The CASE Hanover Park Project was initiated to introduce the youth of Cape
Town to the diversity of fauna and flora on the Cape Flats. The aim was to give
them a new appreciation for the fauna and flora that had once covered Cape
Town, and which is now almost completely lost. The programme consisted of
ten visits to nature reserves in the Cape Town area. Eight visits were to the
City of Cape Town Nature Reserves and two were to the Cape Flats Nature
Reserve, owned by the University of the Western Cape.

Learners visited Edith Stephens Wetland Park to learn about seasonal wetlands
and birdlife. They walked the rocky shores of Wolfgat Nature Reserve, learning
about tides and about the brown hyena that once roamed the area. They saw
the milkwood forests in Macassar Dunes Conservation Area, toured the sewerage
works and heard about the Cape Muslim heritage. They also viewed the entire
city of Cape Town from the top of the Tygerberg Hill in the Tygerberg Nature
Reserve and encountered interesting flora and fauna in the Cape Flats Nature
Reserve. The group experienced amazing views of birdlife from the bird hides
at Rondevlei Nature Reserve, saw the caves and walked on the beach of Kogelberg
Nature Reserve. The hike on the mountain in the Helderberg Nature Reserve
allowed them to see spectacular mountain fynbos as well as a tame herd of
bontebok. The group also learned to appreciate the valuable ecological role
of snakes.

They documented their experiences in all these areas on video, which they will
learn to edit. This will serve as a reminder of their experience. This was done
with the help of the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI)
Urban Conservation Unit.

Achievements

• Forming partnerships with the surrounding community (Hanover Park) and
  with an institution (SANBI)
• Allowing the youth to explore the natural environment around them
• Enhancing community knowledge about their natural heritage
• Passing of skills in the making of films
• Promoting a healthy and relaxing lifestyle to the youth

For further information, contact:

Ms Stacy-Anne Michaels or Ms Luzann Hendricks
Tel: +27 (0)21 691 8070
Fax: +27 (0)21 691 7375
E-mail: luzann.isaacs@capetown.gov.za

[ p Top ]