Education for Sustainable Development within CWBR
This month, the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR) facilitators teamed up with the Mbeko Eco-Club, whose focus is outdoor environmental education with particular emphasis on evaluation of river health, the water cycle, and wastewater management. The NPO, founded in 2019, align their activities with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, with particular focus on goals 4, 6, 12, 13, and 17.
Twelve participants from the club and their facilitator, joined CWBR facilitators and overseas volunteers to venture into the back of the Berg Catchment area where they explored and saw first-hand the source of the Berg River. A river which is a focal point of their environmental learning in Mbekweni and Paarl.
Before setting off for the hike, through a group activity led by the volunteers, the participants learned about maps, coordinates, and how to use a compass to navigate oneself in an area. After a competition to identify their whereabouts on the map using coordinates, the first winning team led the way into the catchment area. With binoculars and phones in hand to become Citizen Scientists. The group explored near and far while also taking photos of reptiles, insects, and plants that they found interesting. They even managed to capture a dragonfly on image!
Stopping by the dam, the group discussed the vegetation in the area. The invasive species, the role of alien clearing, and the importance of sustaining Biodiversity. How a balanced and clean eco-system at the source, effects the river health downstream, and later the health of the ocean.
Further along the trail, the group identified varieties of Ericas, Aloes, and Restios and had a brief introduction to botany – touching on how plants are told apart and learned about fynbos. Thoughout the hike, there was a buzz of cross-cultural conversation sharing languages, taste in music, and experiences visiting and living in South Africa.
Upon arrival at the CWBR Hub, the group found some shade, had lunch, and went onto learning about the Sustainable Development Goals when playing an interactive game that fostered discussion of what they understood about each goal and how it affected them as individuals.
Keep an eye on the CWBR iNaturalist page to see what the group discovered!
