CapeNature implores citizens to be water conscious
CapeNature is committed to using as little water as possible in all its existing tourism offerings. Over the last 5 years the Public institution implemented preventative measures on its reserves through innovative water saving technologies.
As guardians of the Western Cape’s precious natural resources, CapeNature focuses on developing nature-based recreational tourism products by leveraging natural assets in such a way that protected areas become sought after tourist destinations and balanced conservation spaces.
CapeNature’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Razeena Omar says “The countdown to Day Zero has become a harsh reality, and our visitors are growing more and more anxious about the possibility of not having access to our reserves, but we’d like to assure the public that we have put measures in place to try and prevent this from happening.”
Tourism offerings such as hiking and accommodation stays on our nature reserves are still available for bookings.
In addition, development projects are also carefully planned to mitigate any local environmental harm while also optimising the use of green building technology. In 2015, CapeNature’s Kogelberg, Robberg and Gourkamma Nature Reserve became the first tourism products in South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to have been awarded the prestigious ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia. The ECO Certification Program was developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators, and is guided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria.
Omar says, “Despite our green efforts, ultimately it is up to each and everyone one of us to ensure we stick to the water restrictions in the various municipalities. Only use the minimum amount of litres allocated or less per person, not just for us but for future generations to come.”
CapeNature’s reserve accommodation boast lowflow showerheads. Other water saving facilities at various CapeNature reserve accommodation include, waterless/composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting.
“Two pilot projects are currently underway to contribute towards conserving water on our reserves. It is the Atmospheric Water Generators at Rocherpan Nature Reserve and the Grey Water Recycling at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve. All these initiatives are in place to assist us and our visitors to reduce the amount of water used on CapeNature reserves, adds Omar.”
In an effort to rehabilitate and conserve the ecosystems that provide fresh, potable water, managing wild fires and invasive plants is a priority. The mountain catchment areas fall within this mandate to conserve the natural balance of biodiversity.
To find out how you can save water contact the City of Cape Town on 0860 103 089/or your local municipality and report all water leaks and wild fires immediately.
Media Enquiries:
Loren George
PR & Digital Manager
021 483 0059
071 688 2649
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