Pinky Khondlo welcomed by Wilderness Foundation's Umzi Wethu.

Eastern-Cape born Pinky Khondlo is welcomed this month, as newly appointed project manager at the Port Elizabeth-based Umzi Wethu Training Academy. Our warm thanks also for the contribution made by the wonderful Debbie Gothan to all our students.

National Award Honours Bay Activist..

Eastern Cape Environmental Activist, Andrew Muir was recognised for his work when he won a National Award.........

Sustaining the Wild Coast!

The Wilderness Foundation recognises the essential role played by mining and other important developments of natural resources. We also insist that such activities be done in the right place, and in an environmentally and a culturally sustainable manner. The Wilderness Foundation stands with our sister organization the WILD Foundation (USA) and other prominent NGOs in the Sustaining the Wild Coast (SWC) initiative, and with local communities in the affected area, to ask that the South Africa government not allow mining in this area.

To read more about Sustaining the Wild Coast and to find out how you can assist go to www.swc.org.za/

Umzi Wethu Students Graduate!

On the 1st July 2007, the first intake of hospitality students graduated from the Umzi Wethu Academy after an 18 month training programme, as Junior Chefs and Food and Beverage coordinators.

All the learners from this first intake have guaranteed employment in the eco-tourism sector of the Eastern Cape. They will be placed in jobs in Kariega; Kuzuko and Shamwari Game Reserve and the PE Hotel Group.

The Wilderness Foundation supports CAP!

CAP is a select partnership of the major conservation organizations in South Africa who have a common vision of mitigating and adapting to climate change, a particular threat to the unique natural environment of South Africa. CAP provides a united front for carbon offset projects in South Africa that have additional biodiversity benefits, encourages discussion and debate on climate change issues and is working to develop standards for carbon-biodiversity projects in South Africa. CAP offers corporates, organizations and individuals a competitive package that allows them to offset their carbon footprint while at the same time contributing to poverty alleviation, biodiversity conservation and rural development in South Africa. CAP is committed to reducing the impact that climate change will have on South Africa’s remarkable species and ecosystems, as well as on its people, many of whom depend on the country’s rich natural resources for their livelihoods. We are working closely with Live Earth to ensure that the concert series has lasting benefits to South Africa’s natural environment and communities and we are in full support of the SOS Campaign. The time is right to call nations to action: to acknowledge climate change, to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and to prepare ourselves and our precious species to manage the effects that climate change will have on our planet.

UMZI WETHU

Umzi receives further recognition from Eastern Cape Government

As reported in The Port Elizabeth Herald, Umzi Wethu is recognised once again for the impact it is having!

The Wilderness Foundation.

The Foundation's work is concentrated in four main areas:

• Social Upliftment through wilderness such as Umzi Wethu
• Experiential Education in wilderness including Imbewu and Pride
• Wilderness Management, especially Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve
• Wilderness Advocacy through Public Awareness