Eco-warrior takes the reigns at conservancy

Laura Taylor grew up on a farm outside Empangeni and has always loved nature. She has a BSc in zoology and geography and a master’s degree in environmental management. She has worked in industry for many years as an environmental manager and is now running her own environmental consultancy.

Laura held the pollution control and development monitoring portfolio since the formation of the conservancy. She was also chairman of the Isipingo and Mbokodweni Catchment Management Forum. “Now that I no longer hold that position, I can dedicate my time to the conservancy,” she said.

“Firstly, we need to build the conservancy’s profile. People need to become aware that it exists and we are trying to protect the environment in our area. We need to become a force to be reckoned with. Those who are intent on harming our environment must realise we are not going to let them get away with it.

To be successful, we need to develop an effective network of contacts, both in the community, but especially with the authorities.”

According to Laura, Amanzimtoti’s green areas will be in the conservancy’s spotlight for the upcoming year. “The most notable one is of course Ilanda Wilds, but there are a network of open areas, some of which fall into Ethekwini’s D’Moss (Durban Metropolitan Open Space System) plan and some which don’t.

We need to develop an understanding of these areas and participate in the planning processes around them, or initiate those processes where necessary.”

Alien invasive vegetation is also a big concern to the conservancy, both in water bodies and on land. “We have a major problem with this in Toti and it is an issue which requires a lot of action and education as well.

Illegal dumping is another issue we need to tackle. There is a shocking amount of illegal dumping going on in the Toti area and it shows to what extent people do not care about the environment. This needs a dual approach of education and prosecution of offenders.”

Laura believes they need more members and more people willing to work and take up environmental challenges to be effective.

We need local business and other organisations to support us. Financial support would also be welcome as it would enable us to take up many of the issues more effectively.”

The conservancy also needs more young people and racial diversity as well. “We are all in this together. Environmental issues need to become rooted in our communities, and especially with the young people who need to realise how important they are.

Here’s a challenge to the young people – start taking the world around you seriously and start doing something for it. We will be happy to guide and support you.”