Sustainable Home 4 All

Welcome to Minister Anton Bredell

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:43:00 +0000

In May 2009 Minister Pierre Uys was succeeded by Minister Anton Bredell.
The Department welcomes Minister Bredell in his new role and looks forward to a relationship that will benefit the people and environment of the Western Cape.

Western Cape lapsed use rights for landowners finally reinstated

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:47:00 +0000

The process to reinstate the lapsed use rights of landowners in the province under the Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance [15 of 1985, Section 14(2)] has been completed.

Premier Lynne Brown has assented to it and the Land Use Planning Ordinance Amendment Act was published in the Provincial Gazette on 3 March 2009. The act restores the lapsed rights, and extends it to 30 June 2011.

With this Premier Brown and Minister Uys has made good on their undertaking to the industry late in January to restore these rights.

The Ordinance regulates land use planning in the province.

This was to be extended with a further six months, but lapsed due to an unintended action due to a late signing.

The local authorities and the industry were not aware of the lapsing of the use rights, and applications of various types have been submitted for consideration, and in some instances considered, as if the time period prescribed in Section 14(2) had not lapsed.

"The reinstatement brings back certainty, stability and clear direction for local government and the industry," says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.

Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Western Cape lapsed use rights for landowners almost reinstated

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:28:00 +0000

The process to reinstate the lapsed use rights of landowners in the province under the Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance [LUPO, 15 of 1985, Section 14(2)] has today passed two milestones.

The Standing Committee on Community Development of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and this legislature has passed the Land Use Planning Ordinance Amendment Bill unopposed. The bill restores the lapsed rights, and extends it to 30 June 2011.

The committee has received 92 submissions in response to the Bill and 5 presentations were made as part of its public participation and consultation process. The majority supported the Bill.

The Bill will be submitted to Premier Lynne Brown for assent and then be promulgated to become an Act in the provincial gazette.

LUPO regulates land use planning in the province at local authority level.

Since the commenced of LUPO on 1 July 1986, the core principle of Section 14(2) was that use rights in question would have lapsed on 30 June 2001. The 15-year transitional period was lengthened to a grace period of 21 years by a number of Amendment Acts to expire on 30 June 2007.

This was to be extended with a further six months, but the then Premier only assented to the relevant Amendment Act on 2 July 2007 - two days after the rights had lapsed. It was then published in the Provincial Gazette on 5 July 2007 as if it was in force.

The local authorities and the industry were not aware of the lapsing of the use rights, and applications of various types have been submitted for consideration, and in some instances considered, as if the time period prescribed in Section 14(2) had not lapsed.

*The reinstatement will bring back certainty, stability and clear direction for local government and the industry,* says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.

Enquiries:

Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Free marketing of products made with recycled material

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Minister Pierre Uys, provincial minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, invites all people producing goods from recycled content material to advertise for free in a special Western Cape Recycled Products Catalogue.

This catalogue will follow the first edition compiled in 2008 and is the first such eco-efficiency initiative for a specialized guide in the country where everything recycled available for the home, garden, play and work in one province is showcased together at no charge.

The Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has embarked on a programme of action to stimulate the recycling economy and to show people it is trendy to buy recycled. The Department endeavors to pro-actively stimulate growth and job creation in the province.

To this end two special exhibitions to showcase interesting gifts were held during the festive season last year. The catalogue was also widely distributed.

The *buy recycled* campaign aims to inform the public that the salvaging or separation of recyclables from waste is not enough to support the recycling industry. Collected or recovered waste material (recyclables) will end up at landfill facilities if there is no demand for products made from the recovered material.

The aim is to secure the supply of salvaged material, and to stimulate
the demand for recyclables going back into the manufacturing processes. Furthermore it is necessary to promote products made from reclaimed material, which is key in conserving scarce natural resources.

*By buying products made from recovered rather than virgin material, all contribute towards reducing energy consumption and green house gas emissions that speeds up climate change.

*In buying products made from recycled material consumers will also contribute towards saving on limited landfill space and conserve natural resources. Buying recycled products will further support the much needed job and opportunity creation in the province.

*Give a gift of conscience and be part of the solution to conserve our natural resources by reducing harm to our environment. It makes perfect environmental sense to reduce, reuse and recycle,* Minister Uys says.

Minister Uys invited all people who want their products included in the catalogue, to please phone (021) 483 2971 or send their information to ipwis@pgwc.gov.zabefore Tuesday 24 February 2009.

Enquiries:

Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Minister invites input on proposed Cape Town landfill site

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:33:00 +0000

The Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Pierre Uys, has written letters to all interested and affected parties with regard to the development of a new regional landfill site and infrastructure for the City of Cape Town.

Minister Uys must decide the appeals against the environmental authorisation issued on 16 July 2007 by the Director of Integrated Environmental Management.

In the planning process prior to the authorisation, some 75 possible sites were considered.

Two sites put forward by the applicant, the City of Cape Town, were comparatively assessed during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) phase, as well as the option not to implement the activity.

The two sites are at Atlantis and Kalbaskraal.

The Atlantis site is on the farm Donkergat (portion of Brakkefontein) 6,5km south of Atlantis and surrounded by Duynefontein, Witsand informal settlement and the N7.

The Kalbaskraal site on the farm Bottelfontein between Kalbaskraal and Klipheuwel is 20km south of Malmesbury.

The director authorisedthe Atlantis site.

"I invited all interested and affected parties to register should they like to make oral representations at a possible appeal hearing. Once I concluded reviewing all the information and registrations, I will decide if it is realistic or necessary to hold such an appeal hearing," says Minister Uys.

Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Western Capeto reinstate lapsed use rights for landowners

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:29:00 +0000

Since the Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance (LUPO, 15 of 1985) commenced on 1 July 1986, the core principle of Section 14(2) was that use rights in question would have lapsed on 30 June 2001.

The 15-year transitional period was lengthened to a grace period of 21 years by a number of Amendment Acts to expire on 30 June 2007. This was to be extended with a further six months, but the then Premier only assented to the relevant Amendment Act on 2 July 2007 two days after the rights had lapsed. It was promulgated in the Provincial Gazette on 5 July 2007.

The problem is that the local authorities and the industry were not aware of the lapsing of the use rights, and applications of various types have been submitted for consideration, and in some instances considered, as if the time period prescribed in Section 14(2) had not lapsed.

LUPO regulates land use planning in the province at local authority level.

When LUPO commenced, any town-planning scheme in force under the Township Ordinance of 1934 (repealed by LUPO), was deemed to be a zoning scheme in force in terms of LUPO. The rights granted in terms of any such zoning scheme were preserved, valid and enforceable as if granted pursuant to the provisions of LUPO.

Where the zonings, and thus the rights upon which any applications dependent, no longer exist, the very basis of such application falls away.

This situation that has arisen in the middle of June 2007 (when I was the provincial Minister of Health), only came to my attention towards the end of last year (2008). I immediately instructed a legal opinion be obtained to look at the options to resolve the predicament amicably. And I had the local authorities informed in a circular.

I showed and have all intentions to rectify the situation.

I received this opinion yesterday (28 January 2009). After considering this I decided to speedily put a process in place to rectify the dilemma. I am preparing further extending legislation to submit to the provincial Cabinet and Western Cape Provincial Parliament to reinstate the unintended lapse of land use rights.

This will bring back certainty, stability and clear direction for local government and the industry, says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.

Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Western Cape Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:15:00 +0000

The Western Cape Provincial Government is the first provincial authority on the continent to pioneer a strategy and action plan in response to climate change, says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.

The Western Cape Provincial Strategy and Action Plan was launched today Tuesday 27 January 09) in Milnerton. The main aim of this comprehensive document is to reduce the emission of green house gasses that speed up the effects of global warming, to mitigate the resultant effects and adaptation.

Premier Lynne Brown opened the event where leading climate change experts gave a provincial overview, and Minister Uys unveiled the Western Cape Strategy and Action Plan.

Premier Lynne Brown and her cabinet approved the strategy and action plan in November 2008. The strategy and action plan build on a study to determine the susceptibility of the Western Cape to global warming that will and is already affecting the province, and will be one of the most detrimentally impacted regions of the country.

The Western Cape is leading the way provincially in an area of international interest.

Climate change affects everyone and all individuals need to work to reduce, reuse and recycle in the common good of the region and the planet.

Some of the impacts that exposed the vulnerability of the Western Cape with its vast shoreline are floods in areas like the Overberg and Southern Cape, unusual spells of droughts with drier soils and reduced rainfall, conditions conducive to big wildfires, declining water levels inland, long term rising of sea levels and with extreme or erratic weather conditions. Even the Cape Floral Kingdom came under pressure with fynbos dieback due to heavy rains in the Outeniqua Mountains.

The Western Cape Provincial Government, the public and experts have joined forces with the strategy and action plan to respond efficiently and effectively to the challenges climate change brings and that would impact on wine and other farming, tourism, environmental resources like scarce water and quality air as well as trade across the province.

The Western Cape has already started various initiatives to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, harnessing alternative energy sources that are renewable and sustainable, reducing waste, training teachers to assist the next generations to deal with the new challenges and to recognise opportunities that arise from a change in course.

This government also undertake exemplary action steps such as greening
offices or the workplace for savings, an energy audit with a view to
reduce its usage, putting up moveable ambient air quality monitoring
stations across the province, the roll out of 1 000 solar geysers to
poorer communities and promoting renewable energy.

As a caring and responsive government, the Western Cape plans to play a leading stewardship role.

In this regard legislation may follow to ensure more sustainability, a
green procurement policy, a dedicated climate change unit in the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, a desk to deal with a Clean Development Mechanism and intergovernmental relation building to work towards mitigation.

Focus will be on the poor and most vulnerable, partnerships, minimising the adverse impacts, to position the province to take advantage of emerging economic prospects, developing energy efficiency options and practical actions (such as in land use and development planning in constructing energy efficient buildings).

*We all have to change our behaviour, activities and attitudes. I challenge every citizen to take hands with this provincial Government in its target to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels with 15% over about 5 years and increase total consumption from renewable energy sources by 15%. Every one should reduce personal consumption in this regard. We all have to adapt now,* Minister Uys says.

Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

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THE WESTERN CAPE CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN AT A GLANCE

THE AIM
- to strengthen resilience to climate change, particularly in vulnerable economic sectors and communities
- by reducing the Western Cape*s carbon footprint to maintain the province*s status of having comparatively low greenhouse gas emissions

THE RESPONSE
- Government will lead partnerships with research institutions, industry and communities to minimise the impact of climate change to improve the knowledge of climate change
- Demand side management to control the use of resources (like water as South Africa is already a water scarce country) and utilities (like electricity) and other practical action , including the increased use of naturally available systems like orientating houses to make the best use of sunlight.
- Adaptation measures, including the use of alternative farming methods and development planning
- Mitigation through active reduction of carbon emission, including the use of cleaner fuels and efficient use of energy
- Identification of vulnerable natural and human environments, including water resources, bio-diversity, air quality and built environments at risk, for the most appropriate action

PROVINCIAL PRIORITIES & ACTION AREAS
- An integrated water supply and infrastructure management programme - researching the cost-benefit ration of irrigation, pricing strategies and water conservancy strategies;
- A clear link between land stewardship, livelihoods and economic activity * effective land use and researching the best possible way to strengthen vulnerable communities;
- A focused climate change research and weather information programme;
- A programme to reduced the provincial carbon footprint though energy efficiency (including transport), development of renewable and alternate sustainable energy resources and effective waste management;

SCENARIOS of IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The likely climate change factors are a 1 degree Celsius increase in temperatures is expected by 2050, the drying up of water sources are likely to dry up with reduced rainfall and reduced soil moisture and an increase of extreme weather like flash floods, droughts and wildfires.

Specifically in the Western Cape, this could lead to:
- Impacts of crops due to higher temperatures and drier soils;
- Higher temperatures or heat waves which will stress the carbon footprint as demand for air-conditioning increases;
- Increased danger to human communities, the Cape*s biodiversity and infrastructure from wildfires;
- Increased sea levels which will heighten the risk of coastal flooding and also the intrusion of salt water into groundwater and wetlands.

You can download the full and summary reports from the departmental web site (see link on the sidebar of this blog) or from the drop at http://drop.io/dflclimatechange using the guest password "1amaguest" NOTE: The first character of the password is the numeral 1 (one)

Minister Pierre Uys re-launches the Palmiet Hiking Trail

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Minister Pierre Uys (cutting the ribbon with the scissors) re-launched the Palmiet Hiking Trail in the Overberg during the week ahead of the celebrations on Saturday (6 December 2008) of the International Day of Disabled Persons. This trail is suitable to be utilised by sight impaired people and has now been upgraded and made more accessible also for a wider range of other people with disabilities. On the left is Ms. Lucille Meyer, CEO of CapeNature, together with representatives of the Western Cape Network on Disability. Ms. Lynne Brown, Western Cape premier, also addressed attendees at the re-launch.
Photo: Christopher Daniels

UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:06:00 +0000

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznań, Poland, begins today and will continue until 12 December.

The Official UNFCCC site is here.

There is a Facebook Group specifically for COP 14 - search Facebook Groups for "UN Climate Talks - COP 14"

UNFCCC COP 14 website >>> http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_14/items/4481.php

UNFCCC Video channel >>> http://www.youtube.com/climateconference

Climate Change TV >>>http://www.climate-change.tv/html/interviews.html

A link will be added each day to the IISD Reporting Services Earth Negations Bulletin daily summary for your convenience:

01-12-2008 Day 1;
02-12-2008 Day 2;
03-12-2008 Day 3;
04-12-2008 Day 4;
05-12-2008 Day 5;
06-12-2008 Day 6;
07-12-2008 Day 7;
08-12-2008 Day 8;
09-12-2008 Day 9;
10-12-2008 Day 10;
11-12-2008 Day 11;
12-12-2008 Day 12;

You can also download pdf or html versions of the reports daily here.

Western Cape Cleanest Town Competition - 2008

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:33:00 +0000

BREEDE RIVER / WINELANDS IS TOPS IN WESTERN CAPE

Minister Pierre Uys, Western Cape minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, has announced the winners of the 2008 Western Cape Cleanest Town Competition.

The Breede River/Winelands local municipality (consisting of Robertson, Ashton, Montague, Bonnievale and McGregor) were awarded with the top prize at the ceremony.

Swartland municipality, the 2006 and 2007 winner, is this year's runner-up, with Overstrand municipality the second runner-up.

Stellenbosch municipality received the award as the Most Improved Municipality.

All winners received a cash prize to be used on integrated waste management.

This year a special focus of the competition was to recognize the role of district municipalities. The Eden District municipality received an award for the most supportive district. Their proactive and innovative approach to tackling waste management challenges included the establishment of a Regional Waste Forum, financed and drove the process for the development of Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) for all municipalities in the district. The municipality developed a Master plan that included planning around regional landfill sites. The district plays a very active role in driving the Waste Management in Education programme developed by the province.

The theme of the award ceremony focused on resource efficiency of municipalities with the aim of being 2wise2waste (a waste management programme by the Provincial Government) and bringing our attention to the impact of human activities on our planet and in particular on how we can reduce our impacts now, in order to preserve our planet for future generations.

Minister Uys says: "The objective of the competition is to create awareness around waste management and to encourage creative solutions to the complex problems facing municipalities. It further aims to regain pride amongst communities, and to enhance community involvement in
integrated waste management practices. It is also envisaged that IWMP receives adequate attention in Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) to ensure that waste management is prioritized and adequate budgets are located to develop the required infrastructure."

The Provincial winners will take part in the national leg of the competition. The City of Cape Town is automatically entered into the national competition as it is the only metropolitan council in the province.

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

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MORE BACKGROUND:

The Cleanest Town Competition (CTC) is a national competition that has been running since 2001. The CTC is managed by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and administered by the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). In the provincial leg, competing local municipalities are evaluated by a panel of officials from various departments. The panel visit towns in local municipalities and evaluate according to the following criteria:

* The physical condition and general cleanliness of the town counts for 40%. Evaluation comprises an unannounced visit to a local municipality. Here the cleanliness of town centres, low income residential areas, commercial and industrial areas, tourist attractions and public facilities e.g. schools, taxi ranks, waste disposal sites etc. are assessed. The condition of townships and informal settlements, with regard to Integrated Waste Management also forms an important part of the evaluation.

* The support systems and municipal waste management initiatives counts for 60%. For this section the panel refers to documents such as the municipality's IWMP, studies undertaken by DEADP and interviews with members of the community. Special focus is given to waste minimisation programmes, community mobilisation and public participation in environmental issues, as well as budgetary and personnel support, enforcement, compliance and implementation of IWMPs.

GIS helps to solve real problems

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

RELEASE BY WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, PIERRE UYS

GIS helps to solve real problems, says Minister

Without knowing it, the latest technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is almost daily making the lives of people and communities easier, says Pierre Uys, estern Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

Minister Uys opened a special Western Cape GIS Day of exciting interactivity for senior learners in Oudtshoorn on 31 October 2008. It was organised for the tenth annual celebration of the global GIS Day and the first one of its kind in the Klein Karoo area.

Minister Uys (right) with Lehan Fouche, the Deputy Director: Information Systems

Minister Uys says, "This important technology makes significant contributions and touches our daily lives without us being aware of it. It helps to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education, general service delivery, public safety and planning."

"With it, one can plan to direct power supply to homes, assist emergency services, is essential in disaster management, use resources optimally and even run a huge election, like we will have next year."

"This extraordinary technology makes work easier for health workers, security agents, government employees like investigators, city planners, environmental impact administrators and people in nearly every profession. Analysts and developers use it extensively to make informed decisions, like where to locate automated teller machines more conveniently for banks, restaurants or even for farmers on how to use their land optimally with less chemicals", said Minister Uys.

GIS is an innovative information system, also displaying geographic feature and gathered information like location, streets, buildings, water features and terrain. It combines information from maps, photographs and computers to bring countless benefits to society. It is used widely by provincial and local government to co-operate in spatial planning and environmental control.

Learners and community leaders of the Klein Karoo could see GIS application in action at government level and the services it brings to people with live demonstrations, a map gallery and educational videos as well as presentations to showcase this phenomenal field of science.

Besides the celebrations, the learners could also consider GIS as a career opportunity. From next year GIS will be part of the matric curriculum.

The day was organised by the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The theme was: "Exploring My Community Through GIS."

Internationally GIS Day is celebrated on 19 November each year. This event was held earlier out of consideration to learners preparing for the upcoming school examinations.

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Air quality monitored closer

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:52:00 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE BY THE WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, PIERRE UYS

16 October 2008

Air quality monitored closer, Minister says

New steps to improve the quality of air in the province are being put
in place by the Western Cape Provincial Government.

Minister Pierre Uys, provincial minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, has today launched a special station in Vredenburg to continuously and scientifically monitor the quality of ambient air in the Saldanha Bay area for a full year. The data will be used to better understand air quality in the area.

Minister Pierre Uys (centre) with Hans Linde, Deputy Director: Air Quality Management, and Gottlieb Arendse, Director: Pollution and Waste Management

This is one of three stations the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has bought to monitor the quality of air and check on specific pollutants over the next five years in strategically identified areas with municipalities.

The roll-out of the air quality management system is an initiative of the Western Cape Government in the interest of the environment and health. The station monitors the critical gaseous pollutants, particulate matter and relevant meteorological data.

The decision to locate the station here was jointly taken between thelocal and provincial authorities due to perceptions of the air in the West Coast district and in particular the Saldanha Bay area. In cooperation with the West Coast District Municipality, this monitoring station has been located at the Hoërskool Vredenburg (high school).

This unit now forms part of the provincial monitoring system with stations also in Paarl and in Mossel Bay. Over the next five years the stations will be relocated to other points every year.

Minister Uys says: "Every person has a right to clean air and with the launching of this station the Provincial Government is striving to better understand the quality of the air and reinforces its commitment and obligations with respect to the air quality management across the province."

"The Saldanha Bay and West Coast District Municipal area is a development node. It is therefore important that we as authorities, together with the industries, accept our responsibilities with respect to air quality. We look forward to sharing the information with each other and collectively come to a better understanding of the air quality in this particular area."

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) +27 73 133 7299
Minister Uys +27 82 4555 144

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ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

To fulfill the Provincial Government's obligation in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, the Province has purchased the necessary equipment to set up three (3) fully equipped continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations. To assist with the evaluation of air quality, these monitors will be strategically deployed across the Province on rotational basis over a five (5) year period. Each station will be located at a selected site for a one-year period to ensure that all the seasons are covered.

On 11 September 2007, DEAT published the National Framework for Air Quality Management for the Republic of South Africa. Importantly, this Framework includes a table to guide the Municipalities with respect to the quality of ambient air within their areas of jurisdiction. The said framework rates the air quality in the West Coast District Municipality, City of Cape Town and the Winelands District Municipality areas as POOR and the Eden District Municipality as POTENTIALLY POOR.

The monitoring station is comprised of an air-conditioned housing unit mounted on a chassis with wheels to be transportable. The unit is equipped with continuous analyzers for the monitoring of the critical pollutants, Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3) and Particulate Matter (PM10). Importantly, the unit is complimented with a 9-metre high mask with a full range of instruments to monitor meteorological parameters, wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity.

The monitors will be regularly calibrated and will be operated according to laid down accredited procedures. This all makes for a sound air quality monitoring program of the so-called critical pollutants and with the necessary additional weather data capturing system this will ensure scientific analysis of information that is recorded.

The monitoring of air quality over a period will place the Province in the position to assist the municipalities with evaluating the state of the environment with respect to air quality and to build its capacity in ambient air quality monitoring. This monitoring station will contribute and augment the monitoring systems currently in operation by the private sector and other monitoring programmes.

Prepare for climate change

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:47:00 +0000

Prepare for climate change, Minister urges

Minister Pierre Uys, minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, has launched a special curriculum tool for teachers to assist them in dealing with climate change.

The training of a core group of teachers from across the province on the Climate Change Education and Awareness Programme started today at the Northlink College in Panorama, Cape Town, and will continue until Saturday. The programme and a teacher*s resource book were developed by the University of Cape Town*s Schools Development Unit.

Minister Uys (second from left, second row from front) with Western Cape Teachers that attended the programme

Climate change and environmental issues will form part of the school curriculum from next year and this pilot project by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning were undertaken to help teachers deal with the issues around climate change and awareness.

Minister Uys opened the three day workshop this morning.

"There is overwhelming consensus amongst experts that climate change has been accelerated through human endeavour and that extraordinary preparations are needed to ward off serious consequences. It is for this reason we have decided as Government to train and prepare our people for life style changes to mitigate matters like global warming and dependence on fossil fuel that is a key cause of the emission of greenhouse gasses", Minister Uys said.

"Even with the significant reduction of these gasses, there will still be changes to the climate."

"That this why emissions need to be contained or reduced. It is projected that temperature or extreme weather conditions, water shortages, more fires and adverse agricultural conditions will be some of the challenges we will face in the future. Therefore we start this seeding project in line with national and provincial policies to prepare our future citizens and leaders for the task at hand", Minister Uys said.

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Make coast safer for whales and all life

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:29:00 +0000

Minister Pierre Uys, minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, has called on all people to assist in the battle to keep the water off our coast free from plastic debris that harm all kinds of marine life, including the gentle giants of the deep, whales.

Minister Uys's plea coincides with the highlight of the whale season and the annual Whale Festival in Hermanus as well as the coastal and marine programmes of his department.

Too many whales are still getting caught up in all kinds of debris along our coast line. Some animals also die because they may digest drifting plastic as it may be seen as food. All efforts should be made to make our coast safer for our visiting whale friends and all other life forms.

A perpetual problem with undesirable debris exists. Many of our people's daily activities, from not properly disposing of garbage or even littering, can impact on the plants and animals along our shores.

"The debris, like scattered fragments, packaging material, crayfish traps, broken nets, ropes or lines and drift wreckages, consist mainly of plastic that can harm or kill organisms. Solving our water pollution requires everyone's involvement," Minister Uys said.
The Coastal Management team of the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in partnership with District Municipalities last week was involved with beach clean-ups (15 to 19 September 2008).

Various schools and learners helped cleaning up polluted areas along the extensive Cape coast line in order to increase public awareness and appreciation of the coastal environment.

"My Government and I thank every citizen and volunteer who help unselfishly to make our coast a safer area for all to use," Minister Uys said.

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

National Arbor Week Celebrations at Melton Primary School

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:47:00 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE BY THE WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, PIERRE UYS

Immediate release 5 September 2008

Minister Pierre Uys, minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning addressing pupils and teachers at Melton Primary School.

National Arbor Week Celebrations at Melton Primary School in Klein Vlei, Eerste River, on Friday 5 September 2008

Minister Pierre Uys, minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, joined learners in greening their urban area during a special tree planting celebration at the Melton Primary School in Eerste River this morning.

This school undertakes a number of community and environmental activities through an active Eco-Club and assistance of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi).

The learners and teachers maintain an indigenous- and a food garden that provides fresh vegetables for the school and community.

The tree planting ceremony was also in anticipation of International Arbor Day on Sunday 7 September.

“Trees were planted as part of this annual celebration to observe the future of our planet and to offset the emission of carbon and global warming. All are encouraged to care for trees as a renewable resource, about conservation and the environment.

“Trees give us oxygen, water vapour, food, shelter, wood and over 5 000 products. Without trees we will not survive. Especially in many disadvantaged communities, who often live in barren areas, we need to plant more trees,” Min. Uys said.
Minister Uys planted a scarce Wild Plum, which is one of this year’s three specimens of the Tree of the Year.

End

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Minister Pierre Uys and Ms Averyle Temmit, the school principal, plant a wild plum, which is tree of the year 2008, in the school's indigenous garden

Minister Uys and Ms Temmit examining the school's wonderful greening programme co-ordinated by teacher Hadley Linus, centre.
Acting Head of Department, Mr Rudi Ellis, extreme right

Minister Uys donated vegetable seed to the school for the food garden, (these include packets of seed for carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach and green beans)

International Coastal Cleanup Week targets undesirable debris

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:43:00 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE BY THE WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, PIERRE UYS

Immediate release 13 September 2008

International Coastal Cleanup Week targets undesirable debris

Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys thanks all the community and school volunteers who will assist during the coming week to clear undesirable debris from the Western Cape coastline.

The Coastal Management team of the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in partnership with District Municipalities initiated beach cleanups for the week of 15 to 19 September 2008.

Various schools and learners will take part in the annual activities to cleanup beaches with the aim to identify the different types of pollution and compile data to devise strategies to combat pollution. Many of the volunteers come from disadvantaged and marginalised areas.They are involved in the activities to increase public participation in solving the problem of pollution, and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the coastal environment.

A perpetual problem with undesirable debris exists on our beaches along our coastline. Many of our people are unaware how their daily activities, from not properly disposing of their garbage or even throwing a cigarette butt on the ground, can impact on the plants and animals off our shores. This debris can harm or kill beach organisms. Marine pollution also makes using the beach less enjoyable for people. Solving our water pollution that washes to the sea requires everyone's involvement, Minister Uys said.

The programmevaries from area to area but provides for a talk on keeping the coast clean. This is followed by collecting refuse like plastic and broken glass on the beaches and fun activities (like sand castle building and beach races).

Local schools will assist in: Olifants River Mouth to Strandfontein, Elands Bay, Dwarskersbos, Jacobs Bay, Yzerfontein, Overberg Testing Range (Aghulhas), De Hoop, Struis Bay, Waenhuiskrans, Bigai River, Wilderness and Kleinkrantz, Briekelbos River, Swartvlei Beach to Sedgefield, Still Bay, Knysna Lagoon, Khayalethu River, Grobbelaars River, Springer Bay to Boggoms Bay, Vlees Bay to Kanon, Cape Vacca to Kanon and Vlees Bay to Boggoms Bay (Fransmanhoek Conservancy).

End

Enquiries: Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144

Minister Uys suceeds Minister Essop

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:22:00 +0000

In July 2008 Minister Tasneem Essop resigned and was succeeded by Minister Pierre Uys.
The Department would like to thank Minister Essop for her dynamic leadership over the past four years and welcomes Minister Uys to his new role

Tell Tasneem Your Tip!

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:15:00 +0000

Hi,

As many of you in the Western Cape would know the Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC) has spearheaded energy efficiency and savings. In 2006 the Western Cape was subject to serious load shedding and we called on stakeholders to join us and manage the shortages. We established the Energy Risk Management Committee (ERMC) and this year, once again, we have been called upon to re-activate it.

The ERMC is currently forming a demand-side management plan, has developed equitable and reliable load shedding schedules and will also investigate the uptake of renewable energies for both energy efficiency and generation. As mentioned by Premier Ebrahim Rasool, in his State of the Province address the Western Cape aims to save 500 MW of electricty each day as part of our contribution to the national effort!

One of my staffers was telling me that he is also trying to help by turning off his geyser each morning. However, he said that he kept forgeting to turn it on each evening after work and subsequently has had to deal with cold water.

His idea to mitigate this matter was to print a sign saying 'Geyser On' and 'Geyser Off' on the backside. This sign hangs over his switchboard and every evening when he comes home the sign catches his attention and he is remiinded to turn on his geyser.

This made me think about how important it is for each citizen in our province to also make their individual contributions. I am sure that there are many brilliant ideas on how to save electricty out there so we decided to start the 'Tell Tasneem Your Tip campaign' on my blog.

It would be fantastic if you had ideas and would enter them on this blog so we can keep a record of all of your efforts.

Regards

Tasneem

Western Cape Energy Committee is re-activated

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:02:00 +0000

Last night, Tasneem Essop, the Western Cape MEC for Environment, Planning and Economic Development, announced that the provincial Energy Risk Management Committee (ERMC), which was started by Premier Ebrahim Rasool in 2006, had been re-activated after a broad range of stakeholders agreed that the province needed a predictable and reliable management and information plan to help citizens prepare for electricity load shedding and that a demand side management programme was crucial to ensuring electricity savings in the province.

Essop said that it was clear from the Eskom briefing to the ERMC, that the energy situation was very different to the previous situation two years ago as it had now become a national issue and was no longer a localised Western Cape problem. She said that regardless of these new conditions, the Western Cape would have to contribute to helping find solutions to the problem and again ensure electricity savings as we successfully did two years ago.

‘The discussion last night was robust and our critical stakeholders expressed very strong opinions about the load shedding but I was deeply impressed by their renewed commitment to see the ERMC up and running again, their very strong spirit of consensus and a belief in our provincial model. The ERMC is a focused leadership collective of which we should all be very proud!’ said Essop.

The ERMC has mandated its sub-committee, the Provincial Monitoring Team (PMT), to work with Eskom provincial management and the City of Cape Town to devise integrated load shedding timetables, a demand-side management plan and a communication plan which will be tabled for comment by the various stakeholders at their next meeting in the first week of February.

The Renewable Energy Task Team, consisting of officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP), the City of Cape Town, Eskom and civil society was also tasked with preparing a report aimed at incorporating the provision of renewable energy sources, as part of the overall strategy to deal with medium to long term problems which would result from increasing demand outstripping supply.

Essop said that her department had made significant progress in developing a renewable energy plan for the province and that the challenge now was to make sure ‘that renewable energy products, such as solar water heaters, move out of a business plan phase and into our homes and factories as not only are they are very effective demand-side management tools but they also create exciting new investment opportunities.’

She said that the most important task of the ERMC was to devise a strong communication plan which would help citizens of the Western Cape access reliable and predictable information on load shedding and practical ways of saving electricity.

‘If we are expected to pull together and work through these difficult times then we must at least help our citizens get an honest and clear picture of what is required and how every individual can contribute to energy savings.’

Two organisations from labour and civil society said that they would need to consult amongst their membership and hoped to return with a mandate to participate at the next meeting in February.

Ends

Issued by:
Minister Tasneem Essop
Environment, Planning and Economic Development

For further information contact:
Nils Flaatten
Ministerial Spokesperson
Ministry of Environment, Planning and Economic Development
083 708 7119

Ikhaya Lethu Sonke – A Home for All – ‘n Tuiste vir Almal

Green Scorpions tackle water pollution

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:57:00 +0000

Western Cape MEC for Environment, Planning and Economic Development, Tasneem Essop, said that this week she had instructed the ‘Green Scorpions’, or Environmental Management Inspectors, to investigate the illegal dumping of waste and pollution in the Klein Vlei and Bokmakierie canals, after she had noticed an increased build up of waste materials as she drove past these canals.

The ‘Green Scorpions’, who have also received complaints from members of the public and residents about the polluted rivers, conduct their site inspections along the section of Jan Smuts Drive which runs up until the corner of Klipfontien Road (and is adjacent to the Bokmakierie residential area) as well as a second site running from the N2, along the Baden Powell Drive towards Stellenbosch and found large amounts of domestic waste, used tyres (in and alongside both canals) and effluent flowing into the canals.

They have now issued a notification of intention to issue a directive against the City of Cape Town for failing in their duty to prevent the illegal dumping of waste and pollution in the Klein Vlei and Bokmakierie canals.

The notification which was issued in terms of Section 28(4) of the National Environmental Management Act was sent to the City Manager, Achmat Ebrahim, and compels the City of Cape Town to conduct a thorough clean-up of the two areas within 10 working days.

‘We seriously need to start taking care of our rivers. For far too long citizens of our province have abused these water-ways and become immune to the unsightly state of our rivers, not to mention the serious health hazards that local residents are exposed to, such as those in Bokmakierie. These rivers form a critical part of our eco-systems and I can not believe that we allow people to break the law, dump their waste and leave the most vulnerable of our people to live in these horrible conditions. I am very concerned that we still have not learnt that waste materials are guaranteed to clog up our stormwater drainage systems when the winter rains come. Everyone knows that this will lead to unnecessary flooding and will cost the taxpayer money to fix the problem. We must learn to take better care of our environment and use proper preventative measures. Hence the City of Cape Town, which has a duty of care towards the environment, must not only comply with this notice but they must also empower the local community as part of their preventative approach to waste management.’

‘We want them to take measures to prevent this from happening again but most importantly, we want them to proactively work with local communities and run educational workshops to help create a new paradigm towards waste management and the protection of our environment. Communities also need to take ownership and pride in these water-ways and must help prevent future pollution. I have warned municipalities, during the Cleanest Town Competition that I will adopt a zero tolerance approach to pollution and polluters should see this as a serious warning. The Green Scorpions will not hesitate to take similar action in the future’, said Essop

Failure to comply with the notification of intention to issue a directive could see the ‘Green Scorpions’ issuing a directive against the City of Cape Town which has serious consequences.

Ends

Issued by:
Minister Tasneem Essop
Environment, Planning and Economic Development

For further information contact:
Nils Flaatten
Media and Strategic Policy Manager
Ministry of Environment, Planning and Economic Development
083 708 7119

Wetlands Forum Blog

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:05:00 +0000

The Department has assisted the Wetlands Forum set up a blog to keep all local 'wetlanders' in touch with issues of interest to the Western and Southern Cape Wetlands Forums.

The blog contains links to numerous key local and international web resources.

World Wetlands Day (February 2) has recently been celebrated and the blog is a veritable treasure trove of information about local wetland conservation initiatives.

The Wetlands Forum Blog as accessible at http://www.wetlandsforum.blogspot.com

Climate Change Modeling in South Africa ...

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:35:00 +0000

WORLD COMMUNITY GRID TO HELP BUILD MODELS THAT WILL AID IN UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Last week I attended the launch, at UCT, of a most interesting South African Climate Change project.

Now your own PC can be used, while you are not using it, to assist in climate data processing to improve the reliability of climate change modeling for South Africa.

See the "AfricanClimate@Home" link at www.worldcommunitygrid.org

Please read on.

Capetown, South Africa, September 3, 2007 . . . IBM and the Climate Systems Analysis Group (CSAG) at the University of Cape Town (Bruce Hewitson) launched a global computing effort to improve regional climate models in order to make better projections about what effects a changing climate will have in Africa.

Climate change is of grave concern in all areas, but in developing regions such as Africa, the impact will be more acute because of the lack of access to healthcare and other social services. Widespread floods, for example, can lead to water borne illness and related diseases such as dengue fever or malaria, which are spread by infected mosquitoes that thrive in water. Droughts can have devastating effects as well by bringing on pervasive food shortages.

By making better predictions about how global climate change might realistically affect regions of Africa, resource managers can start to make decisions that might alleviate the adverse effects. For example, they could begin planning an irrigation infrastructure or promoting appropriate drought resistant crops. The project, “AfricanClimate@Home,” will use the vast computational power of World Community Grid, a virtual supercomputer comprised of hundreds of thousands of individuals who donate their unused computer time, making it as powerful as one of the world’s top five supercomputers. Researchers will use the computational power of World Community Grid to improve the models used to predict the climate by conducting simulations in small regions of Africa and then checking them against real observations.

While large-scale global climate models provide people with a general idea of what the climate may be like over a wide area, they do not necessarily reflect what will happen in a particular region because the global models do not sufficiently take into account large lakes, mountains, or plains that can affect the local climate.
Lead researcher Dr. Mark Tadross, says, “Making predictions about the climate requires an enormous amount of computational power because of all of the variables, such as temperature, wind, pressure, and humidity. In order to improve the models, we need to come up with better algorithms that will more closely match what is observed in a local area. By using World Community Grid, we have the computational power necessary to run the tests we need to improve our models.”

Once researchers have access to models that more accurately predict regional weather patterns, they can then begin to run forecasts about how global climate changes may affect the region. People can then use the data to make management decisions related to agriculture and water resources. This is important in an area of the world that is still developing and often does not have adequate infrastructure. Forewarning any potentially dramatic changes in climate, especially those related to extreme events such as droughts and floods, can enable vulnerable communities and disaster management teams to act in advance of the climatic hazard.

“We can all have a profound effect on this research by simply by donating our unused computer cycle time,” said Stanley Litow, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs and President of the IBM International Foundation. “If you own a computer and can access the Internet, then you can be a part of the solution".

To donate your unused computer time to this project, you can register on www.worldcommunitygrid.org and install a free, small software program on to your computer/s. When computers are idle, for example people are at lunch, their computers request data from World Community Grid’s server. These computers then perform climate modeling computations using this data, and send the results back to the server, prompting it for a new piece of work. A screen saver will tell individuals when their computers are being used.

World Community Grid, the largest public humanitarian grid in existence, has an impressive 315,000-plus members and links more than 700,000 computers. However, it’s estimated that there will be one billion computers worldwide by 2008, underscoring the potential for the grid and its computational power to significantly expand and make an even greater impact on a range of humanitarian issues.

Seven projects have been run on World Community Grid to date, including "FightAIDS@Home", which completed five years of HIV/AIDS research in just six months. Additional projects are in the pipeline.

Contact:
Clint Roswell
IBM
914-499-4045
mailto: roswellc@us.ibm.com

Let's support CSAG and have as many South Africans as possible signing up to the World Community Grid "ClimateChange@Home" project and see if we can lead the world in regional climate modeling.

Dennis Laidler

RECC Presentations

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:50:00 +0000

This post gives access to the presentations delivered at the Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit

Click on the links below to download the presentations and documents from the Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit held at the CTICC, Cape Town 7-8 June 2007

A couple of the links have been removed pending updating of the presentations.

Correlate these presentations with the Summit Programme

DAY 1 - 7 JUNE 2007 - Renewable Energy

Mark Borchers ppt 4.35MB
Ronald Chauke ppt 304KB
Adam Gordon ppt 192KB
Mark Gordon ppt 7.7MB
Daniel Modise ppt 385KB
Raudiyah Sahabodien pps 8.9MB
Brian Sechotlho ppt 2045KB
Nicola Steen ppt 14.11MB
M Visage ppt 771KB
SANERI presentation to RE and CC Summit in CT 070607 ppt 579KB
NERSA Licensing Rules RE Summit 20070607 ppt 175KB
NERSA Regulatory Support RE Summit 20070606 ppt 182KB

Today the National Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, delivered his budget speech

Professor Wikus van Niekerk of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies of the University of Stellenbosch drew delegates attention to a regular discussion forum hosted by the Centre relating to Renewable and Sustainable Energy issues.

Here is the Draft Sustainable Energy Strategy pdf 16.6MB (Note: this is a full colour pdf of the printed document)

Queen Protea, Protea magnifica,
on the slopes of Milner Ridge Peak,
Hex River Mountains

At the end of the day MEC Essop's office issued the following press statement:

MEC Essop commits to bold actions to accelerate Renewable Energy initiatives in the Western Cape

Yesterday in Cape Town delivering the first day closure of the Provincial Government’s Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit, MEC Tasneem Essop acknowledged the contributions, gaps, opportunities and challenges raised by all the stakeholders present.

This summit was held to create an enabling environment to promote dialogue between stakeholders and government in order to activate the renewable energy sector within the Western Cape.

The MEC summarized the day’s proceedings and committed to a range of immediate actions.

Essop offered that her Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning would facilitate a process to understand barriers and constraints to implementing Renewable Energy projects.

The Department will develop a document readily available to provide information to prospective RE developers to explain the regulatory processes involved in implementing Renewable Energy projects. The pamphlet will also include information about incentives and provide specific contact details.

Essop also recognized the urgent need to build smart capacity in government departments, municipalities and other relevant organs of state to efficiently manage Renewable Energy project implementation.

Furthermore, she committed to facilitate the roll-out of the short-term actions identified in the recently finalized Western Cape Sustainable Energy Strategy and establish a Renewable Energy networking forum to regularly debate Renewable Energy issues between all stakeholders including government.

Cognizant of urgent climate change adaptation and mitigation imperatives, Essop announced that she will take the initiative to develop a Renewable Energy Act for the Western Cape in consultation with her national and provincial counterparts.

In conclusion Essop offered to investigate and promote the creation of funding opportunities for small and medium Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects, and facilitate skills development programmes within the Renewable Energy sector (such as installation and maintenance of solar water geysers), where there is currently a shortage of such skills.

End

Contact Person:
Suraya Hamdulay
083 555 4150

DAY 2 - 8 JUNE 2007 - Climate Change

There is an earlier post on this blog where you can download draft copies of the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports

Belynda Petrie ppt 4.7MB - Presentation on the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan

FOR YOUR FUTURE REFERENCE THE HOMEPAGE OF THIS
DEPARTMENTAL BLOG IS AT:
http://sustainablehome4all.blogspot.com/

Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 08:23:00 +0000

On behalf of my Ministry of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, I would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in the Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit on 7 and 8 June 2007 in Cape Town during World Environment Week hosted by my Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

The Provincial Government of the Western Cape has set a target of 15% of energy production from renewable sources by 2014. The first day of the summit is mainly a business and renewable energy investment forum and exhibition to stimulate the implementation of renewable energy projects in the province.

The second day of the summit focuses primarily on the Draft Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan. A wide range of national and provincial stakeholders are invited to participate. There will be an address by the honourable Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Premier of the Western Cape on this vital issue. The climate change segment of the summit addresses the impacts of climate change on the poor and most vulnerable sectors of society.

Your participation in this summit would be most appreciated as we value your input in ensuring that the Western Cape continues along its path of sustainable development.

Register for the Summit online
(Note: the number of delegates is limited so to avoid disappointment please register and do not just pitch up on the day)

Draft Western Cape Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports

wcdeadp@gmail.com (Sustainable Home 4 All) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 08:00:00 +0000

The Draft Western Cape Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports are now available online on the Western Cape Climate Change Project Website. N.B. THIS WEB SITE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

HOWEVER THE FINAL Western Cape Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and Supplimentary Reports ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

There will be ongoing opportunities to engage with the department in finalising the report after the Western Cape Renewable Energy and Climate Change Summit to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 7 and 8 June 2007 - for further information consult this blog regularly. Click on the link to the Sumit above to register online.