19 September 2006
Taung � More than 300 Environmental Youth Club members from all over the
province will, from 22 until 25 September, come together at the Taung World
Heritage Site, to attend what the Department termed the 'Environmental Youth
Camp.'
The camp forms part of the partnership between the Department of
Agriculture, Conservation and Environment with Bophirima District Municipality,
Department of Economic Development and Tourism, South African National Parks
(SANParks), South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and North West
Provincial Youth Commission.
The main objective of this camp is to provide space for young people to
share ideas on how to conserve the environment, cultural heritage and seize
tourism development opportunities.
The establishment of about 45 environmental youth clubs throughout the
province was informed by the approved National Environmental Management Act
that requires departments to recognise and promote the imperative role of young
men and women in environmental management and development, as well as their
full participation in this field.
The ideal approach to establishing the environmental youth clubs has been
focusing on high schools, out of school, organised school structures and youth
units within the Community Based Organisations (CBOs) such as churches. These
club members are expected to be active in ensuring that general compliance with
environmental legislation is monitored. They are also expected to participate
in activities like planting of trees, clean up campaigns, gardening and street
adoptions.
The three-day camp at Taung World Heritage Site will also focus on the
established environmental club members' progress. The camp's programme entails
amongst others the launching of Bophirima District environmental youth clubs
and the unveiling of environmental youth club's flag; attending the Taung
Cultural Calabash and viewing of Taung World Heritage Site documentary.
"The Department is quite pleased with the level of interest that our youth,
individually and collectively, has shown in this sector. Camps like this one
are meant to enhance their role and skills in heritage, conservation and
tourism development for them to conserve the environment and become its
responsible citizens. We are optimistic that the approach to this camp will
enable them to diligently provide what is expected from them," said MEC for
Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Mandlenkosi Mayisela.
Members of the media are invited to attend and get first hand information
from youth club members. More information regarding the camp can be requested
from:
Mr Neo Heyns
Tel: (053) 927 1809
Contact:
Bonolo Selloane
Corporate Communication
Tel: (018) 389 5459
Cell: 083 504 3874
E-mail: bselloane@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North
West Provincial Government
19 September 2006
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nw.gov.za)
