City Launches Environmental Centre in False Bay

The False Bay Ecology Park (FBEP) Environmental Centre, on the southern shores of Zeekoevlei, will be opened by the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille. It is the latest of nine environmental centres in City nature reserves.

Located next to the City Council's Cape Flats wastewater works in Zeekoevlei Road, the FBEP Environmental Centre is situated in the heart of a bird paradise where about 250 species including fish eagles, pelicans and flamingoes are found. It also gives visitors a rare opportunity to spot Rondevlei's five elusive hippos.

Formerly a derelict building used by wastewater works, the venue was recently upgraded by the City of Cape Town in partnership with other organisations and volunteers into a fully fledged environmental centre.

The facility will offer up to 120 learners a three day two night outdoor environmental education programme that address both natural and the built and social environment, and includes activities such as dragon boating, obstacle courses, orientation walks, birdwatching, fishing, water quality testing, and visits to the wastewater treatment works and landfill site.

It will be managed by the Zeekoevlei Environmental Education Programme Trust (ZEEP), which over the past five years has run high quality, low cost outdoor environmental education and youth development camps for primary and secondary school learners. The City of Cape Town regularly sponsors disadvantaged learners to participate in ZEEP camps.

The False Bay Ecology Park Environmental Centre will be officially opened by Mayor Zille, at the following special event:

Date: Saturday, 30 September 2006
Time: 10:00 for 10:30
Venue: False Bay Ecology Park Environmental Centre, Zeekoevlei (From Strandfontein Road, take Zeekoevlei turnoff. Proceed for 3,3km along eastern and southern shores of Zeekoevlei until parking lot).

Photo Opportunity:

Mayor Zille will open the FBEP Environmental Centre. She will observe and participate in activities that learners are tasked with, which include dragon boating, fishing, a donkey cart ride, bird watching, obstacle course and crafting. A new mural will also be unveiled.

Programme:

Also includes an environmental play, lunch, walking and boating tours at Rondevlei Nature Reserve and sailing tours at the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

All media are welcome to attend.

Issued by:

Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer: City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 3065
Cell: 084 888 1901

Communications
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Joanne Jackson
Project Co-ordinator: Environmental Resource Management
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 487 2184
Cell: 084 220 0039