly WESSA, the City of Cape Town and Simonsvlei Wines, the Forum is doing the following:

Advert to address the general public to raise awareness:
The Forum is placing an advert in the Weekend Argus and Die Burger. Both newspapers will carry editorial on wetlands, how important they are to the environment and people and the threats they face.

Message to decision makers:
A “Happy Wetlands Day” e-card is being sent to decision makers in government, local municipalities and business. The message encourages thought about the decisions made in the course of business, development and planning.

Material for learners:
1000 of the Ramsar posters with a mini poster produced by the Forum are being put up in schools, community notice boards and at Universities.

Blog:
The Forum has created its own blog: www.wetlandsforum.blogspot.com

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FRIENDS OF THE LIESBEEK

In celebration of World Wetlands Day the Friends of the Liesbeek invite you to join them on a walk and talk around the wetlands of the lower Liesbeek. On Friday 1 February meet at 6pm on the Durban Road Bridge, Mowbray. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jersey. Dogs with poop scoops welcome. No charge.

Contact:
Liz or Dave
021-671-4553.

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RONDEVLEI NATURE RESERVE

The programme below will take place at Rondevlei Nature Reserve, Fisherman's Walk Road, Zeekoevlei. Dates: 4 and 8 Feb 08

The target group for World Wetlands day is Grade 4-7. Learners can bring a snack and a drink with for a short break after the walk.

The itinerary for the visit:
* Introduction to Rondevlei
* A walk along the pathway using bird identification charts to identify birds at the bird hides
* Identification of animal spoor along the pathway
- Short interval
* Discussions about the animals and plants associated with the wetland, specifically at Rondevlei.
* Discussion about the importance of Wetlands in nature
* Discussion about it’s importance to humans.
* Threats to Wetlands and how to help.
* Walk through the museum.

Bookings are essential:
Contact:
Bronwen Foster
Tel.: 021 706 2404,
Email: Bronwen.Foster@capetown.gov.za

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ZANDVLEI TRUST

Zandvlei Trust members will be assisting the Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve staff from 28/01/2008 to 08/02/2008 on the week days, when the Metrorail Edutrain will be bringing between 80 and 100 learners per day to Zandvlei to learn about the importance of Wetlands, celebrating World Wetlands Day.

Selected schools (by the Edutrain staff) from across the Cape Flats from as far as Tulbach, Wellington, Stellenbosch come to Zandvlei. The unique aspect of Zandvlei is that it is the only Reserve within walking distance to a railway station (public transport) in the Metropole.

Contact person:
Gavin Lawson
phone / fax 27 021 705 5224
email glawson@xsinet.co.za

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HOUT BAY WETLANDS PROJECTS

The Hout Bay Heritage Trust has initiated and sourced funding for three wetland restoration projects for WWD08:

1) Linking Coastal Wetlands

Aim: To establish a corridor linking two rehabilitated wetlands within the Coastal zone of Hout Bay.
Dates: January - August 2008

2) Kronendal Project: Alien Removal in Hout Bay Wetland

Aim: To ringbark and poison the Gray poplar trees invading the western portion of the Hout Bay Wetland

3) Good Hope Sub-Council Ward Project: Cleaning up of Hout Bay Wetland

Aim: Clearing rubble adjacent to wetlands, maintaining the board walk and cutting of alien Spanish reeds.

Contact person:
Justin O’Riain
Tel: 021 6503645

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KEYSERS RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT

Rotating poster display that goes from business to business in the light industrial area along the Keysers River to raise awareness and encourage participation in the Keyers river restoration project. Also aims to raise general awareness about wetlands.

Contact Person:
Mandy Noffke
021 7856871

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GEESE

Glencain Education and Environment Support Enthusiasts

Els River clean up, talk and walk. Date: 2nd Feb 08

Program:
* 09h00 meet outside the Sothern Right Hotel. Work Party to clean up the triangle of public land & the Els River in front of the Southern Right Hotel, Glen Road, Glencairn.
* 11h00 Refreshments at the Southern Right Hotel
* 11.45 Paul Jaques will give a presentation about the old water mill. Presentation in Southern Right Hotel.
- Break for Lunch - At the hotel, or take a picnic to the ruins of the Water Mill or have a well earned rest at home
* 16h00 Meet at the Water Mill. Paul will talk us through the ruins.

Then, those who are energetic will walk down the Els River to the Sea
* 17h30 Re-Assemble at the Southern Right Hotel for Drinks and Snacks

A big “Thank you” to the Southern Right Hotel

Contact person:
Cilla Bromley
021 782 6400
e-mail: cilla@bromley.co.za

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TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Table Mountain National Park staff will lead an interactive wetlands walk and talk for grade 6 and 7 learners from Ukhanyo Primary School at the Noordhoek Wetlands bordering Masiphumelele (approx 60 learners).

This interpretive walk is on the 01 February 2008. After the walk, the learners will be invited to apply what they have learnt to enter a 'Ranger Challenge' competition: In groups of five they must pretend that they are Rangers and either write what about what they will/should do to
look after an indicated piece of the wetland, or draw a plan/map/picture that shows what they will do. The best group wins either a hiking trip to sleep on Table Mountain (People's Trail) or an overnight trip to West Coast National Park.

The awareness drive is ongoing in that a smaller group of interested learners will be helped by a teacher from the school and the People and Conservation Officer from the Park to form an eco-club which can 'adopt' a piece of the wetland close to Masiphumelele, which they will regularly visit with the rangers in the section to assist in its maintenance during the course of the year.

Future plans include that learners who remain inspired after the year and move up to the High School can be helped to start an eco-club at this school, and/or can join the new TMNP Youth Honorary Rangers program that is due to start up next year.

Contact person:
Crecilda van den Berg, Section Ranger for the Noordhoek Wetlands:
021 789 2456, or

Leighan Mossop, Senior Section Ranger for the Central Section of TMNP:
021 789 2457, or

Luyanda Lombo, People and Conservation Officer in TMNP:
021 789 2458

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Cape Nature Porterville Area
Friday 1 Feb 08

Cape Nature guided tour of Jackalsvlei and Verlorenvlei wetlands for WfWetlands contractors. A talk about the importance of wetlands will be presented.

Contact:
Heidi Nieuwoudt
022 9312900

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TYGERBERG BIRD CLUB

BIRD COUNT

Our next Co-ordinated Water Bird Count (CWAC) at the Botriviervlei and Kleinmond Estuary is due on Saturday, 2 February 2008. This coincides with World Wetlands Day, and what better way to contribute to the management of a healthy wetland!

We start at 07h00. The duration per section varies, but the last team usually finishes by not later than 12h00. We usually have a tea break during the count and a light lunch before we go home. Each person is responsible for bringing his/her own eats and drinks. Do remember that it is essential that everybody takes enough water or other liquid refreshments as it might be a very hot day. Also remember your sunscreen, hat and windbreaker, and, of course, your binoculars!

Coordinator:
Mariana Delport
tel: 021 919 2282 or md@cape-ecotrous.co.za

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WEST COAST FIELD STUDIES CENTRE

The West Coast Field Studies Centre is proud to launch the Paarden Eiland Wetland Rehabilitation Project on the 02 February 2008, proudly sponsored by Totalgaz Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. and Total Corporate Foundation for Biodiversity and the Sea.

Details of the launch:

Place: Brooklyn Chest Hospital
Time: To start at 10:00 am
Theme: Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People

A group of learners has been invited to attend the launch. The learners will partake in various educational activities to learn more about the Paarden Eiland Wetland and the WCFSCs involvement in conserving and rehabilitating the wetland.

Contact person:
Jennifer van Niekerk,
tel (021) 511 2384 or 084 626 7404