Help honorary officers spread conservation message
The officers recently began the Enviro Care Education Project which involves a mobile gazebo the officers are able to use to spread their message.
THE North Durban Honorary Officers from the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve have embarked on a new venture which they hope will spread the message of conservation, specifically, marine conservation. The officers recently began the Enviro Care Education Project which involves a mobile gazebo the officers are able to use to spread their message.
The gazebo, is also home to several displays from the reserve’s education centre but will also allow for officers to take their conservation message to the people.
One of the driving forces behind the idea is honorary officer, Rob Brown.
Read also: Beachwood Mangroves impacted by nurdle spill
“The idea behind the project came to me about 11 years ago with a chap named Danny van der Walt who ran the rocky shores display at uMhlanga Beach. He had an umbrella and used to go down to the beach and grab some sea urchins, little fish and crabs. He would explain to visitors all about the micro and macro organisms within the intra-tidal zone. I thought it was such a good project that Basil Pather, the reserve manager proposed something similar for us.
“Because our marine enforcement mandate as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife was handed over to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) we decided we had to try something different to continue to spread the conservation message. With this gazebo, we are able to go anywhere we want and to educate other visitors at various different spots. We’ve already been invited to Cape Vidal in St Lucia for an exhibition later this month. In a sense, with this project, we are not just restricted to the reserve, we are able to take our conservation message wherever we go. It’s also great exposure for North Durban honorary officers,” Brown said.
However in order to do this, they need the public’s help.
How you can help
The honorary officers are in need of taxidermy animals for display and assistance with printed material for children. They also need nursery equipment for planting to rehabilitate the dune erosion at the reserve. To find out more visit their Facebook page.
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