Education from source to sea
The core of Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR), the Boland Mountain range, hosts the most incredible biodiversity in the world. The Fynbos biome, forming part of the Cape Floristic Region. In addition, the Berg Catchment is the source of fundamental rivers, that course through towns, cities, and three other Western Cape biosphere reserves, eventually flowing out into the Indian and Atlantic Ocean.
As part of facilitated eco-educational outings in the region, the CWBR incorporates source to sea education. The CWBR team, in collaboration with partners, regularly facilitate excursions for youth from underrepresented vulnerable inland communities, bringing them to the sea. Exposing them to the immense biodiversity along the shore, fostering the link between inland rivers and ocean health.
This includes a yearly camp in partnership with a marine nature reserve, a lowland fynbos area that hosts a marine protected area. The field guides, some initially trained through the field guide training offered through the CWBR, give back during the eco-educational outings through sharing marine, flora, and fauna education of the area. Some of the field guides, having grown up in inland communities, become role models for the youth in fostering curiosity for conservation and education careers.
Extract from a Noember 2024 camp
Travelling from the inland mountain community they call home, at the base of Jonkershoek along the Eerste river, 15 after-school group youth, and their teacher, were brought by the CWBR team to De Hoop Nature Reserve for a weekend camp at De Hoop Collection. A first-time experience for them all.
Arriving on a late Friday afternoon, the group set up camp for three days, tenting amongst the ancient milkwood trees under a vast stary sky. The weekend’s activities were co-facilitated by the De Hoop Collection guides and CapeNature facilitators. Activities included a guided nature drive, a marine walk along the rocky shores discovering the abundant life that lives there, and experiencing first-hand all the biodiversity the area has to offer.
Eco-educational outings are an important catalyst in fostering curiosity and learning about the interconnectedness between humans and nature, their role in preserving the natural environment.
