CapeNature embarks on exciting partnership this Earth Day
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.”
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.
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.
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