Conservation festival to showcase ‘eco-tourism treasure chest’
Organisers aim to put the town on the map, as one of the province's areas for untouched nature and abundant birdlife.
THE Wagtail Conservation Festival is set to take place on Saturday, 10 November at the Amanzimtoti Sports Centre.
Organisers aim to put the town on the map, as one of the province’s areas for untouched nature and abundant birdlife.
The Wagtail Festival is one of KZN’s biggest conservation festivals. Close on 2,000 people, from all over the province, passed through last year’s gates. This festival was hailed a major success, where key conservation issues were highlighted. A group of passionate people came together in creating awareness and educating the community on environmental issues in the Amanzimtoti and Illovo area.
On 9 and 10 November, nature enthusiasts will come together at Amanzimtoti Sports Centre fro this weekend focused on conservation.
“This year we aim to continue with the work we started in 2017, where we had eco-talks on various topics ranging from birds, snakes, insects and flora,” explained organiser Adam Cruikshank.
“The aim of the Wagtail Conservation Festival is to promote and create awareness of nature and conservation in the Amanzimtoti area, as well as raise awareness around the work that conservation organisations are doing in our province and nation.”
Adam described the Sapphire Coast as an ‘eco-tourism treasure chest’.
“We want to ensure that visitors, tourists and residents come to spend some time exploring the wonderful hidden gems, teeming with nature and birdlife right on our doorstep. We aim to put the Amanzimtoti area on the map when it comes to areas that people would visit to experience nature and birdlife.”
Adam further explained that the organisers have assembled some of South Africa’s leading speakers on conservation topics. “Among other speakers, we have the well known author and ornithologist, Faansie Peacock, KZN’s ‘snake guy’ Nick Evans and world renowned butterfly expert, Steve Woodhall.”
The festival will start on the Friday night, 9 November with a dinner. The following day, the main day of the festival, takes place from 8am to 5pm with talks taking place throughout the day.
“We will have a variety of conservation and nature stands, as well as stands with conservation related products and books, a nature friendly garden section, an interactive children’s section with activities and talks as well as guided nature walks throughout the day. Wagtail is truly an one-stop festival for all things related to nature and conservation,” he said.
While providing exposure for conservation organisations, the festival is also a great platform for companies with businesses relating to birding and nature to grow their base in the KZN market. The Wagtail Festival advertising has a large reach for potential advertisers and companies that wish to get involved. Organisers encourage optics companies, camera and lens companies, bird guides, field guides, tour companies, birding and nature destinations, nature apparel brands and stores, and all companies involved in birding and nature to book a stand. Stands are available at a rate that allows cost effective marketing to be done.
A limited number of stalls are available for food vendors. All food vendors are also encouraged to be ‘nature friendly’, with the use of single use plastic straws not allowed during the festival.
The Wagtail Festival is a weekend where all those caring for the environment come together for the greater good of the environment, to educate and empower many more on the importance of conservation.
“We partner with people from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds uniting for the good of our eco-system and community,” said Adam.
“All funds that are raised over the weekend will be used for the upkeep and improvement of nature trails at Amanzimtoti Sports Club and Illanda Wilds.”
Wagtail Conservation Festival schedule:
Friday, 9 November, 7pm to 9pm: Wagtail Conservation dinner with Faansie Peacock. Tickets available from 3 September. Price yet to be confirmed.
Saturday, 10 November, 8am to 5pm: Wagtail Conservation Festival with conservation talks starting from 9am. The bird walk will start at 6.30am for birding enthusiasts.
To book a table, partner in any way or find out more, email wagtailconservationfestival@gmail.com or call Adam on 061-485-3625 or Cathy on 083-767-9471.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun
