ABOUT WHALE COAST CONSERVATION
Whale Coast Conservation (WCC) is a registered NPO that has been working to protect the spectacular natural environment in the Overberg region of South Africa for over 20 years. This is an area encompassing marine, coastal, lowland and mountainous regions. It is in the heartland of the fynbos biome of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is a biodiversity hotspot.
Ironically, its natural beauty is the main cause of its extreme vulnerability. The more people who are attracted to the area to visit and settle, the greater the detrimental impact on various facets of environmental sustainability.
WCC has three main (inter-related) focus areas, namely:
1. EcoLearn:
W e run various information-based programmes for both children and adults, aimed at improving their knowledge of and exposure to our natural environment. These are all science-based and include:
- Supplementing the school environmental syllabi through holding expos at schools in the area which give concentrated information on specific topics
- Running holiday programmes in nature, including sleep-over camps
- Hosting adventures in nature where children and adults are able to enjoy hands-on experiential learning on specific topics and natural phenomena
- Offering monthly talks on specific topics by specialist speakers
- Writing a weekly column in a popular local newspaper on topics of environmental interest
- Writing and publishing books on the environment for adults and children
- Running citizen-science based projects such as rescuing and rehoming Cape Dwarf Chameleons endangered by developments, and generating base-line data on the cryptic Drewes Moss Frog.
2. EcoWatch:
The Overberg area is subject to intense development pressure with environmental consequences.
WCC scans the media for development proposals put out for public participation, scrutinises these for compliance with environmental legislation and processes, and prepares and submits comments accordingly. An example of this work is our comments on the various phases of the environmental impact assessment of the proposed CBD bypass road for Hermanus.
We also identify areas of concern such as the status and condition of the estuaries in the area – including the rivers that feed them – and develop multi-discipline and multi-player approaches aimed at workable solutions. These are put to the test in project-based approaches, such as the rehabilitation of the Mill Stream in Stanford.
3. EcoProtect:
WCC is housed in premises on the privately-owned Whale Coast Nature Reserve (WCNR). WCNR encompasses diverse habitats from marine to mountain, all in need of restoration. It is bordered by urban and agricultural areas and bisected by a provincial road.
Activities on the reserve provide opportunities for WCC to expose people to pressing environmental issues such as alien invasive vegetation, the urban/wild interface, the impact of marine poaching and litter, and the impact on wildlife and biodiversity of urban development.
Through this approach participants are also exposed to the healing power of the natural environment. Physical participation in habitat restoration and the protection of wild spaces and their biodiversity is a powerful counter to the negative pressures and stresses of modern life.
We need your support
Please help us to continue our vital work by funding us.
As a registered NPO, donations above R500 are eligible for a tax relief certificate.
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OUR TOP FIVE PROJECTS
1. Chameleon rescue and sanctuary
Everybody loves a Cape Dwarf Chameleon (Badypodion pumilum). But we hardly ever see them anymore. Their habitat is fast disappearing under urban expansion with its pesticides and domestic predators. Whale Coast Conservation to the rescue! We and our devoted band of volunteers have mapped their occurrence in urban areas of Greater Hermanus and keep a watchful eye on possible developments that may threaten them. We have the necessary authorisation to remove threatened animals and relocate them to the chameleon sanctuary that we are developing on the Whale Coast Natures Reserve. To this end our home school volunteers meet on a weekly basis to remove alien vegetation from the sanctuary to encourage indigenous growth for the benefit of the rescued “little slow foot” residents.
2. Mill Stream project
The Mill Stream and associated wetlands in Stanford, Western Cape, is a historic stream arising from a natural spring. Over the years it had become degraded and polluted, impacting the critically endangered Western Leopard Toad resident in the area. Having secured stakeholder involvement in the project, WCC is slowly spearheading its improvement for both people and frogs. A lovely recreation area with hiking paths along the banks of the stream and through the wetland is taking shape and providing employment and training for youths.
Over-proliferation of reeds in the nutrient-enriched waterways has a potentially negative effect on the riverine eco-system. Reeds are thus being cut and beneficiated into commercial products, including animal feed, so ensuring the sustainability of the project.
Many alien invasive species have also encroached in the riparian area having spread in from adjacent private gardens. It is an ongoing job to clear and poison, and the fight against these stubborn species continues.
The Die Bron Primary School has adopted their section of the stream and assists monthly to clear litter and enjoy the developing outdoor classroom.
3. Youth Environment Programme (YEP)
We work extensively with schools with traveling exhibits and lessons on different themes that complement the school life sciences curriculum. Our interactive learning material brings the natural world into the classroom in a meaningful way, connecting book learning to real life. Nature camps and excursions complement the learning and provide opportunities for personal and social development. We aim to ensure that, when the youngsters leave school, they will continue to consider the environment in their decision-making, be it in business, government or personal lives.
We thank the AVI Community Trust and the Hermanus Botanical Society for their support of our YEP initiatives.
4. Eco-Watch Project
WCC watches for activities that could have a detrimental effect on the environment or do not comply with environmental law, making pertinent comments during public participation.
5. Paddavlei Project (Hawston)
Whale Coast Conservation worked closely with the Paddavlei Eco Group (PEG) to register the group as a NPO to achieve the objectives of the Maintenance Management Plan that was created on behalf of the Overstrand Municipality. The three-year objective is firstly to focus on reducing the illegal dumping and littering in the Paddavlei; to do reed cutting and processing; to improve the water quality of the stormwater draining into the Paddavlei; to create a leisure area and a footpath through the Paddavlei.
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ACTIVITIES: SEPTEMBER 2023 TO AUGUST 2024
YOUTH ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (YEP)
- Practical wetland outdoor study
Groups of learners were taken to experience first hand the work being done on the Mill Stream and associated wetland. The practical work was supplemented by lessons on the ecological importance of wetlands.
- Fynbos Hikes
Primary school learners observed fascinating ecologyof fynbos plants and their pollinators, in action!
Hosted by Whale Coast Conservation, learners hiked the winding Blue Route of Fernkloof Nature Reserve and stopped at three points along the path. At each point, they met with one of Whale Coast Conservation’s waiting staff members, to identify and learn about the incredible fynbos plants. For some students, this was the first time they had ever visited Fernkloof – what a very special learning experience!
- Expos on Wetlands
Wetlands are some of the most important, but most threatened ecological niches worldwide. What are they about and why should we care?
We visited Masakhane, Die Bron and Okkie Smuts Primary Schools with our expo on wetlands to explain their importance and why they are under threat.
- Energy Expos
In the third school term the WCC team supplemented the school curriculum on energy. Energy, especially the generation, distribution and availability of electricity is an ongoing national issue. The expo on energy covered electricity generation, energy sources, different forms of energy, energy transfer and load shedding.
- Expos on Peatlands
In these lessons we emphasised the ecological importance of peatlands in our country where their function as a carbon sink is most important We also described the fire that burned underground in the Onrus peatland in 2019 and the floods in September 2023 when the burnt remains of the peatand were eroded and washed onto Onrus beach. We pointed out the importance of keeping peatlands wet.
- Expos on Climate Change
During August we continued our climate change theme in the form of expos at Masakhane, Okkie Smuts and Die Bron Primary Schools. We will visit additional schools in September.
HHS Grade 10 Ecology Workshop
Over the last two days of the first school term Whale Coast Conservation presented a practical plant ecology and physiology workshop for the Grade 10 class at Hermanus High School. Fernkloof Nature Reserve, steeped in natural beauty, was the ideal venue. This programme has now become a favourite annual event.ogical importance of peatlands
A study of the ecology of a sandy beach was a lot of fun for the learners as it meant frolicking on the beach while studying the intertidal species and their adapttion to the environment. The live abalone exhibit by I&J Abalone farm was also a big hit.
The science programme was rounded off by a practical workshop to enhance life- and leadership skills.
- Eco-camps: camping on Whale Coast Nature Reserve
Overnight nature camps are offered when the schools’ calendars (and the weather) permit.
- Visit to Abalone Farm
WCC took the Grade 10 and 11 Marine Biology classes to visit the I&J Abalone farm near Gansbaai. They were taken on a tour of the facility by the I&J staff who gave them loads of interesting information about the process of farming abalone.
CHAMELEON SANCTUARY AND CHAMELEON RESCUE PROJECT
Our chameleon enthusiasts continue to create a wonderful Chameleon Sanctuary on the Whale Coast Nature Reserve. Our committed homeschooler group has volunteered their Wednesday mornings to clear alien invasive plants. Their little hands have now pulled up 101 000 invasive alien saplings over the last three years. Periodically we check up on our reserve chameleons during the eco-advanture camps that we host in the reserve. It is extremely gratifying to observe that fynbos is re-establishing and that chameleons are spontaneously returning to the sanctuary. There are adults, juveniles and babies – meaning that they are happy and breeding.
No chameleons have had to be translocated in the past year. However, monitoring of chameleon numbers and locations within urban areas has continued and GPS coordinates were recorded for known populations. The data will be captured in a map that will assist in the management of chameleon habitats.
More trees were planted in the late Frank Woodbine’s forest on the Whale Coast Nature Reserve.
MONTHLY TALKS
At the WCC AGM 2023 Pierre de Villiers spoke about the interconnected ecology of the Bot and Klin rivers. Mike Bruton described Darwin’s voyage of discovery and how his visit to the Cape influenced his thinking. In early 2024 Whale Coast Conservation was privileged to host Dr Alanna Rebello who explained what peatlands are and described their ecological importance. Her talk focused on the local peatland in the Onrus River. In August Prof Stephanie Midgley spoke about Climate-Smart Agriculture – a critical adaptation to climate change.
EDUCATIONAL WALKS
Inclement weather in October prevented our ever-popular Fireflies in Fernkloof adventure. We are hoping for better luck this year. Sheraine and her group of Hawston Eco-warriors conducted a survey of Drewes’ Moss Frogs in Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
NATURE ARTICLES
We continued our weekly articles on interesting nature topics published in The Village News. The past year saw nearly 50 articles by Anina Lee. A collection of 20 of the best was illustrated by Margie Crossman and published in book form – ‘What a Wonderful World II’.
HAWSTON PADDAVLEI PROJECT
Starting out as Hawston Paddavlei Waste Project, a survey was carried out to find the reasons for high levels of illegal dumping occurring in Paddavlei, shown by the large amount of litter and pollution in the water system. The aim was to rehabilitate the Paddavlei Wetland, and turn it into a healthy water system that also serves as a recreational space for the local community in Hawston. The goal is to also involve and train up individuals within the community to efficiently maintain the Paddavlei Wetland.
ECO WATCH
As mentioned in the Chair’s report, we have commented on a number of development proposals, ranging from housing developments to an extension of the quarry on the road to Stanford. We are also part of a larger grouping opposing the exploration for gas and oil along the coastline, and another opposing the proposed mining of a large area of renosterveld in the Napier district. We have also commented on various pieces of legislation such as the proposed Biodiversity Bill and documents such as the Protected Areas Management Plan (PAMP) for the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
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FINANCIAL REPORT BY TREASURER
We are pleased to report that Whale Coast Conservation had a stable and positive financial year in 2024. A steady income stream from donations and fundraising activities supported our commitment to protecting the coastal environment and promoting sustainable living.
The total income for the year amounted to ZAR 1,739,161. This was achieved through individual and corporate donations, grant funding from environmental trusts, and proceeds from various fundraising events.
The total expenditure for the year was ZAR 1,572,416. Significant expenses included operational costs, salaries for our dedicated staff, environmental education programs, and ongoing conservation projects. Despite rising costs, careful management and prioritization of resources allowed us to maintain our core activities without compromising quality or impact.
We are pleased to report a net surplus of ZAR 247,697 for the year. This surplus will be reinvested in expanding our community outreach programs and enhancing our conservation efforts along the Whale Coast.
Looking ahead, Whale Coast Conservation remains committed to its mission of safeguarding the coastal environment and fostering sustainable communities. We are grateful for the continued support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, and we look forward to another successful year of positive impact and growth.
Venco Kruger AGA (SA) Treasurer, Whale Coast Conservation
For a detailed copy of the audited financials, please write to greenhouse.wcc@ gmail.com.
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OUR FUNDERS AND THE WCC TEAM
In an economic climate where charities and non-profits compete for funds, we have been reasonably successful – perhaps a tribute to the quality and value of our work.
We extend our thanks to those companies, organisations and individuals who have provided funding for our work, both now and in the past:
- AVI Community Trust
- The Joan St Leger Lindbergh Charitable Trust
- The G&R Raimondo Charitable Trust
- The Department of Forests, Fisheries and the Environment
- The Breede Gouritz Catchment Management Agency
- Hermanus Botanical Society
- Table Mountain Fund
- Overstrand Municipality
- Johan Conradie and Catherine Maxwell
- Abagold Development Trust
- Southern Right Charters
Management Board
- Dr Pat Miller (Chairperson)
- Rodney Anderson (Vice Chair)
- Michael Raimondo
- Venco Kruger (Treasurer)
- Ann Bown
- Stephanie Vegter
- Orsella Schneeberger
- Dr Anina Lee
Staff
- Sheraine Van Wyk: Programmes Manager
- Ingrid Du Plessis: Financial Administrator
- Shirley Mgoboza: Projects and Facilities Co-ordinator