Green bags help fund visits to national reserves
October 27, 2004 Edition 1
The government's phasing out of plastic bags will directly benefit 7 500 primary school learners countrywide, allowing them to visit South Africa's national parks over the next three years.
The education and environment ministers yesterday jointly launched a national initiative called "Kids in the Park".
In a public-private partnership, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism the Department of Education, SA National Parks and supermarket chain Pick 'n Pay have joined forces to develop an environmental education initiative that will improve access for learners and teachers to the country's national parks.
Pick 'n Pay introduced "green bags" after the law forced retailers to charge their customers for plastic bags. For the sale of the "green bag" at R5, the chain will return R1 to a special environmental fund, which in turn has contributed to the "Kids in the Park" fund.
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said conservation in the past meant keeping people separated from the environment.
"For too long, we saw fences and armed patrols as the key to protecting our natural heritage."
"That has all changed, and "Kids in the Park" embodies that change.
"We know people and communities are critical partners in the success of conservation, especially in our national parks," he said.
Teachers from participating schools will be empowered through one-day planning sessions with a park official.
In the week leading up to a park visit, teachers will structure their class lessons around topics that will be addressed during the visit.
These will include lessons on biodiversity, invasive species, indigenous species and biological heritage.
Education Minister Naledi Pandor said: "The convergence of education and conservation ... will greatly enhance learners' understanding and willingness to contribute to and preserve South Africa's natural assets."
Executive director at SAN Parks, Razeena Wagiet, said there was no questioning the need to preserve SA's natural heritage for future generations.
"Appreciation of our national parks by communities must be encouraged," said Wagiet.
Four primary schools from the West Coast - Langebaan, Diazville, St Andrews and Jury Heys - were the first to benefit from the programme with 225 participating learners participating in a two-day programme. - Staff Writer.
