STORMWATER AND BIODIVERSITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, 15-19 MARCH 2009

12 March, 2010 18:56

National Water Week is celebrated annually on the 15-19 March to mark the World Water Day for the protection and conservation of water resources in South Africa.  The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of all natural life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for lives. The National Water week theme is “together we can save more” comes therefore at the right time because the likely impact of climate change on water resources and biodiversity is of a great concern. Most importantly, the role of water and biodiversity in climate change mitigation and adaptation cannot be overemphasised. The approach is globally driven, but action must take place at local level.

In keeping with National Water Month, and considering that 2010 is the International year of Biodiversity, the focal point of the Municipality for the Water Month will be on activities emphasising the need for improving Water quality, Biodiversity and Climate change.

The Coastal Stormwater and Catchment Management(CSCM) Department has partnered with various stakeholders on the stormwater and biodiversity awareness campaign to promote awareness through educational programs for the community and schools in order to foster a greater understanding of the importance of water resources and biodiversity and encourage community participation in water resource projects.

The community and schools at Umlazi have been specifically targeted as this area has been identified as one of the areas with streams most greatly polluted by human behaviour. 

The campaign will include door-door visits, community workshops and cleaning up of stream flows which are planned to take place as follows:

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Date: 17 March 2010

Time: 09h30 am

Venue: Glebelands Hall

DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS

Date: 18 March 2010

Time: 09h30

Venue: Umlazi V

STREAM FLOWS CLEAN-UP

Date: 19 March 2010

Time: 08h30

Venue: Umlazi V section (Kwastambu)

For more information contact Ms Mpume Gumede, Area Catchment Coordinator on 031 311 7727

Issued by eThekwini Municipality, Communications Unit, call Gugu Mdlalose on 031- 311 2282 or e-mail mdlaloseg@durban.gov.za