ARID NEWS
Our connection with forests and water By Christine du Plessis
Soverby Primary School learners being introduced to the world of forests and water
At Augrabies Falls National Park the recently celebrated International Day of Forests and World Water day focused on the importance of forest ecosystems, their biodiversity, their protection and our total dependence on water. In partnership with the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the focus was placed on the different types of forests, and specifically on the Kathu and Quiver tree forests and the protected tree species of the Northern Cape. During an in-depth presentation to the Environmental and Tourism Monitors currently on training in Augrabies, Ms Jacoline Mans (DFFE) explained the intricacies of the overlapping laws, the importance of maintaining forests and the immense challenges facing some of the protected tree species in the Northern Cape, such as the Quiver tree, Camel thorn, Ebony tree and Shepherds tree. As part of the programme, the Environmental Monitors and Tourism Monitors will be taken to the local Koms Quiver tree nursery where they will experience the entire process of the legal propagation of Quiver trees. The Grade 7 learners of Soverby Primary school were in the park for an overnight environmental
excursion and were introduced to the wonderful world of forests. During an icebreaker activity, the use of everyday products from trees were used to explain how dependent we are on trees and forests. On completion of the information session, a Searsia pendulina (White Karee) tree was planted in the rest camp by the learners and they were each given two packets of seeds from which they could cultivate their own ‘forests’. The following day the Grade 7 learners and two educators were taken on the Dassie interpretive trail. They were introduced to the intricate adaptations of many of the plants in the Arid region to conserve as much moisture as possible. This was followed up by an interactive presentation in the rest camp on the available water in the water cycle, what humans use water for and how water is wasted. Learners then provided their own solutions to save water and not waste such a precious commodity. It was emphasized that although we have the right to clean drinking water we also have the responsibility to conserve as much water as possible. To keep them aware of how easily water can be wasted, they were each given a three minute sand timer to use when they shower or wash.
conserving nature since 1926
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