Image related to website content

CapeNature embarks on exciting partnership this Earth Day

21 Apr 2021

Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April and brings environmental issues that are of greatest concern to the fore. This year’s theme is “Restore our Earth” and speaks directly to climate action.

Waste remains one of the top climate change contributors and CapeNature has made incredible progress in finding innovative ways to contribute to solving this problem. According to CapeNature’s CEO, Dr Razeena Omar, “The entity has put a variety of programmes in place to encourage responsible citizenry with the focus on litter in and around our hiking trails and beaches. We have implemented a voluntary clean-up programme on the iconic Whale Trail and initiated a series of clean up and educational events around the Western Cape. Most recently, we entered into negotiations with the Hikers Network. Volunteers from this network will assist us with cleaning and clearing trails, as well as trail audits and trail monitoring.”


Image related to website content

The Hikers Network will also run awareness campaigns amongst their clubs and members. This non-profit organisation’s main objective is to create a diverse and vibrant hiking community and it currently has 4 800 registered members across the Western Cape. CapeNature will also support access for environmental education groups from disadvantaged communities arranged by the group. Anwaaz Bent, president of the Hikers Network, has fully committed to making this partnership work, “The Hikers Network with its core mission concentrating on communities, education and safe, responsible access welcomes this initiative and  partnership with CapeNature. We will endeavour to grow this initiative with teamwork.”

Visitors to the Whale Trail, located within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, are also proving that most hikers want to play a part in keeping our nature areas clean and healthy. More than 50% of hikers participate in the optional clean-up whilst walking the trail.

Image related to website content

CapeNature encourages the public to get involved in clean ups and make a difference this Earth Day. A variety of clean ups are being planned across  the Western Cape between 22 and 30 April. The entity appeals to hikers and visitors to leave only their footprints behind, to dispose of waste responsibly and to #DontBeTrashy. For more information and a full list of planned clean ups email learning@capenature.co.za.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share:

Related News

The elusive Endangered Erica cunoniensis rediscovered by Cape Nature
23 Oct 2025
Rare Erica species rediscovered after nearly four decades

After an unsuccessful search in 2012, the rare Erica cunoniensis was feared extinct, but in September 2025, a team of conservationists made a rediscovery of this Endangered plant species, found for the first time in nearly four decades.

New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo image
16 Oct 2025
New Conservancy to Protect Biodiversity in the Karoo

A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000 ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district. This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region through a voluntary agreement among landowners to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

Penguin Palooza Guest Invitation 2025 03 1
10 Oct 2025
Make space in your heart for penguins at Penguin Palooza 2025

African Penguins are now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with scientists warning they could vanish from the wild by 2035. CapeNature and SANCCOB are collaborating to protect the species at their annual Penguin Palooza event at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

Spotted Eagle Owl Scientific Name Bubo Africanus
9 Oct 2025
Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts

CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.

Vrolijikheid Nature Reserve
2 Oct 2025
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community

The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative. 

EPWP worker at Cape Nature
1 Oct 2025
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development

A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.