If you do not know about this then you do now.
Table Mountain is now in the top 28 of the "NEW 7 Wonders of Nature" race. No other South African Natural Wonder has made it in other than Table Mountain. The NEW 7 will not be determined by a panel of judges BUT by number of votes globally. We have just found out that at the moment of all the votes that got Table Mountain this far in the race, 98% comes from international visitors...2% from South Africans! We have also found out that Table Mountain is in the lower 14 of the top 28...so we have some work to do!
This is a generational opportunity for you to be responsible for making Table Mountain one of the World's NEW 7 Wonders of Nature for future generations of South Africans (and the world) to enjoy. This opportunity does not happen regularly. Current guestimates are that we need to exceed a 30 million votes target to get into the Top 7. If you want to claim that you were responsible for making Table Mountain one of the NEW 7 Wonders of Nature, go to http://www.votefortablemountain.com/ and vote as many times as you can (everyday will be great) or you can sms "Table" to "34874" (sms's charged at R 2.00, T&C's apply). On the New 7 Wonders website (http://www.new7wonders.com/), check out video material on the announcement of the "NEW 7 Wonders of the World" in Lisbon 07.07.2007 and see the vibe in the videos in each of the Cities that were competing for the Top 7 Manmade Wonders of the World...reminds me of the World Cup 2010 feeling...Can you help us make sure we experience this vibe in 11.11.2011?
The Table Mountain Aerial Cable Car is leading the way with the New 7 Wonders Campaign. All sms funds go straight to the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" campaign.
The deadline is 11.11.2011...get voting everyday if you want Table Mountain in the NEW 7 Wonders of Nature!
If we miss out... we have to wait a few generations to try again!
Biodiversity richness for all South Africans...conversations about biodiversity conservation...
Current Sponsors for the Prizes for the Conservation Adventure on 8 May 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
What is Biodiversity Conservation?
A direct translation of the term "biodiversity" is "diversity of life". This refers to the persistence of as many species as possible on Earth at any point in time - the biodiversity wealth of the planet i.e. if there is a decrease in the number of species at a point in time then there is a decrease in biodiversity wealth. There are a large range of factors that will determine how many species will persist at any point in time which is what the environmental and biodiversity sciences focus on. All species on Earth are designed to coexist under "natural" conditions. However, where the natural system is changed by either a change in the prevailing environmental conditions (climatic changes) or an imbalance in the natural system itself (Unsustainable Human Development), many of the species in that system will become threatened with extinction...if the threat is not removed or managed.
So what is "Biodiversity conservation"? It is the interface between the activities of humans and the natural environment. Conservationists study natural systems to understand how they function. Only by understanding a natural system can we begin to identify the threats that result in the loss of species. Once we have identified and understood the threats, then we can start devising strategies to remove or manage the human impact that is resulting in a loss of biodiversity. This is what conservationists do...in many different ways. The organisations listed on this blog each have a crucial and valuable conservation role to play to achieve the main goal of biodiversity conservation...the persistence of the maximum number of species possible in time.
Conservationists in different organisations have used various strategies to create a positive interface between humans and the natural environment, despite the doom and gloom scenarios presented. But in the end, the greatest challenge that conservationists face is how to integrate human society back into the natural system so that humans are once again in harmony with the Earths natural systems and not out of balance. While this idealistic view of a perfect world is not realistic, we should be changing the trend towards this ideal and not spiralling away from it. You can imagine that this cannot be an easy responsibility and there has been a growing realization that this cannot be left to a few vocal conservationists...we need critical mass to make a difference and lead the way.
Like many sciences, there is debate. This debate can lead to confusion. The media loves stories that arise from these debates. So unfortnately, all the general public gets to hear is the media version of the debate which often leads to misunderstanding and further distraction from the conservation objective. Our challenge to you is that you gather the facts for yourself. The organisations presented in this blog are highly active in the conservation community so find out some more about them and what they do, gather your facts and THEN listen to the media so that you have context within which to hear what is said and THEN take a position on the topic.
Conservationists need the help of every human being that have a knot in their stomachs when they think that future generations will not have it easy. While the convenient road is to think that "it is not our problem - someone else will fix it", the responsible road is to strive to make sure that it will not become a problem by making a difference now. We need your interest, input, healthy debate, practical suggestions and discussion on how to mobilize critical mass (effective, viable strategies and tactics) to ensure that humans strive to integrate back into the natural systems, so that many more human generations (and other species) can enjoy the natural wealth, we enjoy today. While we realize that a very small proportion of South Africa's population has access to blogs and internet...let's just call this a "good start" and work from there...
We will be monitoring this blog from year to year to canvas perceptions, opportunities, issues, recommendations and gaps that we can present to the biodiversity conservation sector (or they can see themselves) - so have your say... we would like to hear from you.
So what is "Biodiversity conservation"? It is the interface between the activities of humans and the natural environment. Conservationists study natural systems to understand how they function. Only by understanding a natural system can we begin to identify the threats that result in the loss of species. Once we have identified and understood the threats, then we can start devising strategies to remove or manage the human impact that is resulting in a loss of biodiversity. This is what conservationists do...in many different ways. The organisations listed on this blog each have a crucial and valuable conservation role to play to achieve the main goal of biodiversity conservation...the persistence of the maximum number of species possible in time.
Conservationists in different organisations have used various strategies to create a positive interface between humans and the natural environment, despite the doom and gloom scenarios presented. But in the end, the greatest challenge that conservationists face is how to integrate human society back into the natural system so that humans are once again in harmony with the Earths natural systems and not out of balance. While this idealistic view of a perfect world is not realistic, we should be changing the trend towards this ideal and not spiralling away from it. You can imagine that this cannot be an easy responsibility and there has been a growing realization that this cannot be left to a few vocal conservationists...we need critical mass to make a difference and lead the way.
Like many sciences, there is debate. This debate can lead to confusion. The media loves stories that arise from these debates. So unfortnately, all the general public gets to hear is the media version of the debate which often leads to misunderstanding and further distraction from the conservation objective. Our challenge to you is that you gather the facts for yourself. The organisations presented in this blog are highly active in the conservation community so find out some more about them and what they do, gather your facts and THEN listen to the media so that you have context within which to hear what is said and THEN take a position on the topic.
Conservationists need the help of every human being that have a knot in their stomachs when they think that future generations will not have it easy. While the convenient road is to think that "it is not our problem - someone else will fix it", the responsible road is to strive to make sure that it will not become a problem by making a difference now. We need your interest, input, healthy debate, practical suggestions and discussion on how to mobilize critical mass (effective, viable strategies and tactics) to ensure that humans strive to integrate back into the natural systems, so that many more human generations (and other species) can enjoy the natural wealth, we enjoy today. While we realize that a very small proportion of South Africa's population has access to blogs and internet...let's just call this a "good start" and work from there...
We will be monitoring this blog from year to year to canvas perceptions, opportunities, issues, recommendations and gaps that we can present to the biodiversity conservation sector (or they can see themselves) - so have your say... we would like to hear from you.
Biodiversity Expo 2011 Information
The Biodiversity Expo blog is the virtual face of the actual event scheduled to take place at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden from Thursday 5th May to the Sunday 8th May 2011. The Expo is designed for different target audiences like those seeking careers, those looking for volunteering opportunities, those wanting to find out more about the latest trends, those seeking business opportunities and those seeking corporate social investment opportunities...and much more. Unlike the commercial Expo's, our Expo focusses on engaging with visitors on conservation issues.
However, like most perceptions out there that conservation is a serious and contentious subject, the Expo presents conservation in a fun, constructve, informative and interesting format for all ages. Bring your family, bring your colleagues, bring your friends...it is going to be a lot of fun!
For more info on the Biodiversity Expo 2011 contact Augustine Morkel on biodiversityexpo@sanbi.org.za or just keep your eyes peeled on this blog for more info as the programme unfolds.
As the event develops and more persons join the blog, the contents of the blog will provide useful insights into the global biodiversity conservation sector and thus a valuable source of information on biodiversity conservation.
However, like most perceptions out there that conservation is a serious and contentious subject, the Expo presents conservation in a fun, constructve, informative and interesting format for all ages. Bring your family, bring your colleagues, bring your friends...it is going to be a lot of fun!
For more info on the Biodiversity Expo 2011 contact Augustine Morkel on biodiversityexpo@sanbi.org.za or just keep your eyes peeled on this blog for more info as the programme unfolds.
As the event develops and more persons join the blog, the contents of the blog will provide useful insights into the global biodiversity conservation sector and thus a valuable source of information on biodiversity conservation.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
First Time Blogger - Let me hold your hand...
If this is your first time to a blog site - HAVE NO FEAR!.
This blog site is a conservation community site and has a single administrator...me. Anyone can participate in the blog either directly by commenting or indirectly by emailing me information and then i will post it. I obviously have to first approve the information to be posted but as long as the topics are clean and foster healthy debate, there should not be any problem.
The first thing you have to do is to become a follower or in our case... a Biowarrior. When you click on the "Follow" button you will be asked to sign in. This is a security measure to ensure that spammers do not take advantage of the site. You will not be able to participate in the blog (comment, etc.) if you do not register. You will have different options presented to you and asked to register with one of them. Obviously, if you already have registered with one of them before then just use those details. I have no specific preference and suggest that if you struggle, obtain help from someone familiar with registering online - believe me, you do not want to NOT register as you will miss out on the opportunity to participate in this informative blog. Once registered, you will then be able to follow this blog and post comments as and when you want.
How does a blog work? The blog has a single administrator who can post new topics. If you want new topics, photo's, links, etc. posted on this blog site, email it to biodiversityexpo@sanbi.org.za. Otherwise, you wait for a post and then comment on the post. Below each blog you will see a number with "comments" typed next to it. Click on this and you will be asked to select a profile (what you are registered as). Once the registration info is in, type your question or comment and then post it. Others will then continue to comment and so ensues a conversation on a conservation topic. As a blog, anonymous comments are welcome, but i will delete comments that do not foster healthy debate or are not clean.
Even if you have a question, ask the question as a "comment" and then someone will respond...
Happy blogging...
This blog site is a conservation community site and has a single administrator...me. Anyone can participate in the blog either directly by commenting or indirectly by emailing me information and then i will post it. I obviously have to first approve the information to be posted but as long as the topics are clean and foster healthy debate, there should not be any problem.
The first thing you have to do is to become a follower or in our case... a Biowarrior. When you click on the "Follow" button you will be asked to sign in. This is a security measure to ensure that spammers do not take advantage of the site. You will not be able to participate in the blog (comment, etc.) if you do not register. You will have different options presented to you and asked to register with one of them. Obviously, if you already have registered with one of them before then just use those details. I have no specific preference and suggest that if you struggle, obtain help from someone familiar with registering online - believe me, you do not want to NOT register as you will miss out on the opportunity to participate in this informative blog. Once registered, you will then be able to follow this blog and post comments as and when you want.
How does a blog work? The blog has a single administrator who can post new topics. If you want new topics, photo's, links, etc. posted on this blog site, email it to biodiversityexpo@sanbi.org.za. Otherwise, you wait for a post and then comment on the post. Below each blog you will see a number with "comments" typed next to it. Click on this and you will be asked to select a profile (what you are registered as). Once the registration info is in, type your question or comment and then post it. Others will then continue to comment and so ensues a conversation on a conservation topic. As a blog, anonymous comments are welcome, but i will delete comments that do not foster healthy debate or are not clean.
Even if you have a question, ask the question as a "comment" and then someone will respond...
Happy blogging...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Biodiversity Expo 2010 YouTube Promo Video for Expo 2011
If you want to know more about the Biodiversity Expo, watch the YouTube video we produced (amazing what videos can do that words cannot - special thanks to George Davis, Lawrence Dworkin and the Frank Joubert Art Centre) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NdSXmlrajw
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