Angifun’ iFracking

“I have never heard of the possibility of fracking happening in KZN.” The refrain was often the same in schools across the Midlands that participated in the Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF) Fracking Awareness Campaign, funded by Global Green Grants Fund.

Dabulamanzi pupils were keen to learn more about the issues associated with fracking.

A number of technical cooperation permits have been issued in the Midlands and Drakensberg foothills, which give the holders rights to research the area with a view to fracking. The role of this area as the ‘water factory’ of KwaZulu-Natal cannot be underestimated. It is vitally important to protect these areas which sustain the flow of clean water, supporting the lives and livelihoods of nearly 6 million people downstream.

Crystal Springs

Younger learners listened to the ‘The Great Fracking Indaba’ to introduce the concept and illustrate some of the problems associated with the fracking process – before arranging picture cards, which illustrated the story, in the correct sequence. This enchanting tale reinforces the fact that healthy rivers mean healthy people, plants and animals, helping the learners understand the importance of our precious water resources.

Corrie Lynn Primary enthusiastically taking part in our campaign to oppose fracking.

Older learners watched a presentation about energy and how it is generated in South Africa. Many were aware of our current energy crisis and dependence of fossil fuels. The fracking process was explained before posing the question ‘Could fracking be the answer to our energy crisis?’ At first it looked like a good idea before the facilitator pointed out how much water could potentially be used in each well (6 and 25 million litres), how much sand would be needed (150,000 kg) and the array of chemicals that would be pumped into the wells to release the gas during the fracking process.

Dargle Primary

Soon it was clear to everyone that contaminated water, soil erosion, potential threats to human health and destruction of sensitive environments were not a reasonable price to pay for this energy. Alternates that do less harm like solar and wind were explored. “All along, I have been made to believe the only solution to our energy crisis is fracking. I was not made aware of the environmental implications. A better solution, I think, will be solar energy.” Gregory Radebe, a teacher Bruntville Primary School, said with conviction.

Bruntville Primary understands that fracking is not the answer to our energy crisis and explored other options such as solar and wind power.

Discussion turned to ways citizens could make their voices heard – by lobbying politicians, signing petitions and demanding that our constitutional right to an environment not harmful to our health is upheld. Khumbulani Khuzwayo in Grade 7 decided he would post the fracking awareness pamphlets (in English and isiZulu) at the bus stop so that more people would be informed about fracking. After the lively debate, everyone was encouraged sign a petition to voice their opinion against Fracking.

Signing the petition

Although this was entirely voluntary most learners were keen to take a stand in support of their environment. “Stop fracking and destroying the trees. Please don’t do that – it is our future” wrote Zothani Njokwe (age 11) Thenjiwe Ncgobo, Principal of Corrie Lynn School commented “A lot of people and creatures will suffer and a small group will benefit. Learners are ready to stop fracking if it comes to their area.” Val Ellens of Howick Prep School added: “The children loved being involved in the discussion and a highlight was being able to voice their own sentiments on the petition.”

No Fracking Petition Nottingham Road Primary

Finally, learners and teachers were introduced to the WESSA Water Explorers programme, a fun, inspiring web-based initiative that challenges them to look at how water affects our lives and to take practical actions to save water. As it supports the national curriculum and compliments the Eco-schools programme, teachers were very interested in participating. “Our Enviro Club is excited about the challenges and they use every chance they get to complete another one.” Antonia Mkhabela, Life Science teacher at Shea O’Connor School.

Hawkstone Primary

The Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF) opposes, on ecological, economic and social grounds, the use of fracking to recover natural shale gas. Fracking regulations state that a well site may not be located within: 1km of a wetland and 5km from the surface location of an existing municipal water well field and identified future well fields. Clearly, the risk of contamination of groundwater in an already water-stressed environment is simply unacceptable. As the learners at Dabulamanzi Combined wrote on their petition poster “We can’t drink gas! Angifun’ iFracking!”

Dabulamanzi School

Penny is Our Eco-Warrior

Midlands Conservancies Forum nominated Penny Rees – the intrepid River Walker and environmental activist – for the Eco-Logic Awards this year. She did not win the title Eco-Warrior, but we are adamant that she should have.

Penny has lived beside some of Africa’s most famous rivers Timbavati, Limpopo, uMkhomazi, and now the uMngeni. She first met the uMngeni River as a young intern at WESSA’s Umgeni Valley Reserve in the 1980’s. When she returned to run their Environmental Education Programme a few years ago, she observed a marked decline in river health.

Her concern led her to DUCT (the Duzi uMngeni Conservation Trust), whose mission is to champion the health of our rivers. She soon became an integral part of the team, monitoring the uMngeni River and submitting comments on development proposals.   This is the river that works the hardest in our province of KZN and is suffering as a result. She started to dream about a walk from Source to Sea and developed an action plan to make this a reality.

During May 2012, Penny lead a team of volunteers to walk 311 kms from uMngeni Vlei to Blue Lagoon in order to raise public awareness about the plight of the uMngeni river. This captured the public’s imagination as daily updates were posted on their blog. Judy Bell, Chair, Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF) said: “Most of us fear to dream so big, let alone work to realise the dreams to do more for the environment, but Penny did so courageously. The awareness raised has been invaluable to all those doing their bit to improve our planet’s ecosystems. She has done us all proud.”

The walk not only highlighted the plight of this important source of water, but gathered data that is being used extensively by other organisations working to protect water and other ecosystems that are our life support systems. Penny compiled a comprehensive report which included 26 miniSASS scores, all the negative impacts (invasive vegetation, erosion, poor farming practices and pollution) and recommended tourist trails along the river banks to improve surveillance and monitoring.

“Interest and enthusiasm for this sort of initiative has spread widely, illustrating what committed and keen individuals can do to make a difference, showing landowners how they can better manage these precious systems and influencing the way authorities are viewing our water resources. Data gathered has illustrated the greatest pressures on these systems. This work could, and is hoped will, become a national initiative undertaken by committed and caring citizens around the country.” Dr Mark Graham Groundtruth

Penny is admired by her peers and environmental organisations for the very important work she does, contributing to the understanding of how theory and reality intersect. “Penny’s commitment is passionate and, impressively, much of her effort is voluntary. Her findings have been a wake-up call and have truly set a benchmark.” Barry Downard, Dargle Conservancy.

During the epic uMngeni walk, Penny realised that the many tributaries have an enormous impact on water quality. Since then, she has explored the Lions and Dargle Rivers and plans to do the Indezi in September and Mpofana in October 2014. Penny is always willing to share her knowledge and has presented numerous illustrated talks, gently pointing fingers at wrong-doers and suggesting remedial action. She hosts regular water workshops in streams and rivers to teach the community how to conduct simple miniSASS tests to monitor river health.

Andrew Anderson, river bank landowner comments “Thank you for showing us that this is not only about the ‘science’ of a healthy river system but equally importantly it is about the people and communities that live along its course. Thank you for the encouragement your bold project is having in urging me to take up the challenge to protect it AND to find ways of engaging with government, on behalf of the millions of people who are indirectly dependent on the uMngeni and her tributaries, to support landowners in conserving and managing its integrity.”

Penny and her team have a dream of a world where everyone understands how essential rivers are for all life on our planet. Preven Chetty is a regular member of the River Walk team: “Penny has been a tireless coordinator and without her diplomatic organising, the team might have been thrown off properties long ago. I feel honoured to be a part of her team. Besides the important data collection, she brings a spiritual aspect with daily water blessings and communion with the rivers. Penny is a true eco-warrior.

Penny received two awards in recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of our rivers – WESSA KZN’s Environmentalist of the Year and DUCT’s Chairman’s Award.

Kevan Zunckel of Zunckel Ecological & Environmental Services, who compiled the uMgungundlovu Municipal District’s Strategic Environmental Assessment, says “It is interesting to consider the difference in impact between the walks that Penny does and the water quality sampling of an institution like Umgeni Water. We get regular monthly reports based on the latter, all showing the seriousness of the situation, and yet nothing is done. These reports are received by many and yet it’s a bit like the frog in the boiling water. However, with the River Walks there is a far greater personal angle to the outcomes, as well as the fact that the water quality sampling is done as part of the walk and is therefore directly linked to what they observe as they walk down river. For me the most valuable insight to come out of the uMngeni walk was the ability of the river to “heal itself” as a direct result of riparian restoration work. It is on the basis of this finding that I calculated the possibility of being able to restore the entire length of the uMngeni River’s main stem for 10% of Durban Water’s monthly water treatment spend. I believe that this estimate played a pivotal role in persuading the Water Service Authorities and other key stakeholders to join the uMngeni Ecological Infrastructure Partnership. These walks play an important role in catalysing action towards the restoration and better management of our catchments. I encourage the key role players in the catchments to follow Penny’s example and put as much energy and passion into their legal responsibilities.”

Penny’s connection to the rivers is a creative and spiritual one which compliments her environmental drive and pursuit of scientific data perfectly. At the end of the uMngeni walk she commented. “Here Mama River is an old lady – after a lifetime of nurturing and unconditional giving, she barely remembers her journey that started gently in the folds of distant hills. A life which began with sparkling, bubbling energetic youth, turned sour from abuse and hurt. If only we could all give back to her as she has given to us.”

Peter Tompson, Chair of Upper uMngeni Catchment Management Forum concludes: “Penny is a remarkable lady. She has been passionate about environmental conservation all her life, much of which has been spent in passing on her broad knowledge to others. Her passion is, however, well-grounded in pragmatism and good sense, which makes her all the more credible.”

It is clear from this submission the esteem in which Penny is held. We believe she has more than earned the title of Eco-Warrior for the impressive contribution she has made to protect the ecosystems on which over 5 million people in KZN rely on a daily basis.

“He who hears the rippling of rivers in these degenerate days will not utterly despair.”  Henry David Thoreau

 

I Can Be the Change!

Many young people have participated in the MCF Environmental Leadership and Learning programme over the past few years.  Nkululeko Mdladla is one of them.

Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF) believes that in order to protect precious eco-systems and the goods and services that they provide to society, it is important to educate and inspire learners to understand and value them.  Rather than reinventing the wheel, MCF partner with the Midlands Meander Association Education Project (MMAEP) and the KZN Crane Foundation (KZNCF) to strengthen environmental learning in the region.  Through our wide network, we are often able to connect worthy individuals to learning opportunities, bursaries and sponsorships which support our aims.  We intend that limited resources are used to build capacity where it is most likely to succeed.

Last month, Nkululeko was invited to do a presentation at the Eco-Schools mini-conference where his enthusiasm captured the attention of Juanita Naidoo of eduSOIL.  He has since been invited to represent South Africa at the Be The Change (BTC) Youth Conference in India!   This event is hosted and sponsored by Design For Change, the global education reform movement that eduSOIL Education is in partnership with. Nkululeko will receive a $500 travel grant to attend the BTC Conference and the Midlands Conservancies Forum are funding other costs through their Environmental Learning and Leadership Programme which is supported by N3TC.

Nkululeko writes about his Eco-Journey

Recently, I did something for the first time. I delivered a presentation to the Eco-Schools mini-Conference held in Westville. I discovered that speaking in public is not that hard, when you are talking about something that is close to your heart. The presentation was about the environmental work my old school, Shea O’Connor Combined, had done for the past 10 years.

I began back in 2005 when we were still in Grade 4. We started a garden, with help from the Midlands Meander Education Project (MMAEP). The garden was a huge success and before we knew it, we had created gardens all over the school grounds. The gardens were helpful to the school because the vegetables were used by the school kitchen to feed the learners.

The principal, Mr Sokhela,  was so amazed and motivated by the good job we did in the garden that he started a garden right in front of his office. He turned the flower bed into a vegetable bed, full of spinach and peas!

The thing that motivated us the most was that at the end of the year we would get awards like the Green flag, trophies and certificates to reward our hard work. In 2010 we were awarded with the big International Green flag. We were very proud and honoured – this was a huge achievement.

We formed an Eco-Committee that taught other learners how to create gardens, how to take care of the environment and keep it clean and safe. Since I became part of Eco-Schools it changed my perspective about the environment. I started to care about it and I saw the beauty in nature.

We joined the March for Climate Justice at COP 17 in Durban. This was an amazing experience, meeting people from all over South Africa and the world.

We had a lot of trips that were fun and educational, organised by the MMAEP and the Midlands Conservancies Forum. In one of the trips we went to Hlatikulu to learn about cranes and wetlands, where we met a Crowned Crane named Boston. We fell in love with Boston and our school adopted her to provide food for her.

Over the years, our school has done a lot, it has been a long and enjoyable learning journey. Now I am starting on a new journey. I realise that small steps can take you places, you must just start. I am inspired by other organisations I have met recently like DUCT and Singakwenza. I realise that a few people who really care about something can make a big difference in the world. I will be attending the Be the Change conference in India in September with young people from around the world. I am sure that I can make a difference in my community.

Would you like to play your part in helping this young man to “Be the Change”? You have an opportunity of doing just that, by joining the fundraising efforts to assist him to make the most of this opportunity. To see how, go to http://www.youcaring.com/nkulu