The Zandvlei Trust will host a series of talks, at the Lookout in Promenade Road, on the edge of Zandvlei, from Monday September 26 to Saturday October 1,
On Monday September 26, poet and conservationist Dr Ian McCallum will deliver the keynote talk, “Science, Poetry, and Nature”.
“We need to stop talking about the earth being in need of healing. The earth doesn’t need healing. We do,” says Dr McCallum, a Marina Da Gama resident who played 11 matches as fullback for the Springboks from 1970 to 1974. He is a psychiatrist and author of books on poetry about our place in the wilderness.
On Tuesday, September 27, biologist Dalton Gibbs, who has been a regional manager of nature conservation in the City of Cape Town for nearly 30 years, will talk about fynbos and fire
On Wednesday, September 28, scientists Katherine Wallis and Kelly Gilmour, from I Am Water, will talk about ocean education and explain the work they are doing with Grade 7 pupils.
They run a two-day programme that includes snorkelling, beach clean-ups, and rocky-shores exploration.
On Thursday September 29, Dr Caitlin von Witt, from Fynbos Life, will talk about her experience of creating and connecting “gardens of life” in and around Zandvlei. Fynbos Life encourages the planting of wild spaces with lowland species.
On Friday September 30, Associate Professor Deena Pillay and his students, who are currently researching natural solutions to the water issues in Zandvlei, will talk about their research into aquatic plants.
On Saturday, October 1, shark scientist and entrepreneur Justin Blake, will talk about how, during the pandemic, he launched an online business that focuses on his fascination with sharks and open marine spaces.
The son of a navy diver, Mr Blake has worked widely in southern African oceans for the BBC’s Planet Earth II and Netflix’s Our Planet. He uses portions of his profits for conservation initiatives through the Rock Hopper Fund.
The talks will start at 6.30 pm except for the talk on Wednesday, September 28 which will start at 7pm. Talks will last for about an hour including questions. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Entry is free and bookings can be made at info@zandvleitrust.org.za
