ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES IMPLEMENTED TO ENSURE A SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE ECO-TOURISM MARKET
Water :
Sewerage dams were introduced to all the camp sites and staff quarters. This reduces the risk of underground water being polluted by human debris.
A water treatment facility has been installed to ensure that water from the Klaserie River is sufficiently treated for the purpose of human consumption.
A GroundWater and Surface Water Monitoring Plan has been established with the objective of identifying pollution and irregularities in good time to establish and implement means to rectify poor situations. This programme includes
routine monitoring of groundwater levels, rainfall figures and water quality;
The evaluation of hydro-geological monitoring data by a qualified hydro-geologist on a bi-annual basis.
It must at all times be ensured that the water quality of the treated effluent of the sewage treatment works, as well as the water from the water treatment works, conform to the required DWAF Standard.
Rain water is collected and used
Most information and material is stored and distributed electronically at both Camp Jabulani and HESC, therefore keeping printing of documents to a minimum.
Weekly meetings between parties across the country are held via conference call, keeping the number of domestic flights required (and thereby jet fuel emissions) to a minimum.
Wherever possible, solar power is used as a source of energy, thereby saving on electricity consumption which is environmentally contentious and a scarce commodity in the country at present.
In the kitchens the staff try to maximize the use of organic ingredients.
Eighty percent of our staff are from the local community. Camp Jabulani and HESC both offer first class “on-the-job” training to their staff, some of whom have never been employed before.
The HESC prides itself on its education outreach programme, where learners from around the country are given the opportunity to learn more about conservation – understanding the necessity for everyone to be involved in “Ensuring our Tomorrow”.
Poaching was previously regularly practiced within the local communities. Education of these communities in respect of the harmful practice has been focused on, as well as training on how poaching can be prevented and reduced. This has resulted in employment opportunities for field guides who are given a dedicated section of the reserve to monitor and protect from poachers.
Most marketing presentation packs are made by the camp with recycled and elephant dung paper.
Environmental Awareness Programmes Among Staff
An environmental education programme is implemented by the staff and all labourers on site in terms of relevant environmental issues with specific emphasis on
the purpose of conservation of the natural environment;
the prohibition of cutting of firewood from the surrounding veld;
pollution control;
recycling of waste material;
waste management, etc.
Regular briefings take place in the form of on-site talks and demonstrations.
The education/awareness programme is aimed at all levels of staff.
Among Guests
Notices are placed within the units making guests aware of the fact that water is a scarce commodity. Guests are asked to not request clean towels unnecessarily.
Waste Management
Household waste generated during operation of the lodge and associated activities is disposed of at a permitted waste site in terms of the Environmental Conservation Act 1989 (Act 73 of 1989), thereby ensuring that all strict guidelines for waste management sites have been implemented to ensure that groundwater pollution is prevented.
Recycling of waste materials is strongly supported as follows :
Different colours of glass are sorted
Tins are sorted
These items are then recycled
Organic waste is handled as follows :
Bones and meat not used for feeding the cheetahs, wild dogs, etc at HESC are used to feed the vultures at the Centre's “Vulture Restaurant”
Old bones at the "Vulture Restaurant" are collected and ground in a bone meal. This is then sprinkled over the animals' meat to increase their calcium intake
Precautionary methods are implemented for the storage and handling of chemical substances that could impact on the soils, ground and surface water (mostly relevant where vehicles are serviced and filled with petrol and diesel).
A container filled with sand to soak up any spillages, as well as an empty container into which the “contaminated" sand is placed and stored for collection by the supplier of the relevant substance is always available on site.
It is known that the Regional Representative of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry must immediately be informed if pollution of any groundwater or soils occurs. They will give instruction on actions to be taken in this regard.
