Hugo de Koningh – an inspiring nature lover.
Hugo de Koningh, a retired nautical engineer, walks the streets of Jordaan Park and teaches the youth about global warming.
De Koningh and his wife, Judith, moved from Delft in Holland to South-Africa in 1983 and have been staying in Heidelberg for the past 10 years.
He goes on his daily morning walks in Jordaan Park and observes how nature (or controlled nature in gardens) develops and how the climate changes affect the growth of flowers, shrubs and trees in the area.
One of the observations by Hugo de Koningh as he walks the streets of Jordaan Park.
Flowering bottle brush with pink flowering shrub on background (Calliandra brevipes,also called pink powder puff) and yellow flowering tree. The most beautiful of the Calliandra species, it is a medium- to large-sized shrub with a graceful growth habit. Silky, pink-white, powder-puff-like flowers appear during the summer months. The fine foliage is an attractive mid-green colour. It thrives in subtropical climates, but will do well on the Highveld if given a sheltered north-facing corner.
“I inherited my love for nature from my mother who was a landscape architect. I worked in gardens with her from a young age,” de Koningh said.
De Koningh, who organises and participates in mountaineering, walking and hiking events also uses the opportunity at these events not only to write up reviews of his findings but to also minister the word of God.
“Nature is a gift to us from God and we must look after it. Global warming is real and the effect of climate changes on the environment is evident,” de Koningh added.
He walked the parks and valleys of France, Germany and Holland, among others, and wrote about his findings in books published as gifts for family and friends and also shared it with schools and churches on occasions.
“It is important for the youth to be educated on what can be done to save the planet. What we do today will benefit future generations. I believe that green energy and recycling initiatives will definitely make a difference if everyone makes an effort to implement it,” de Koningh said.
Besides writing about his findings in nature, de Koningh is consulted for his knowledge by the Ekurhuleni municipality to review water treatment plants and was also involved in a research with a Dutch Company on transforming biogas to energy.
“I love nature and the lessons it teaches us. Over the years, I have gathered a lot of information worldwide, especially about global warming, climate changes and green energy and by sharing this knowledge with the youth, I can leave a legacy of caring for our planet behind,” de Koningh concluded.
Contact de Koningh on 083 630 0391 or 016 341 7213 for more information.
