The Northern Cape’s first group of new entrants to
the bird-guiding industry will undergo a three-week long training course at
BirdLife South Africa’s facilities at Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga next week. MEC
for Agriculture, Land Reform, Environment and Conservation, MEC Dawid Rooi will
bid the group of six farewell at a function in Kimberley on Sunday 31st
of August 2003. The group successfully completed a selection process that
included eye testing and a field trip coupled with an oral examination. The MEC
will present them with bird-guiding gear and a range of equipment that will be
put to use from the 1ST of September 2003.The group will conclude
its four-day first aid course today.
The project co-ordinator Duan Biggs of Birdlife
South Africa says the enthusiasm displayed reflected on the group’s
understanding of birding and conservation issues. “The standard of applications
received were of a very high level. Those that have not been selected for the
Wakkerstroom exercise will be drawn into the local birding clubs, the move will
enhance their chances of making the grade for the next intake,” Biggs enthused.
The bird-guide venture will contribute to the outcomes of the World Parks
Congress to be held next month in Durban. The theme for the event is “Benefits
Beyond Boundaries.”
The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund is
funding the initiative and it is being implemented by BirdLife South Africa and
the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Environment and Conservation. The
project is aimed at creating jobs, building entrepreneurship and advancing
eco-tourism and conservation. Representatives from Kimberley’s tourism sector
who have granted the initiative its full support are expected to attend the
farewell function on Sunday. The aspirant guides have been drawn from areas
such as Galeshewe, Platfontein and Schmidtsdrift.
The bird guides who are all from previously
disadvantaged backgrounds will be based at various localities around Kimberley,
such as the Road Lodge, Information Centre and the San community’s
multi-million rand Wildebeeskuil Arts and Crafts Centre. Diamond giant De Beers
and other landowners have agreed to allow the bird guides access to their properties.
This will add to the spectacle of bird species the discerning tourists would be
entertained too.
With Kimberley being rated as an esteemed bird
watching hotspot by tourists, the guides will provide an important service to
an industry with immense potential. The sites featuring prominently on the list
of Kimberley’s bird watching attractions are Kamfersdam – home to one of
Africa’s largest flamingo populations; three hundred pairs of White-backed
Vultures literally breed on the city’s doorstep; The recently described
Kimberley Pipits and the Long-tailed
Pipits are a much sought after species of professional and amateur
ornithologists. Kimberley also boasts a great number of other bird species that
are restricted to Southern Africa’s arid areas.
Source: Department of
Agriculture, Land Reform, Environment and Conservation
Enquiries: Thabo Mothibi 083
255 8840 (053) 8389103 tmothibi@grand.ncape.gov.za